The Best Private Schools in Howard Beach, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Howard Beach. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Kew-Forest School
Independent
The Kew-Forest School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located in nearby Forest Hills, this highly-regarded institution has been providing exceptional education for over a century. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive STEM programs. Facilities include modern science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school emphasizes global citizenship and character development while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Lawrence Woodmere Academy
Independent
Lawrence Woodmere Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located in nearby Woodmere on Long Island, this historic institution provides a comprehensive college preparatory education with strong emphasis on both academics and character development. The school offers advanced STEM courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The academy is known for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong track record of college placements to top-tier universities.
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Garden School
Independent
Garden School is an accredited independent school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in Jackson Heights, this established institution offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. The school features a diverse student body and emphasizes personalized education with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong arts programs, competitive sports teams, and excellent college counseling, with graduates regularly accepted to prestigious universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Howard Beach, New York
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Howard Beach, NY, and what are their key characteristics?
While Howard Beach itself is a residential neighborhood with limited on-site private schools, families commonly look to nearby Queens and Nassau County institutions. Top considerations include The Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills (Pre-K-12, International Baccalaureate World School), Garden School in Jackson Heights (Pre-K-12, college-prep with small class sizes), and Lawrence Woodmere Academy in Woodmere (Pre-K-12, strong arts and athletics). Given Howard Beach's location, transportation via car, school bus (for some schools), or public transit is a key factor in school selection. Many Howard Beach families also consider Catholic academies in surrounding Ozone Park and Rockaway.
How does tuition for private schools near Howard Beach, NY, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the New York City metropolitan area is significant. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000 to $55,000 for upper grades at schools like Kew-Forest and Lawrence Woodmere. Garden School is often slightly lower. Nearly all established private schools offer need-based financial aid, and some have merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission. New York State also offers programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible families, and some schools participate in New York's "STEM Incentive Program" for top scholars. Consulting each school's financial aid office early is essential for Howard Beach parents budgeting for this investment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Howard Beach offer that differentiate them from local public options?
Schools in this corridor often provide specialized programs not always available in NYC public schools. For example, The Kew-Forest School is the only independent school in Queens authorized to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, providing a globally recognized curriculum. Lawrence Woodmere Academy emphasizes a "5-Dimensional Education" with robust studio arts, theater, and music programs. Garden School highlights its advanced science research opportunities and engineering tracks. These schools also typically feature smaller average class sizes (10-15 students), more individualized attention, and extensive college counseling, which can be appealing for families seeking a tailored educational path from Howard Beach.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving the Howard Beach, NY area?
The admission process for New York City-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall 2025, the process typically starts in Summer/Fall 2024. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (virtual or in-person) from September to November. 2) Submitting applications by early January (often with a common form like the SAO). 3) Student assessments and interviews occur from November to February. 4) Decisions are released in March. For Howard Beach families, planning for potential entrance exams (ISEE, SSAT), arranging school visits that account for commute time, and understanding sibling/legacy policies are critical. We recommend starting research at least 18 months before desired enrollment.
For a family in Howard Beach deciding between the local public school (PS 146 or JHS 202) and a private school, what are the major practical considerations?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Academically, private schools offer a consistent, often accelerated curriculum, while the quality of NYC public schools can vary by zone and year. Logistically, the commute to a private school (20-45 minutes to the mentioned schools) versus a walk or short bus to the local public school is a daily consideration. Financially, private tuition is a major expense versus the "free" public option, but it may replace costs for supplemental tutoring or extracurriculars. Culturally, Howard Beach's strong community feel in its public schools contrasts with the diverse, often regionally drawn populations of independent schools. Many families use the excellent, specialized public high schools (like Stuyvesant, Bronx Science) as a goal, which private schools also prepare students for competitively.
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