The Best Private Schools in Howells, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Howells. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chapel Field Christian School
Chapel Field Christian Schools
Chapel Field Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Howells area from nearby Pine Bush. The school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong college preparatory curriculum emphasizing academic excellence and Christian values. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, music programs, and community service opportunities. The campus features modern facilities with science labs, technology resources, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong academic foundation, and commitment to character development.
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St. Joseph School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of New York
St. Joseph School provides exceptional private Catholic education for students in pre-K through 8th grade, serving families from Howells and the greater Middletown area. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and science while integrating technology throughout all grade levels. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a safe, nurturing environment. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and enrichment programs in music, art, and physical education. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic standards, community atmosphere, and preparation for high school success.
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John S. Burke Catholic High School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of New York
Burke Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Howells and surrounding Orange County communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive fine arts programs. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a strong tradition of academic excellence, Burke Catholic maintains high college acceptance rates and provides individualized college counseling. The school community emphasizes faith formation, service learning, and character development alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Howells, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Howells, New York?
Families in Howells, NY, are served by a few key private institutions in the surrounding Orange County area. The most prominent nearby options include Chapel Field Christian School in Pine Bush (offering K-12), John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen (grades 9-12), and St. Joseph School in Middletown (Pre-K-8). It's important to note that Howells itself is a small hamlet, so these schools require commuting. Each offers a distinct environment: Chapel Field is a non-denominational Christian school, Burke Catholic is a diocesan Catholic high school, and St. Joseph is a parish elementary school. Many families also consider private schools in neighboring towns like Warwick or Monroe.
How does tuition at private schools near Howells, NY, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State?
Tuition for the primary schools near Howells varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges like: St. Joseph School (elementary) approximately $5,000-$7,000, Chapel Field Christian School around $8,000-$10,000 for high school, and John S. Burke Catholic High School near $10,000-$12,000. Critically, New York State offers the "Invest in Kids" scholarship tax credit program, which can provide significant tuition assistance for eligible families through scholarship-granting organizations. Additionally, all these schools typically have their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active members. The Orange County Catholic Schools office coordinates aid for diocesan schools like Burke.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Howells, NY, area?
Schools near Howells provide specialized programs leveraging their private status. John S. Burke Catholic High School features a renowned STEM program, competitive athletics in the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA), and extensive college-prep Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Chapel Field Christian School emphasizes biblical integration across its curriculum and offers a strong arts program. St. Joseph School provides a foundational Catholic education with a focus on character development and often has smaller class sizes than local public districts. A unique local consideration is the proximity to the Hudson Valley's natural and historical resources, which many schools incorporate into their science and history curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Howells, NY, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Chapel Field, Burke Catholic, and St. Joseph generally begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. Open houses are typically held in the fall and winter. For Burke Catholic, 8th graders often take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in the fall as part of the application. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available, but popular grades fill quickly. A key step for Howells residents is verifying transportation, as while some districts may provide busing to private schools under certain distances (as per NYS law), arrangements are not guaranteed and should be confirmed directly with the local public school district (likely the Pine Bush Central School District).
For a family in Howells, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (Pine Bush Central School District) and a nearby private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Pine Bush Central School District operates several elementary schools, Pine Bush High School, and offers diverse programs. Choosing a private school often involves a desire for a specific religious foundation, potentially smaller class sizes, and a distinct community environment, balanced against tuition costs and a daily commute to Goshen, Middletown, or Pine Bush. Academically, private schools may offer a more standardized college-prep track, while Pine Bush provides a broader range of elective and technical programs. For athletics and arts, Pine Bush likely has larger programs due to its bigger student body. Ultimately, Howells parents should consider the daily logistics, financial investment, and which educational philosophy aligns best with their family's values.
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