The Best Private Schools in Highland, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oakwood Friends School
Independent Quaker School
Oakwood Friends School is an independent Quaker school that fosters a supportive community focused on academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, hands-on learning, and a strong emphasis on the arts and athletics. With small class sizes and a commitment to Quaker values like integrity and peace, the school provides a nurturing environment. It attracts students from Highland and surrounding areas, offering a well-rounded education.
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Our Lady of Lourdes High School
Archdiocese of New York
Our Lady of Lourdes High School is a co-educational Catholic high school known for its rigorous academic curriculum and faith-based education. It offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including athletics, arts, and community service. The school emphasizes character development and college readiness, with a strong track record of student success. Located in nearby Poughkeepsie, it serves students from Highland and the broader Hudson Valley region.
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The Kildonan School
Independent School for Dyslexia
The Kildonan School specializes in educating students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences using the Orton-Gillingham approach. It offers individualized instruction, college preparatory coursework, and a supportive environment that builds confidence and academic skills. The school features small classes, technology integration, and extracurricular activities like sports and arts. Serving the Highland area and beyond, it is renowned for its expertise in helping students achieve their potential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available in and around Highland, NY, and how do they differ?
Highland, NY, and its surrounding Hudson Valley region offer a diverse range of private school options. The prominent types include Catholic/parochial schools like Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, which provides a faith-based, college-preparatory curriculum. There are also independent college-preparatory schools such as Oakwood Friends School, a Quaker-affiliated day and boarding school in Poughkeepsie emphasizing community, social justice, and experiential learning. Furthermore, specialized schools like The Kildonan School in nearby Amenia focus on students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, offering a highly tailored, Orton-Gillingham based approach. This variety allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and specific learning needs.
How does tuition for private schools in the Highland, NY, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Highland area generally ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $40,000 annually, which is competitive with or slightly below the average for downstate New York but above national averages. For example, Our Lady of Lourdes is typically on the lower end of this spectrum for a Catholic high school, while Oakwood Friends School is at the higher end, reflecting its boarding program and extensive facilities. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and New York State residents should also explore the "Child Safety Fund" (also known as the Mandated Services Aid program) which provides reimbursement to non-public schools, potentially lowering costs. Additionally, many schools have sibling discounts and payment plans. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Highland, NY, region that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Highland area uniquely integrate the rich cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Hudson Valley. Oakwood Friends School, for instance, utilizes its Quaker principles and location for robust environmental science programs and community service partnerships in Poughkeepsie and beyond. The Kildonan School leverages its rural campus for hands-on learning and a supportive, distraction-minimized environment crucial for its specialized mission. Furthermore, proximity to Vassar College, the Culinary Institute of America, and numerous tech firms in the I-84 corridor allows schools like Our Lady of Lourdes to establish advanced placement partnerships, internship opportunities, and specialized arts programs that would be harder to access in more remote areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Highland, NY, families?
The enrollment process for private high schools in the Highland area typically begins in the fall of a student's 7th or 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing standardized testing like the HSPT (for Catholic schools) or SSAT/ISEE, and participating in student interviews and shadow days. Admissions decisions are usually released in March, with enrollment contracts due in April. For specialized schools like The Kildonan School, the process includes a comprehensive educational evaluation. Given the competitive nature for spots, especially at schools drawing from a wide regional base, starting the process early and engaging with admissions officers is highly recommended for Highland families.
For a family moving to Highland, NY, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district (Highland Central School District) and area private schools?
The decision hinges on several Highland-specific factors. The Highland Central School District is well-regarded, so families often consider private options for reasons beyond basic academics. Key considerations include: seeking a specific religious education (Catholic), a particular pedagogical approach (Quaker, experiential), or specialized support for learning differences like dyslexia, which is not the primary focus of the public district. The private options also often have smaller average class sizes and different extracurricular emphases. Conversely, the public district offers a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 pathway within the community. Transportation is a practical factor; New York State law mandates that public school districts provide transportation to private school students within certain distances (typically 15 miles), which applies to Highland residents attending schools in Poughkeepsie and Amenia.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private High Schools Near Highland, NY for Your Child's Future
As a parent in Highland, New York, beginning the search for “private high schools near me” can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re not just looking for a school; you’re seeking the right environment where your teenager will thrive academically, socially, and personally. The good news is that our region in the Mid-Hudson Valley offers a surprisingly rich tapestry of private educational options, each with its own distinct philosophy and community. Understanding the local landscape is the first step in moving from a generic online search to finding a school that feels like a perfect fit for your family.
The concept of “near me” in Highland is uniquely defined by our geography. Situated between the Hudson River and the Shawangunk Ridge, we enjoy proximity to several exceptional schools within a reasonable commute. This allows families to consider institutions in neighboring Poughkeepsie, like the well-regarded Our Lady of Lourdes High School, known for its strong college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values. For many Highland families, a drive across the Mid-Hudson Bridge opens this door to a structured, faith-based environment with a long-standing reputation in the community. It’s a prime example of how looking just beyond our immediate town limits can reveal excellent possibilities.
However, the search for private high schools near me in Highland also reveals schools that are not just geographically close but philosophically aligned with specific learning needs. For instance, The Kildonan School in nearby Amenia is nationally recognized for its specialized, empowering approach for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. For a family in Highland whose child learns differently, discovering this resource so close to home can be transformative. It underscores the importance of defining your search by your child’s individual needs, not just a map radius. Similarly, Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie offers a contrasting yet equally valuable option with its Quaker-based, progressive education that emphasizes inquiry, social justice, and community.
When evaluating these options, local Highland parents should consider the daily rhythm of the commute alongside the school’s culture. A 25-minute drive on Route 44/55 or the Taconic State Parkway can be a worthwhile investment for the right environment. It’s also wise to engage with other local parents at community spots like the Highland Landing Park or the town library; personal referrals are invaluable. Ultimately, your search for “private high schools near me” is a deeply personal journey. By exploring the distinct characters of schools like Our Lady of Lourdes, Oakwood Friends, and The Kildonan School, you can move beyond a simple list to find a community where your high schooler will not only be educated but truly understood and inspired. The ideal school for your family is likely closer than you think, waiting to be discovered in the vibrant educational ecosystem of the Hudson Valley.
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