The Best Private Schools in Lawrence, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawrence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR)
Independent
HAFTR is a premier Jewish day school serving the Five Towns area, including Lawrence, with a comprehensive K-12 education. It is renowned for high academic standards, a dual curriculum in general and Judaic studies, and state-of-the-art facilities such as science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school offers a wide range of extracurriculars, including robotics, sports, and music, and maintains a strong focus on community and values. Parent satisfaction is consistently high, supported by its long-standing reputation and successful alumni outcomes.
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Rambam Mesivta
Independent
Rambam Mesivta is a highly regarded Orthodox Jewish high school for boys, offering a rigorous dual curriculum in secular and Judaic studies. Known for its strong college preparation, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community involvement. It features modern facilities, including science labs and technology resources, and offers extracurricular activities such as debate, sports, and clubs. Parent satisfaction is high due to its supportive environment and track record of student success in higher education.
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Shalhevet High School for Girls
Independent
Shalhevet High School for Girls provides an excellent education focused on empowering young women through academic rigor and Jewish values. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust arts programs, and extracurricular activities like theater and community service. With a commitment to small class sizes and individualized attention, it fosters a nurturing environment that promotes leadership and personal growth. Parents praise the school for its strong faculty, safe campus, and high college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawrence, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available in Lawrence, NY, and what distinguishes them?
Lawrence, NY, is renowned for its concentration of high-quality private Jewish day schools, which constitute the majority of private options. These include yeshivas and modern Orthodox institutions like Rambam Mesivta (a boys' high school), Shalhevet High School for Girls, and the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR), which serves students from early childhood through high school. These schools offer a dual curriculum combining rigorous secular college-preparatory studies with intensive Jewish learning (Hebrew, Torah, Talmud). There are also a small number of non-sectarian private academies in the broader Five Towns area. The distinction in Lawrence is the depth of Jewish education integrated with strong academics, often attracting families seeking this specific environment.
How does tuition for private schools in Lawrence, NY, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Lawrence's premier private Jewish day schools is significant, often ranging from approximately $20,000 to over $30,000 per year for high school, which is at or above the New York State private school average. The dual curriculum requires additional faculty and resources, contributing to the cost. However, these schools are deeply committed to making education accessible to the community. Most, including HAFTR, Rambam, and Shalhevet, offer substantial need-based financial aid and scholarship programs. Additionally, New York State does not offer voucher programs, but eligible families can apply for the NYS Child Safety Fund (for mandated services) and may utilize 529 plan funds for K-12 tuition.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like HAFTR or Rambam Mesivta in Lawrence?
The process for Lawrence's top private schools begins early, often a full year before the desired start date. For lower grades at HAFTR, applications may open in the fall, with assessments and family interviews scheduled through winter. For high schools like Rambam Mesivta and Shalhevet, the process is highly structured, typically starting in the fall of 8th grade with open houses, followed by standardized entrance exams (often the COOP or school-specific tests), student interviews, and submission of academic records. Decisions are usually communicated in the spring. Due to high demand and limited seats, especially in entry grades, early inquiry and application are strongly recommended.
Beyond religious studies, what specialized academic or extracurricular programs do Lawrence private schools offer?
While rooted in Jewish education, Lawrence's private schools offer robust secular programs to prepare students for top universities. HAFTR features advanced STEM labs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and extensive arts programs. Rambam Mesivta emphasizes debate, science research, and has a strong pre-engineering track. Shalhevet High School for Girls offers specialized programs in writing, sciences, and technology, along with competitive athletic teams and community service initiatives. Many schools also have partnerships with local institutions for internships and specialized learning. The unique blend allows students to excel in both secular and spiritual realms.
For families considering both options, how do the private schools in Lawrence compare academically to the highly-rated Lawrence Public School District?
Lawrence Public Schools (School District 15) are consistently top-rated in New York State, offering excellent academics, resources, and extracurriculars at no direct cost. The choice often hinges on educational philosophy. Lawrence private schools provide smaller class sizes, a dual curriculum, and a close-knit community with shared values. Academically, both sectors produce high-achieving students, but private Jewish day schools ensure graduates are also fluent in Hebrew and Jewish texts. The decision typically centers on whether a family prioritizes the integrated Jewish environment and personalized attention of a private school versus the diverse, comprehensive, and tuition-free offering of the exceptional public system.
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