The Best Private Schools in Highland Mills, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland Mills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Canterbury School
Canterbury School
Canterbury School is a highly-regarded coeducational, independent college preparatory school serving students from the broader region including Highland Mills. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive arts programs including visual and performing arts, and competitive athletic teams. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Canterbury provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The 150-acre campus features modern academic facilities, athletic fields, and arts centers. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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St. Patrick's School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York
St. Patrick's School is a local Catholic elementary school serving Highland Mills and surrounding communities. The school provides faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic fundamentals, moral development, and community service. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEM education, literacy programs, and enrichment opportunities in music, art, and physical education. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, and the school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships. The campus includes modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and playground facilities.
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John S. Burke Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York
John S. Burke Catholic High School is a regional Catholic high school serving students from Highland Mills and throughout Orange County. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with numerous Honors and Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines. Burke Catholic features strong athletic programs with multiple championship teams, vibrant arts and music departments, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and provides comprehensive college counseling services. The campus includes modern science labs, technology resources, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces, preparing students for college success and lifelong learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland Mills, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Highland Mills, New York, and what grade levels do they cover?
Highland Mills itself is a hamlet within the Town of Woodbury, and the immediate area is served by a few key private institutions. Canterbury School in New Windsor (Pre-K through 12) is a prominent independent college-preparatory day school. St. Patrick's School in Highland Mills provides a Catholic education for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. For Catholic high school, many local families consider John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen, which serves grades 9-12. The selection is defined by a mix of independent and faith-based education, with families often looking at schools in the broader Orange County region.
How does tuition for private schools in the Highland Mills, NY area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State?
Tuition varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Patrick's School (elementary/middle) typically has a lower tuition rate, often around $6,000-$8,000, reflecting its parish-subsidized model. Canterbury School's tuition is considerably higher, aligning with elite independent schools, ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000+ depending on the grade. Burke Catholic High School's tuition falls in between, around $10,000-$12,000. Critically, New York State offers the **STAR** property tax relief program, but for private school aid, parents should investigate the **Child Safety Fund (Title I)** services for eligible students and, for Catholic schools, substantial parish-based financial aid and scholarships. All these schools offer their own need-based financial assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Highland Mills area that leverage the local Hudson Valley region?
Schools in this area often integrate the rich cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Hudson Valley. Canterbury School's proximity to West Point and its global studies program may include unique partnerships and speaker series. Its outdoor education program utilizes nearby Harriman State Park for environmental science and leadership training. St. Patrick's School incorporates community service projects within Woodbury and Highland Mills. John S. Burke Catholic High School offers robust STEM programs and partnerships with local colleges like SUNY Orange, while its athletics compete in the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA), deeply connecting students to the regional community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Canterbury, St. Patrick's, and Burke Catholic in the Highland Mills, NY area?
The timeline is crucial for planning. For competitive schools like **Canterbury**, the process often begins 12-18 months in advance, with open houses in the fall, application deadlines in January/February, and decisions released in March. **St. Patrick's School**, as a parish school, may have a more rolling admissions process but encourages applications by early spring for the following fall, with priority often given to parishioners and siblings. **Burke Catholic** typically holds entrance exams (HSPT) in the fall of 8th grade, with applications due in the winter. For all schools, contacting the admissions office by September of the year prior to desired enrollment is highly recommended, as spaces, especially in younger grades, can be limited.
For families in Highland Mills considering the choice, what are notable advantages of local private schools compared to the highly-rated Monroe-Woodbury Central School District?
The Monroe-Woodbury CSD is indeed highly rated, so the decision often comes down to specific family values and needs. Private schools in the area offer: 1) **Smaller class sizes and individualized attention**, with student-teacher ratios significantly lower than the public district averages. 2) **Specialized educational philosophies**—Canterbury's rigorous college-prep, St. Patrick's faith-based moral framework, and Burke Catholic's structured environment. 3) **Continuity and community**—a consistent, often tight-knit community from elementary through high school (especially at Canterbury K-12). 4) **Avoidance of district redistricting**, which can be a concern in growing areas like Woodbury. The trade-off, of course, is the direct financial cost versus the tax-supported public system.
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