The Best Private Schools in Katonah, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Katonah. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rippowam Cisqua School
Independent
Rippowam Cisqua School is a highly-regarded independent school located in nearby Bedford, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 9th grade. The school offers a progressive educational approach with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and character development. Their 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school's curriculum integrates STEAM education with outdoor learning opportunities and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Rippowam Cisqua serves many families from Katonah and has an excellent reputation for academic preparation and community values.
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French-American School of New York
Independent Bilingual School
The French-American School of New York is a prestigious bilingual independent school serving students from preschool through high school. Located in nearby Mamaroneck, FASNY offers a unique dual-language curriculum and is one of the few schools in the region to offer both the International Baccalaureate and French Baccalaureate programs. The school features extensive facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, arts studios, and athletic complexes. FASNY serves families from throughout Westchester County, including Katonah, and is known for its rigorous academic program, diverse international community, and excellent college placement record. The school emphasizes global citizenship and cultural understanding through its bilingual immersion approach.
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The Harvey School
Independent
The Harvey School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school located directly in Katonah. Founded in 1916, it serves students in grades 6-12 with a comprehensive academic program emphasizing critical thinking and character development. The school features a 125-acre campus with modern facilities including science labs, arts studios, and athletic complexes. Harvey offers a robust college counseling program, competitive athletics, and diverse extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and has a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Katonah, New York
What are the primary private school options available in Katonah, NY, and what age groups do they serve?
Katonah is home to several prestigious private schools, each with distinct educational approaches. The Harvey School is a co-ed, college-preparatory day and boarding school serving grades 6-12, known for its strong arts and athletics. Rippowam Cisqua School is a Pre-K through Grade 9 independent school with campuses in Bedford and Mount Kisco, serving many Katonah families, and emphasizes a progressive, hands-on curriculum. The French-American School of New York (FASNY), with a campus in nearby Larchmont and White Plains, offers a multilingual, international curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12 and is a popular choice for families in the Katonah area seeking a global education. Additionally, many families in Katonah also consider private schools in the broader Northern Westchester region.
How does tuition for private schools in the Katonah, NY area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Katonah area is consistent with the high cost of living in Northern Westchester. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition ranges from approximately $35,000 to over $50,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. Boarding at The Harvey School adds significantly to that cost. Importantly, all major schools like Harvey, Rippowam Cisqua, and FASNY have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It is crucial to apply for aid concurrently with admission, as funds are allocated on a rolling basis. New York State also offers tax-advantaged 529 plans that can now be used for K-12 private school tuition, providing some financial relief for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish private schools in the Katonah area?
Katonah-area private schools offer specialized programs that leverage their resources and philosophies. The Harvey School features a renowned Center for Academic Support and a strong engineering/robotics program. Rippowam Cisqua is noted for its "Cisqua Conservatory" for the arts and its outdoor, experiential learning curriculum that utilizes its 40-acre campus. The French-American School of New York provides a unique trilingual immersion (French, English, and Spanish or Mandarin) and leads to both a U.S. high school diploma and the French Baccalaureate. Furthermore, the proximity to New York City allows these schools to facilitate unparalleled internships and cultural enrichment trips.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Katonah, NY?
The admission process for Katonah-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. The main intake season is for the following fall, with open houses and tours typically held from September to November. Application deadlines are often in January (e.g., January 15th or 31st), requiring submitted applications, teacher recommendations, student essays, and transcripts. Standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) is usually required for middle and upper schools. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March. For the most competitive grades (like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade), it is strongly advised to begin the process over a year in advance. Many schools also have limited rolling admission for other grades if space permits.
For families residing in the Katonah Central School District, which is highly rated, what are the key considerations when choosing between public and private education?
The Katonah-Lewisboro School District (KLS) is consistently ranked among the top public districts in New York State, making this a significant consideration. Families often choose private schools for specific philosophical alignments (e.g., progressive, single-sex, or language immersion), smaller class sizes, or specialized programs not available in the public curriculum. The private school environment may also offer more flexibility in course sequencing and a different social dynamic. Conversely, the public schools provide a tuition-free, community-centric education with excellent facilities and a wide range of AP courses. The decision often comes down to individual student needs, desired educational approach, and the value a family places on the unique offerings (like boarding or an international diploma) that the local private schools provide.
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