The Best Private Schools in Frankfort, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Frankfort. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Manlius Pebble Hill School
Independent
Manlius Pebble Hill School is a premier independent day school located in DeWitt, approximately 45 minutes from Frankfort, serving students from across Central New York. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in the region, MPH offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses. The school features a 37-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 and average class size of 14, students receive personalized attention. The school consistently achieves 100% college matriculation to selective institutions and emphasizes global citizenship through extensive international programs.
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New York State Academy of Fire Science
New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
While primarily a specialized training facility, the NYS Academy of Fire Science serves as an accredited educational institution offering certificate and degree programs in fire protection and emergency services. Located approximately 90 minutes from Frankfort, this state-operated institution provides comprehensive technical education with hands-on training facilities including live fire training props, rescue simulation areas, and modern classroom technology. The academy partners with local community colleges to offer college credit for completed courses and serves students from across Central New York seeking careers in public safety and emergency services.
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Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse
Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Utica area, including Frankfort. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 14 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 15 students, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a 99% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Notable programs include robotics, competitive sports teams, and community service requirements that build character and leadership skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Frankfort, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Frankfort, New York?
While Frankfort itself is a smaller village, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Herkimer and Oneida County region. The most prominent local option is **Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School** in Utica, a Catholic college-preparatory school serving grades 7-12. For families seeking a highly competitive independent school, **Manlius Pebble Hill School (MPH)** in DeWitt (near Syracuse) is a top-tier, Pre-K through 12 day school, though it's a longer commute. The **New York State Academy of Fire Science** is a specialized public high school for fire service careers, not a traditional private school. Many Frankfort families also consider private options in nearby Utica, Clinton, and Syracuse, expanding the choices beyond the immediate village.
How does tuition for private schools in the Frankfort, NY, area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on the type of school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, **Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School** has a tuition of approximately $9,000-$10,000, with active parishioner discounts and need-based financial aid available. In contrast, **Manlius Pebble Hill School** has a much higher tuition, ranging from around $20,000 for lower school to over $30,000 for upper school, reflecting its independent school status. New York State offers several aid programs, including the **Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)** for eligible college-bound students and potential deductions on state taxes. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages, scholarships, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Frankfort offer that might benefit my child?
Schools in the region offer distinct programs leveraging local resources. **Notre Dame** emphasizes a college-prep curriculum with a strong theology component, and its proximity to Utica allows for partnerships with local colleges for advanced coursework. **Manlius Pebble Hill** offers a robust International Baccalaureate (IB) program, extensive arts, and competitive athletics. Given Frankfort's location in the Mohawk Valley, some schools incorporate regional history and environmental science into their curricula. For families interested in specialized tracks, the commute to Syracuse opens access to schools with focused STEM, performing arts, or language immersion programs not typically found in smaller public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Frankfort, NY, families?
Timelines differ by school. For **Notre Dame**, the process often begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (especially for 7th grade), with open houses, shadow days, and an application deadline typically in early winter. **Manlius Pebble Hill**, as a competitive independent school, follows a more formal timeline with applications due in January or February for the following fall. Many private schools in New York have rolling admissions but prioritize early applicants. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or entrance assessment. It's advisable to contact schools 12-18 months in advance to understand their specific deadlines and requirements.
For a Frankfort resident, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools to private school options?
Key considerations include educational approach, cost, and community. Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District is the local public option. Private schools like Notre Dame offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or value-based education, and often a consistent peer group from grades 7-12. The trade-off is tuition and potentially a longer commute (up to 45 minutes to schools like MPH). Academically, private schools may offer more specialized AP/IB courses or a unified college counseling program. For extracurriculars, larger private schools have extensive offerings, while public schools provide state-funded sports and activities. Ultimately, parents must weigh the financial investment against their desired educational environment, as the private options require travel outside the Frankfort village limits.
Private Education Insights
Top Private High Schools Near Frankfort, NY: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Frankfort, New York, searching for the "best private high schools near me" is a journey that blends academic aspirations with the unique character of our Mohawk Valley community. Your search isn't just about rankings; it’s about finding an environment where your teenager can thrive close to home, with values that resonate with your family. Fortunately, the area offers a range of distinctive options, each providing a compelling alternative to the public school pathway and fostering close-knit, focused learning environments.
Right here in Frankfort, Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School stands as a cornerstone of private education. This Catholic institution offers a co-educational experience grounded in faith, service, and rigorous academics. For families seeking a structured environment with strong moral guidance and a tradition of community involvement, Notre Dame provides a seamless option without a lengthy commute. Its presence means a premier private education is literally within reach, offering advanced placement courses, extracurricular activities, and a sense of belonging that is deeply woven into the local fabric.
Venturing slightly beyond Frankfort opens doors to highly specialized and renowned programs. A short drive away in Oneonta, the New York State Academy of Fire Science presents a unique and career-focused opportunity. This isn't a traditional high school but a residential program for eligible students passionate about entering fire service and emergency response. For a student with a clear vocational calling, this academy is arguably one of the "best" options in the entire state, providing unmatched hands-on training and certification. It’s a powerful reminder that the "best" school is the one that aligns perfectly with a student’s individual passions and future goals.
For families considering a broader range of elite independent school options, the Syracuse area, easily accessible from Frankfort, is home to schools like Manlius Pebble Hill School (MPH). This prestigious Pre-K through 12 independent school offers a progressive, college-preparatory education with exceptional arts and athletics. While it involves a commute, for parents seeking a highly resourced, diverse, and innovative academic environment, MPH is a top-tier contender. The decision often comes down to prioritizing a daily community school versus accessing a wider array of specialized programs and facilities a short drive away.
Ultimately, your search for the best private high schools near Frankfort requires visiting campuses and asking pointed questions. Consider the daily logistics of travel on Route 5S or the Thruway. Reflect on whether you value a faith-based foundation, a specialized career track, or a broad, liberal arts education. Each local option serves a different purpose, but all share the private school advantages of small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on individual student development. By defining what "best" means for your child—be it proximity, specialization, or educational philosophy—you’ll find an excellent fit right here in the heart of New York State.