The Best Private Schools in Forest Hills, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Forest Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine
Episcopal School
While located in Manhattan, this highly-regarded Episcopal school serves families from across the NYC metropolitan area, including Forest Hills. The Cathedral School offers a challenging academic program rooted in liberal arts tradition, complemented by extensive arts education and community service opportunities. The school's historic campus and connection to the Cathedral provide a unique educational environment. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a commitment to developing ethical leaders, the school maintains strong academic outcomes and college placements. Many Queens families choose this option for its academic rigor and character development focus.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent School
The Kew-Forest School is one of Queens' oldest and most prestigious independent schools, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Forest Hills, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Kew-Forest emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development, with a diverse student body and strong college placement record. The school's long history and commitment to academic excellence make it a top choice for Forest Hills families seeking comprehensive private education.
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The Renaissance Charter School
Charter School Network
Located in nearby Jackson Heights, The Renaissance Charter School serves students from throughout Queens, including Forest Hills families. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers a globally-focused curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and international-mindedness. The school features modern facilities, strong STEM programs, and diverse extracurricular offerings. With its commitment to academic excellence and character development, Renaissance has established itself as one of Queens' top educational options. The school's IB diploma program provides excellent college preparation, and its inclusive community attracts families seeking rigorous academics in a supportive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Forest Hills, New York
What are the primary private school options available within Forest Hills, NY, and what are their educational philosophies?
Forest Hills, Queens, offers a select number of private schools, each with a distinct character. The most prominent is The Kew-Forest School (Pre-K-12), the oldest independent school in Queens, known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and small class sizes. While The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine and The Renaissance Charter School are often searched, it's important to note they are not located in Forest Hills proper. Parents in Forest Hills also frequently consider excellent nearby options in surrounding Queens neighborhoods and Manhattan, which are accessible via the subway and LIRR. The local landscape emphasizes schools with strong academic foundations and community values, reflecting the diverse and residential nature of the area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Forest Hills, NY, area compare to the broader New York City average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for private day schools in the Forest Hills area and those considered by its residents is generally aligned with the high New York City metropolitan average, often ranging from approximately $30,000 to over $50,000 annually for grades K-12. However, as a Queens-based school, The Kew-Forest School's tuition is often slightly below the peak Manhattan rates, offering a value for a premier independent education. Crucially, most established private schools, including Kew-Forest, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Parents should apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as schools typically have dedicated budgets to support families from Forest Hills and beyond, making private education accessible to a broader socioeconomic range.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Forest Hills-area private schools offer that leverage their New York City location?
Private schools serving Forest Hills families capitalize on their NYC setting through extensive "city-as-campus" programs. For instance, The Kew-Forest School integrates Queens and Manhattan's resources into its curriculum, with frequent trips to museums like MoMA PS1, cultural institutions in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and scientific centers. Many schools have partnerships with local arts organizations and universities. Additionally, the diverse immigrant communities of Queens provide rich opportunities for language immersion and global studies programs. Athletics often utilize Forest Park's facilities, and older students benefit from unparalleled internship and mentorship opportunities across the city's industries.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Forest Hills, NY, and how competitive is it?
The admissions timeline for NYC-area private schools, including those serving Forest Hills, is highly structured and begins early. The process typically starts in the summer or early fall a full year before desired entry, with open houses, tours, and applications due between November and January. Standardized assessments (like the ISEE) and student interviews are common requirements. Competition is significant, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades. While The Kew-Forest School is a key local option, many Forest Hills families also apply to schools in Manhattan and other parts of Queens, creating a complex landscape where planning 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised.
For families in Forest Hills, what are the key considerations when choosing between a highly-rated local public school (like PS 196 or Forest Hills High School) and a private school?
This decision hinges on several Forest Hills-specific factors. The area is known for excellent public schools, such as PS 196, which can offer a strong, tuition-free education in a community-focused setting. Choosing private education often centers on desires for smaller class sizes, a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., progressive or classical), a particular religious or values-based foundation, or a more consistent curricular path from elementary through high school. Private schools may also offer more flexibility in program customization. Practical considerations include the daily commute to a Manhattan school versus a local option, and the financial investment versus potential savings for college. Many Forest Hills families value the option of a close-knit, independent school community within the larger urban environment.
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