The Best Private Schools in Irvington, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Irvington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hackley School
Independent
Hackley School is a prestigious K-12 independent school located in nearby Tarrytown, serving many Irvington families. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence through its motto "Enter here to be and find a friend." The 285-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Hackley offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and outstanding arts programs, consistently sending graduates to top-tier colleges and universities.
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The Masters School
Independent
The Masters School is a highly respected coeducational day and boarding school located just minutes from Irvington. Known for its innovative Harkness teaching method where students learn around oval tables through discussion, the school offers rigorous college preparatory academics. The 96-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, art studios, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 12 students and a diverse community with strong arts, athletics, and community service programs.
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Rye Country Day School
Independent
Rye Country Day School is a top-ranked coeducational independent school serving Westchester County, including Irvington families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement opportunities and a strong emphasis on character education. The 45-acre campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology centers, art studios, and comprehensive athletic facilities. RCDS is known for its balanced approach to education, offering robust arts programs, competitive athletics across multiple divisions, and a strong commitment to community engagement and service learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Irvington, New York
What are the top private school options for families residing in Irvington, NY, and what are their key characteristics?
Irvington, NY, is home to and near several highly-regarded private schools. The most prominent is The Masters School, located in the village itself, known for its day and boarding programs, Harkness teaching method, and strong arts curriculum. Just across the border in Tarrytown is the prestigious Hackley School, offering a rigorous K-12 program with a strong emphasis on character and community on its 285-acre campus. While Rye Country Day School is located further east in Rye, it is a common consideration for Irvington families seeking a top-tier coeducational, college-preparatory environment. These schools are all highly selective and known for excellent college matriculation.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Irvington, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools serving Irvington is significant, reflecting the high cost of living and operation in Westchester County. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $55,000 to over $60,000 for upper grades. All three major schools—Masters, Hackley, and Rye Country Day—have robust need-based financial aid programs. It's common for 20-30% of the student body to receive some level of aid. Families should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, using platforms like Clarity, and be aware that aid can substantially reduce the net cost. New York State does not have tax-credit scholarship programs, so aid is primarily sourced directly from the schools.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools like The Masters School in Irvington?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Irvington area is extensive and begins well over a year in advance. For a fall entry, the timeline typically starts in the prior summer or early fall with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in early January (e.g., January 8th or 15th). The process includes a written application, student essays, parent statements, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), and a required interview/visit for the student. Admissions decisions are released in mid-March. For kindergarten entry at schools like Hackley, it is not uncommon for families to begin engaging with the school two years prior. Sibling and legacy applicants often have a slight advantage, but the process remains highly competitive.
What unique educational or extracurricular opportunities do Irvington-area private schools offer that distinguish them?
Private schools in the Irvington area leverage their Westchester location and resources to offer distinctive programs. The Masters School is renowned for its "Harkness Table" pedagogy, promoting student-led discussion, and its strong performing arts programs housed in state-of-the-art facilities. Its location on the Hudson River also allows for unique environmental science opportunities. Hackley School emphasizes its "Heart, Mind, and Spirit" motto with a strong outdoor and athletic program on its large campus, including a ropes course and extensive woods. Proximity to New York City allows all these schools to integrate unparalleled arts, internship, and academic enrichment opportunities into their curricula.
For families in Irvington, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the high-performing public school district and a private school?
The Irvington Union Free School District is itself highly ranked, making this a significant decision. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Irvington public schools offer a more standardized, though excellent, Regents and AP-based curriculum. Private schools like Masters or Hackley offer more curricular flexibility, smaller average class sizes, and often more intensive college counseling. **Community and Environment:** The public schools provide a community-centric, neighborhood-based experience. Private schools draw from a wider geographic area, which can broaden diversity but may require longer commutes. **Cost:** This is the most stark difference—public school is tax-funded, while private school requires direct tuition. Many families weigh whether the private school's specific offerings (e.g., a particular teaching method, arts focus, or global network) justify the substantial financial investment over the already-strong public option.
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