The Best Private Schools in Larchmont, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Larchmont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rye Country Day School
Independent
Rye Country Day School is a prestigious coeducational independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Larchmont, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic, artistic, and athletic programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college matriculation rate to top universities. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement alongside academic excellence.
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The Ursuline School
Catholic/Independent
The Ursuline School is a highly-regarded Catholic independent school for young women located in nearby New Rochelle. Serving grades 6-12, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with extensive Advanced Placement courses and exceptional STEM opportunities. The school features modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on leadership development and service learning, Ursuline graduates consistently gain admission to selective colleges and universities. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention while fostering a supportive community environment.
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The French-American School of New York
Independent
Located directly in Larchmont, The French-American School of New York offers a unique bilingual and multicultural education from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school provides both the International Baccalaureate Diploma and French Baccalaureate programs, preparing students for global citizenship and top universities worldwide. FASNY features three campuses in Westchester with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, arts studios, and athletic spaces. The school's diverse international community and dual-language immersion program create a distinctive educational experience that emphasizes academic rigor, cultural understanding, and multilingual proficiency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Larchmont, New York
What are the main types of private schools available to families residing in Larchmont, NY, and what are their defining characteristics?
Larchmont families have access to several distinct types of private schools. Top-tier independent day schools like **Rye Country Day School** offer a comprehensive, co-ed Pre-K through 12 college preparatory program with robust arts and athletics. Single-sex Catholic schools, such as **The Ursuline School** (all-girls, 6-12), provide a values-based education with strong academic traditions. Specialized institutions like **The French-American School of New York** (in nearby Mamaroneck) offer immersive bilingual and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Additionally, several well-regarded independent elementary schools serve the younger grades within the village and immediate surrounding towns, offering a range of educational philosophies.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Larchmont, NY area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Larchmont area is among the highest in the nation, reflecting the cost of living and competitive faculty salaries. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $55,000-$65,000 for upper schools at institutions like Rye Country Day and The Ursuline School. Elementary and middle school grades are slightly lower. Crucially, most of these schools are committed to need-based financial aid. Families should apply through **Clarity**, a standardized financial aid assessment service used by many New York private schools. Significant aid packages are available, and it's a common misconception that only the wealthiest families attend; many schools have sizable endowments dedicated to making education accessible.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Larchmont, NY area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, families should start researching 18-24 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by **January** of the year prior to enrollment (e.g., Jan 2025 for Fall 2026), and scheduling student visits/interviews and standardized assessments (like the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admissions decisions are usually released in **March**. For Larchmont residents, it's important to note that demand far exceeds available spots, especially for younger entry points, so demonstrating genuine interest and alignment with the school's mission is critical.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Larchmont-area private schools leverage their proximity to New York City?
Schools in Larchmont uniquely capitalize on their Westchester location—offering expansive campuses with athletic fields and arts facilities, while being a short train ride from NYC. This allows for unparalleled enrichment: frequent trips to museums, Broadway shows, and cultural institutions for academic integration. High schools often have internship and mentorship programs with NYC-based corporations, financial firms, tech startups, and research hospitals. Furthermore, schools like **The French-American School** and those with strong global programs use the international airports and UN proximity for exchanges and speaker series. The blend of suburban campus life with direct urban access is a major differentiator.
As a Larchmont resident with excellent public schools, what are the key factors to consider when deciding between the local public system and a private school?
Larchmont's public schools (part of the Mamaroneck Union Free School District, or "Mamaroneck Schools") are consistently top-rated, making this a meaningful decision. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach** (private schools often offer more specialized curricula, like IB or project-based learning, and smaller average class sizes); **Continuity** (private schools typically offer a single campus from elementary through high school, whereas public students transition between multiple buildings); **Values & Community** (private schools can provide a specific religious or philosophical foundation); and **Programmatic Depth** (private schools may offer more niche arts, athletics, or language programs). The decision often hinges on the specific needs of the child and the family's preference for a tailored educational environment versus the community-centric, tax-supported public system.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Primary Schools in Larchmont, NY: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Larchmont beginning the search for “private primary schools near me,” you are embarking on a journey within one of Westchester County’s most educationally rich communities. The quest is about more than proximity; it’s about finding the right educational philosophy, community fit, and developmental foundation for your child, all within the unique context of our village. Larchmont offers a distinctive blend of suburban charm and sophisticated academic access, making the local private school landscape both diverse and highly sought-after.
Your search will quickly reveal that some of the most respected institutions are just minutes from our tree-lined streets, though they may carry neighboring town names. For instance, Rye Country Day School, located a short drive away, is a premier co-educational, college-preparatory school serving junior kindergarten through twelfth grade. Its rigorous academic program is balanced with exceptional arts and athletics, appealing to Larchmont families seeking a comprehensive, all-through education in a dynamic environment. Similarly, single-gender education is a strong option here. The Ursuline School in New Rochelle provides a all-girls, Catholic independent education rooted in the Ursuline tradition, emphasizing leadership, service, and intellectual excellence. Its location makes it a convenient and popular choice for many families in our area.
Another standout is The French-American School of New York (FASNY), with its Larchmont campus specifically serving preschool through grade 5. This is a particularly compelling option for families interested in a bilingual, multicultural immersion from the earliest years. Its presence right in the village underscores the international and globally-minded perspective many Larchmont residents value. When considering these and other schools, the daily commute is a practical reality. Fortunately, most top-tier schools offer bus transportation that serves Larchmont, turning a “near me” search into a manageable logistical equation.
The process in Larchmont also involves understanding the nuanced community dynamics. Our village is part of the highly-regarded Mamaroneck Union Free School District (Rye Neck for some residents), which means the decision to go private is often a deliberate choice for a specific pedagogical approach—be it language immersion, religious foundation, or a particular educational structure. It’s wise to attend open houses and connect with other Larchmont parents at the Manor Park or Flint Park playgrounds; firsthand insights about the daily rhythm and community feel are invaluable. Remember, “fit” is paramount. A school that fosters your child’s confidence and curiosity during these formative primary years is the ultimate goal. Your search for “private primary schools near me” in Larchmont, NY, is ultimately a search for a partner in your child’s growth, right here in our own vibrant backyard.
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