The Best Private Schools in Glen Oaks, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glen Oaks. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Mary Louis Academy
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Brooklyn
The Mary Louis Academy is a prestigious Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women located in nearby Jamaica Estates. With an 85-year legacy of academic excellence, TMLA offers a rigorous curriculum featuring 20+ Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school serves students from throughout Queens, including Glen Oaks, and is known for its strong community values and leadership development programs.
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Holy Child Academy
Society of the Holy Child Jesus
Holy Child Academy is an independent Catholic school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, located approximately 15 minutes from Glen Oaks in Old Westbury. Founded by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, the school provides a challenging academic program within a nurturing environment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and faith formation. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school offers comprehensive enrichment programs in technology, music, art, and foreign languages. Holy Child Academy maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and has a strong track record of preparing students for top-tier high schools.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent School
The Kew-Forest School is one of Queens' oldest independent schools, offering Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade education. Located in Forest Hills, approximately 20 minutes from Glen Oaks, the school provides a comprehensive college preparatory program with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate options. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a diverse student body. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology centers, art studios, and athletic spaces. Kew-Forest emphasizes global citizenship and offers extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, debate, and competitive sports. The school has a strong college placement record and serves families from throughout Queens and neighboring communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glen Oaks, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Glen Oaks, New York?
Glen Oaks, Queens, is situated in a region with several well-regarded private schools, though many of the most prominent are in neighboring communities. Top options frequently considered by Glen Oaks families include The Mary Louis Academy (an all-girls Catholic high school in Jamaica Estates), Holy Child Academy (a private Catholic elementary school in nearby Old Westbury, serving Pre-K through 8th grade), and The Kew-Forest School (a co-educational, independent Pre-K through 12 school in Forest Hills). Due to Glen Oaks' location near the Nassau County border, parents also often explore private schools in adjacent Long Island towns. Transportation logistics are a key consideration when evaluating these schools from Glen Oaks.
How does the tuition for private schools near Glen Oaks, NY, compare to the broader New York City metro area, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in the communities surrounding Glen Oaks varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $10,000-$20,000 for elementary schools like Holy Child Academy and $40,000-$50,000 for independent college-preparatory schools like The Kew-Forest School. These figures are generally on par with or slightly below the peak tuitions found in Manhattan's most exclusive private schools. Importantly, most of these institutions offer robust financial aid and scholarship programs based on demonstrated need. New York State also has programs like the STEM Scholarship for private school students, and many schools participate in need-based grant organizations. It is essential to apply for financial aid concurrently with admissions applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Glen Oaks, Queens?
Schools in this corridor offer distinctive programs leveraging their locations and missions. The Mary Louis Academy, for instance, has a renowned STEM-focused "Academy of Science" and strong visual/performing arts programs. The Kew-Forest School emphasizes global citizenship with advanced language offerings and international travel opportunities. Holy Child Academy follows the philosophy of its founder, Cornelia Connelly, focusing on the education of the whole child with a strong service-learning component. Given the proximity to New York City's cultural and scientific institutions, many of these schools facilitate regular field trips and partnerships that are a significant advantage for Glen Oaks students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Glen Oaks, NY area?
The admissions process for schools like The Kew-Forest School, Holy Child Academy, and The Mary Louis Academy is highly structured and begins well in advance. For entry in Fall 2025, the process typically starts in September 2024 with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in December or January, with entrance exams (like the HSPT for Catholic high schools) and student interviews scheduled for January. Admission decisions are released in February or March. It is crucial for Glen Oaks parents to plan early, as some schools have limited seats and sibling/legacy preferences. We recommend contacting admissions offices the spring before you intend to apply to get on their mailing lists.
For a family in Glen Oaks, what are the key considerations when comparing local public school options (like PS 115 or MS 172) to nearby private schools?
The decision often hinges on several local factors. Glen Oaks is zoned for NYC District 26, which is consistently one of the highest-performing public school districts in the city. PS 115 and MS 172 are highly rated, offering a strong, tuition-free education. Choosing a private school, therefore, typically involves seeking a specific religious foundation (as with Holy Child Academy), a single-gender environment (The Mary Louis Academy), a smaller student-teacher ratio, or a particular pedagogical approach. The trade-off is the significant financial investment and potentially longer commutes. Many Glen Oaks families view private schools as an alternative to the competitive entrance process for NYC's specialized public high schools, offering a continuous, curated college-preparatory track from elementary through 12th grade.
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