The Best Private Schools in Hillburn, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hillburn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Academy of the Holy Angels
Independent Catholic
Academy of the Holy Angels is a highly-regarded independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women, serving students from Rockland County and northern New Jersey, including Hillburn families. Founded in 1879 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses and extensive STEM offerings. The 26-acre campus features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities. Parents praise the school's strong leadership development programs, competitive athletics, and commitment to empowering young women through education.
Programs:
Rockland Country Day School
Independent
Rockland Country Day School is a premier independent school serving the greater Rockland County area, including Hillburn. Founded in 1959, this coeducational day school offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is known for its rigorous academic program, small class sizes with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and personalized attention. Facilities include modern science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes global citizenship and offers extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, theater, and competitive sports. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and college preparation success.
Programs:
Rockland Christian School
Christian Schools International
Rockland Christian School has been serving families in Rockland County, including Hillburn, since 1979. This interdenominational Christian school offers education from pre-K through 8th grade with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates faith and learning. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, music rooms, and athletic facilities. Academic programs are enhanced by technology integration, Spanish language instruction, and hands-on science experiences. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, drama, choir, and various clubs. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and balanced approach to spiritual and academic development.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hillburn, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Hillburn, New York?
Hillburn itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in the broader Rockland County area, with several being very accessible. Notable nearby institutions include Rockland Country Day School in Congers (a Pre-K through 12 independent school), Rockland Christian School in Stony Point (a Pre-K through 12 Christian school), and the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest, NJ (an all-girls Catholic high school, which is a commute for Hillburn residents). Many Hillburn families also consider private schools in nearby Suffern, Nyack, and across the northern New Jersey border. Transportation is a key consideration, as most schools do not provide district busing, though some may offer private bus services.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hillburn, NY area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition in the Rockland County area surrounding Hillburn is generally at or above the New York State average for private schools, reflecting the higher cost of living in the region. For example, area day schools can range from approximately $20,000 to over $40,000 annually for upper grades. Most schools, like Rockland Country Day School and Rockland Christian School, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial for Hillburn parents to apply for aid early, as funds are limited. Additionally, New York State does not have tax-credit scholarship programs, but you can use a 529 plan for K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Hillburn, NY?
Schools in the region often leverage their proximity to New York City and the Hudson Valley for unique programs. Rockland Country Day School, for instance, emphasizes experiential learning and may offer internships in NYC, advanced STEM labs, and strong arts partnerships. Rockland Christian School integrates a biblical worldview across its curriculum and may offer specific chapel programs and mission trips. Given Hillburn's location, many schools also have strong outdoor education and environmental science programs that utilize the nearby Harriman State Park and Ramapo River area for fieldwork and recreation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Hillburn, New York?
The timeline for the Rockland County area is similar to the broader NYC metro: the process often begins a full year in advance. Open houses typically run from September to November, with application deadlines between January and February for the following fall. Key steps include submitting an application, student assessments/visits, parent interviews, and providing transcripts and recommendations. For Hillburn families, it's important to factor in commute times when planning for visitation days. Some schools, like Rockland Christian School, may have rolling admissions if spaces remain, but planning early is strongly advised for the most options.
As a Hillburn resident, how do the local public school options influence the decision to choose a private school?
Hillburn is part of the Ramapo Central School District (Suffern Central), which generally has well-regarded public schools. The decision for many Hillburn families often comes down to specific educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. Private schools in the area typically offer much smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students) compared to public schools, more individualized attention, and distinct curricular approaches (like Montessori, progressive, or faith-based). For families seeking an alternative to the public school trajectory or a specific religious foundation, the private options in surrounding communities provide that choice, albeit with a significant financial investment and commute.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities