The Best Private Schools in Inwood, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Inwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lawrence Woodmere Academy
Independent
Lawrence Woodmere Academy is a prestigious independent day school serving the Five Towns area including Inwood. Founded in 1898, it offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and personalized attention, LWA emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and character development. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and has a strong track record of college placements at top-tier universities.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent
The Kew-Forest School is a highly-regarded independent school located in Forest Hills, serving families from across Queens and nearby areas including Inwood. Founded in 1918, the school offers a comprehensive JK-12 college preparatory education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. Kew-Forest features a diverse student body, small class sizes, and extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The campus includes modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and individualized approach to student development.
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Buckley Country Day School
Independent
Buckley Country Day School is a respected independent school serving Nassau County and surrounding areas including Inwood. Established in 1927, Buckley provides a strong foundational education for students from nursery through 9th grade. The school emphasizes academic rigor balanced with character development and offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes foreign languages, arts, and athletics from early grades. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. Buckley is particularly noted for its warm, inclusive community and strong preparation for secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Inwood, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Inwood, New York, and are they located directly in the neighborhood?
Inwood itself is a residential neighborhood without large, standalone private school campuses. However, families in Inwood, NY, are part of the broader Five Towns area and have access to several prestigious private schools in nearby communities. The top options include Lawrence Woodmere Academy in Woodmere, The Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills (Queens), and Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn. These schools actively draw students from Inwood and the surrounding region, offering transportation or manageable commutes. Exploring these nearby institutions is essential for Inwood parents seeking private education.
How does the tuition for private schools near Inwood, NY, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools accessible to Inwood families is generally at or above the New York state average for private education, reflecting their reputation and location in the greater New York City area. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Lawrence Woodmere Academy and Buckley Country Day School often ranges from approximately $40,000 to $50,000+ for upper grades. Importantly, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Parents should apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as substantial grants (not loans) can significantly reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Inwood offer that leverage their New York metropolitan location?
Private schools in the Inwood vicinity capitalize on their proximity to New York City's vast resources. Programs often include advanced STEM partnerships with local universities, renowned arts programs with access to city museums and theaters, and competitive athletics within the Ivy Preparatory School League or similar conferences. For instance, Lawrence Woodmere Academy emphasizes a college-style "Academy Period" for independent projects, while schools like Kew-Forest offer global studies programs utilizing NYC's international consulates and cultural institutions. This urban connectivity is a defining feature of education in this region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Inwood, NY, area, and when should we start?
The admissions process for sought-after private schools near Inwood follows a strict timeline, mirroring the competitive NYC independent school circuit. Parents should begin researching schools 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by early January (often with standardized assessments like the ISEE or SSAT), and completing student interviews and classroom visits in winter. Notification dates are typically in March for the following September. Starting early is crucial, especially for entry into pre-K, kindergarten, or 9th grade, which are the most common entry points.
For Inwood residents, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Lawrence Public School District to the nearby private school options?
Inwood is part of the Lawrence Public School District (School District 15), which is well-regarded on Long Island. The key comparison points are class size, specialized programming, and religious affiliation. While Lawrence public schools offer strong academics, private options like Lawrence Woodmere Academy provide significantly smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often more extensive arts, language, or advanced placement offerings from earlier grades. Furthermore, Inwood has a significant Orthodox Jewish community, and some families may also consider nearby private yeshivas, which blend secular and religious curricula—an option not available in the public system. The decision often hinges on desired educational approach, community, and investment.
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