The Best Private Schools in Kingston, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kingston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Rhinebeck Country School
Independent Progressive School
The Rhinebeck Country School is a highly-regarded independent progressive school serving families throughout the Hudson Valley, including Kingston. Founded in 1978, the school offers a unique educational approach that combines academic excellence with hands-on, experiential learning. The curriculum is tailored to individual student needs with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features extensive outdoor learning spaces, art studios, and modern classrooms. Programs include comprehensive arts education, environmental studies, and project-based learning. The school is particularly noted for its inclusive community, innovative teaching methods, and strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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Oakwood Friends School
Independent Quaker School
Oakwood Friends School is a prestigious Quaker college-preparatory school serving the Hudson Valley region, including Kingston families. Founded in 1796, it's one of the oldest co-educational schools in the nation. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, personalized attention, and a strong emphasis on community values. Students benefit from comprehensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and extensive community service opportunities. The 63-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school is known for its inclusive environment and strong college placement record.
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Kingston Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
Kingston Catholic School is a well-established Catholic private school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in the Kingston area. With roots dating back to 1884, the school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and emerging STEM programs. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and strong sense of community. The school prepares students for success in high school and beyond through its rigorous academic program and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kingston, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Kingston, NY, and how do they differ?
Kingston, NY, offers a diverse range of private school options, each with a distinct educational philosophy. The area features independent schools like Oakwood Friends School, which is a Quaker-affiliated, college-preparatory day and boarding school emphasizing community, social justice, and experiential learning. There are parochial options such as Kingston Catholic School, providing a faith-based, structured K-8 education rooted in Catholic values. Just a short drive away in Rhinebeck, The Rhinebeck Country School offers a progressive, project-based elementary education. This variety allows Kingston parents to choose based on pedagogical approach, religious affiliation, and grade-level needs.
How does tuition at Kingston-area private schools compare to the New York state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
While generally lower than downstate or NYC private school averages, tuition for Kingston-area private schools is still a significant investment. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000-$10,000 for elementary parochial schools to over $40,000 for boarding programs at independent schools like Oakwood Friends. Most schools, including those in Kingston, offer need-based financial aid, and New York state residents should actively investigate the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible non-public schools, as well as the Child Care and Dependent Care Credit. Many local schools also have parish subsidies for affiliated families or offer flexible payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Kingston region that leverage the local Hudson Valley environment?
Private schools in the Kingston area deeply integrate the rich cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Hudson Valley into their curricula. Oakwood Friends School, for instance, may utilize its proximity to the Hudson River for environmental science studies and offer arts programs connected to local institutions like the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center or the Kingston Farmers Market. Schools often incorporate field trips to historic sites like the Senate House or the Hudson River Maritime Museum. This localized, place-based learning is a hallmark of education in this region, providing students with a strong sense of community and hands-on experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Kingston, NY, and are there key local deadlines parents should know?
The enrollment process for Kingston private schools generally begins in the fall, with open houses held from September through November. Application deadlines for the following academic year are often in January or February, with admission decisions communicated in March. For schools with limited seats, like Kingston Catholic School's early grades, early application is strongly advised. A unique local consideration is the timing for families considering both Kingston City School District public schools and private options; having a private school admission decision by March allows for informed choices before public school registration peaks. Most schools require student visits, records, and teacher recommendations as part of their process.
For families considering both options, what are the notable differences between the Kingston City School District public schools and the private schools in the area?
The key differences lie in class size, curricular flexibility, and core mission. Kingston City School District (KCSD) public schools offer a broad, state-regulated curriculum with diverse extracurriculars and specialized programs, serving a large student population across multiple buildings. Private schools in Kingston typically feature much smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), allowing for highly individualized attention. They operate with greater curricular autonomy, enabling specialized approaches like Oakwood's Quaker-inspired consensus-building or Rhinebeck Country's progressive model. Private schools also require tuition and have selective admissions, often creating a specific community ethos. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for a particular educational philosophy, religious foundation, or learning environment versus the no-tuition, comprehensive offerings of the public district.
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