The Best Private Schools in Hollis, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hollis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Buckley Country Day School
Independent School
Located in nearby Nassau County, The Buckley Country Day School has served families from Queens and Long Island for nearly a century. This coeducational independent school offers nursery through 8th grade education with a focus on developing well-rounded students. The curriculum balances strong academic fundamentals with arts, music, and athletics. Buckley features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and extensive playing fields. The school is known for its nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and excellent preparation for competitive secondary schools.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent School
The Kew-Forest School is a prestigious independent school serving Queens and surrounding areas including Hollis. Founded in 1918, this coeducational day school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and a rigorous academic curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school maintains a diverse community and strong college placement record, with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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The Green Vale School
Independent School
The Green Vale School is a highly-regarded independent school serving families across Long Island and Queens, including Hollis residents. Serving students from age 2 through 8th grade, Green Vale offers a comprehensive educational experience with small class sizes and individualized learning paths. The school features modern STEM facilities, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, Green Vale prepares students for success at top secondary schools. The campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities on a beautiful 40-acre campus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hollis, New York
Are there any private schools actually located within Hollis, NY, or will we need to commute to neighboring towns?
There are no major, independent private day schools physically located within the boundaries of Hollis itself. Families in Hollis typically commute to highly-regarded institutions in nearby Queens and Nassau County. The schools you mentioned—The Kew-Forest School (in Forest Hills, Queens), The Buckley Country Day School (in North Hills, Nassau), and The Green Vale School (in Old Westbury, Nassau)—are the most prominent options. Commutes can range from 15 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, making carpooling a common consideration for Hollis residents.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Hollis, NY, compare to the state average, and what additional costs should we budget for?
Tuition for schools like Kew-Forest, Buckley, and Green Vale is significantly above the New York State private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for these schools ranges from approximately $45,000 to over $55,000 for upper grades. New York's average private school tuition is closer to $25,000. Beyond tuition, Hollis parents must budget for mandatory fees (technology, activities), transportation costs (as busing may not be provided), uniforms, and substantial annual fundraising expectations that are integral to these schools' operations.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs draw Hollis families to schools like Kew-Forest, Buckley, and Green Vale?
These schools offer distinct programs that justify the commute for many Hollis families. The Kew-Forest School emphasizes a globally-focused curriculum with strong language immersion programs starting in early childhood. The Buckley Country Day School is known for its "Whole Child" philosophy with renowned arts and athletics facilities. The Green Vale School offers a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum with extensive outdoor education and environmental science programs, leveraging its expansive campus. Each provides a low student-to-teacher ratio and a pathway to top-tier secondary schools, which is a key attraction.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving the Hollis, NY area?
The process is highly structured and begins very early. For entry into primary grades (Pre-K or Kindergarten), families should initiate inquiries 18-24 months in advance. The standard timeline involves spring/summer tours (a year prior to desired entry), fall application submissions (deadlines are often in November or December), and student assessments/playdates and parent interviews in the winter. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For Hollis residents, demonstrating a clear plan for the daily commute is often a practical topic discussed during the parent interview.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Hollis compare to the local public school, PS/IS 178 Holliswood?
This is a fundamental point of comparison. PS/IS 178 Holliswood is a highly-rated public school, but class sizes can be 25-30 students. In contrast, private schools like Kew-Forest, Buckley, and Green Vale maintain average class sizes of 12-18 students with two teachers in lower grades. The community environment is also distinct: the private schools foster a close-knit, cohort-based community where families are expected to be highly involved, whereas the public school community is larger and more neighborhood-centric. The choice often comes down to prioritizing individualized attention and specialized resources versus the convenience and cost-free nature of an excellent local public option.
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