The Best Private Schools in Little Neck, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Little Neck. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Portledge School
Independent School
Portledge School is a highly-rated independent day school located in Locust Valley, serving families from across Long Island and Queens, including Little Neck. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from Pre-Nursery through 12th grade, featuring both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula. Set on a beautiful 63-acre campus, Portledge provides exceptional facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong sense of community, outstanding college preparation, and balanced approach to academics, arts, and athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and support.
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The Buckley Country Day School
Independent School
The Buckley Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from Nursery through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Little Neck and surrounding Queens communities. Located in North Hills, the school offers a challenging academic program that prepares students for top secondary schools. Buckley emphasizes character education, leadership development, and academic excellence within a supportive community environment. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school's comprehensive curriculum includes strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, and foreign languages, complemented by extensive arts, athletics, and enrichment programs that foster well-rounded development.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent School
The Kew-Forest School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Little Neck in Forest Hills, this highly-regarded institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, Kew-Forest emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development alongside academic excellence. The school maintains strong college placement records and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Little Neck, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Little Neck, NY, and are they located within the neighborhood?
While Little Neck itself is a residential neighborhood in Queens, it is served by several prestigious private schools in nearby areas. The most notable include The Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills (Pre-K-12), Portledge School in Locust Valley on Long Island (Pre-K-12), and The Buckley Country Day School in North Roslyn (Nursery-8). Most families in Little Neck commute to these schools, as there are very few, if any, private school campuses physically within Little Neck's borders. Transportation, often via school-provided buses or private carpool, is a key consideration for Little Neck residents.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Little Neck, NY, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading schools in the region is significant, reflecting the New York metropolitan area's cost. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000-$55,000 for upper schools and $30,000-$45,000 for lower and middle schools. All the mentioned schools (Kew-Forest, Portledge, Buckley) have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. New York State also offers tax-advantaged 529 plans for K-12 private school tuition, which can provide some relief.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Little Neck offer that leverage the New York City area?
Schools in this region heavily utilize NYC's resources. The Kew-Forest School emphasizes its urban setting with internships and city-based learning. Portledge School offers a distinctive "Portledge Path" with global travel and STEAM initiatives, benefiting from its proximity to major research institutions. The Buckley Country Day School focuses on a strong foundational curriculum with character education. Commonly, you'll find specialized programs in robotics, debate, and arts partnerships with NYC institutions, as well as competitive athletics leagues within the Independent School Athletic League (ISAL) or other local conferences.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Little Neck, NY, area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, parents should start researching schools 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines (often with a fee), scheduling student assessments and interviews (Fall/Winter), and receiving decisions in March. Many schools also require the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or similar assessments. For younger grades, sibling and legacy preferences are common, making early engagement vital for families new to the private school landscape in this competitive region.
For a family in Little Neck, what are the major considerations when choosing between the high-performing local public school (PS 94, MS 67, Bayside HS) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Little Neck is zoned for well-regarded public schools, which offer a no-tuition, diverse community experience. The primary draws of private options are much smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), individualized attention, distinct pedagogical approaches (progressive vs. traditional), and often more extensive resources in arts, technology, and facilities. Private schools also provide a consistent educational pathway from early grades through high school, whereas public schooling may involve multiple school transitions. The commute and financial investment are the most significant trade-offs for Little Neck families.
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