The Best Private Schools in Lake Peekskill, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lake Peekskill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Master's School
Christian Schools International
The Master's School is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving the Hudson Valley region. With a 49-year history of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous curriculum that integrates faith and learning. The campus features modern STEM labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and consistently achieve above-average SAT scores. The school offers extensive AP courses, competitive sports programs, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the supportive community and college placement success.
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Peekskill Christian School
Association of Christian Schools International
Peekskill Christian School has been serving families in the Lake Peekskill area for nearly four decades with a strong academic foundation rooted in Christian values. The school offers comprehensive elementary education with specialized programs in music, technology, and biblical studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, a computer lab, music room, and playground. The school is known for its nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong parent involvement. Academic performance consistently exceeds state averages, and the school maintains a reputation for developing well-rounded students with strong character foundations.
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Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School
Archdiocese of New York
Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students from throughout Putnam and Westchester counties. With over 50 years of educational excellence, the school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and specialized academies in STEM and performing arts. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic fields, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and strong athletic traditions. Parent reviews consistently highlight the challenging academics, supportive community, and excellent college counseling program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lake Peekskill, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Lake Peekskill, NY, and what are their educational approaches?
Lake Peekskill itself is a small hamlet, so families typically look to private schools in the broader northern Westchester/Putnam County area. The most prominent options include The Master's School (Pre-K-12) in Dobbs Ferry, which offers a college-preparatory, Christian education; Peekskill Christian School (K-8) in nearby Peekskill, providing a Bible-based curriculum; and Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School (9-12) in Somers, a co-ed Catholic high school known for strong academics and athletics. Additionally, families may consider other regional independents or parochial schools in Cortlandt, Putnam Valley, or Carmel. Transportation is a key consideration, as most require private arrangements or district-provided transportation for eligible students.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lake Peekskill, NY, area compare, and are there financial aid options or state-specific programs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges such as approximately $10,000-$15,000 for Peekskill Christian School (elementary/middle), $15,000-$25,000 for The Master's School, and around $12,000-$14,000 for Kennedy Catholic. These costs are generally lower than NYC private schools but consistent with Westchester suburbs. New York State offers few direct tuition assistance programs, but all these schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Crucially, New York's "Mandated Services" aid can provide some reimbursement to qualifying non-public schools, potentially lowering operational costs. Parents should inquire directly about aid deadlines, often in early winter.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Lake Peekskill, NY?
Schools in this region leverage their Hudson Valley location and affiliations. The Master's School emphasizes STEM with a dedicated Engineering & Design Institute and robust arts programs. Kennedy Catholic Preparatory offers a distinctive Biomedical Sciences Program and extensive AP course offerings, along with a strong tradition in competitive sports. Peekskill Christian School focuses on foundational academics with integrated technology and character education. A notable regional advantage is proximity to environmental and historical resources, with many schools incorporating Hudson River ecology, local history, and outdoor education into their curricula—something less common in denser urban settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Lake Peekskill, NY, and when should applications be submitted?
The admissions cycle for these schools generally begins in the fall, with open houses from September to January. Application deadlines for priority consideration are typically between January and February for the following academic year. Kennedy Catholic and The Master's School often require entrance exams (HSPT or school-specific tests) and interviews. Peekskill Christian School may have a more rolling admissions process but encourages early application. Given Lake Peekskill's location within the Lakeland Central School District, parents should also be aware of district deadlines for requesting transportation to a private school, which is often due in the spring (e.g., April 1st for the following year).
For a family in Lake Peekskill, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Lakeland Central School District) and area private schools?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Lakeland Central schools (like Lakeland High School) are highly rated, offer diverse AP/IB courses, and have extensive extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. Private options provide a specific religious foundation (Christian or Catholic), often smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, and a distinct community identity. Practical considerations for Lake Peekskill residents include commute time—public schools provide busing, while private schools may require a 20-45 minute drive—and cost versus value. Many families choose private schools for their aligned values or specialized programs, while others appreciate the robust, tax-supported public system.
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