The Best Private Schools in Highland Lake, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland Lake. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Mustard Seed School
Independent Christian School
The Mustard Seed School is a highly-regarded classical Christian school serving the Highland Lake area and greater Sullivan County region. Founded in 1989, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on classical learning methodologies integrated with Christian values. The curriculum includes rigorous academic programs in literature, mathematics, sciences, and classical languages, complemented by robust STEM initiatives and fine arts programs. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a family-oriented community atmosphere. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic fields. The school is known for its high college acceptance rates and strong character development programs.
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Chapel Field Christian School
Chapel Field Christian Schools
Chapel Field Christian School is a respected private institution serving families in the Highland Lake region and surrounding Orange County areas. Established in 1979, the school provides a comprehensive college-preparatory education from preschool through high school with a strong Christian foundation. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, advanced placement courses, and hands-on learning experiences. The campus features modern academic facilities, athletic complexes including gymnasiums and sports fields, science laboratories, and performing arts spaces. The school is particularly noted for its competitive athletic programs, strong fine arts department, and high college matriculation rates. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and character development.
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John S. Burke Catholic High School
Archdiocese of New York
John S. Burke Catholic High School is a well-established Catholic college preparatory school serving the Highland Lake community and broader Orange County region. Founded in 1964, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic facilities including a field house and stadium, and performing arts centers. The school maintains small class sizes and provides individualized college counseling, resulting in strong college acceptance records. Burke Catholic is known for its vibrant student life, competitive athletic teams, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academic excellence, service learning, and extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland Lake, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in and around Highland Lake, New York?
Highland Lake itself is a small hamlet, so families typically look to nearby towns for private education. The most prominent options include John S. Burke Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in Goshen, Chapel Field Christian School (Pre-K-12) in Pine Bush, and The Mustard Seed School (Pre-K-8), a Montessori school in Goshen. These schools draw students from the Highland Lake area within Orange and Sullivan Counties. Transportation is a key consideration, as most require private arrangements or offer limited busing from specific districts.
How does tuition at private schools near Highland Lake, NY, compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, John S. Burke Catholic High School tuition is approximately $11,000-$12,000, Chapel Field Christian School ranges from around $7,500 for elementary to $10,500 for high school, and The Mustard Seed School (Montessori) is typically higher, often exceeding $15,000. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and New York State programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible high school students and the Enhanced STAR property tax relief for qualifying seniors can help offset costs. It's crucial to inquire directly about aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Highland Lake offer that differentiate them?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. The Mustard Seed School provides an authentic Montessori education with multi-age classrooms and hands-on learning. Chapel Field Christian School offers a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and a strong athletics program, particularly in baseball and basketball. John S. Burke Catholic High School features robust Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, STEM programs, and career pathways in fields like business and health sciences. Given the area's proximity to the Catskills, some schools also incorporate environmental science and outdoor education into their programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Highland Lake, NY area?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Open houses are held from October through January. Applications for schools like Burke Catholic and Chapel Field are often due by late January or February for the following fall, with acceptance notifications sent by March. The Mustard Seed School, as a Montessori, may have a rolling admissions process but recommends early application due to limited space. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student visitation day. Sibling and legacy preferences are common, so applying early is advised.
For a family in Highland Lake, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school (likely from the Eldred Central School District) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Eldred Central School District is small and rural, offering a close-knit community but fewer specialized academic tracks or extracurricular breadth. Private options provide specific religious education (Chapel Field, Burke Catholic) or alternative pedagogical approaches (Mustard Seed's Montessori). However, private schools require a commute of 20-45 minutes to Goshen or Pine Bush and involve significant tuition. Families must weigh the value of smaller class sizes, religious formation, or specialized curricula against the convenience, no-tuition cost, and community integration of the local public school. Transportation logistics and after-school care are also more complex with private schools in this region.