The Best Private Schools in Livonia, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Livonia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
McQuaid Jesuit High School
Jesuit Schools Network
McQuaid Jesuit is a highly-regarded Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men serving the Greater Rochester area, including Livonia. The school offers a rigorous academic program with International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, extensive athletic facilities including a new fieldhouse, and comprehensive arts programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes character formation and academic excellence, with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Allendale Columbia School
Independent School
Allendale Columbia is a prestigious independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12, drawing families from Livonia and surrounding communities. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, with particular strengths in STEM education, performing arts, and global studies. Facilities include modern science laboratories, dedicated arts spaces, athletic fields, and technology-rich classrooms. The school emphasizes personalized learning with small class sizes and has a strong college placement record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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The Charles Finney School
Christian School International
The Charles Finney School is a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with many families commuting from Livonia. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and extensive athletic and arts programs. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic excellence and character development, with a strong record of college acceptance and scholarship awards for graduates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Livonia, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Livonia, New York, and what are their key characteristics?
While Livonia itself is a smaller village, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the greater Rochester area. Notable options include McQuaid Jesuit High School (an all-boys, Jesuit Catholic college-preparatory school in Rochester), Allendale Columbia School (a co-educational, independent Pre-K through 12 school in Pittsford with a progressive, global focus), and The Charles Finney School (a Christian, interdenominational Pre-K through 12 school in Penfield). For Livonia residents, these schools typically involve a commute, but they offer distinct educational philosophies, strong college placement, and smaller class sizes compared to the local public Livingston County districts.
How does tuition for private schools in the Livonia, NY area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Rochester-area private schools varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000 to over $30,000 annually, with high schools generally at the higher end. New York State offers unique financial assistance programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible college-bound students, but more impactful for K-12 is the robust financial aid provided directly by the schools themselves. McQuaid, Allendale Columbia, and Finney all offer need-based financial aid, and some may have merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, New York's 529 College Savings Plan can be used for up to $10,000 per year in K-12 tuition.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Livonia, NY?
The private schools near Livonia provide diverse specializations. McQuaid Jesuit is renowned for its rigorous STEM programs, engineering tracks, and extensive service-learning projects rooted in Jesuit principles. Allendale Columbia emphasizes global studies, entrepreneurship, and innovative project-based learning, with strong arts and language immersion programs. The Charles Finney School offers a Christ-centered curriculum with notable music and fine arts programs, along with competitive athletics. A key advantage for Livonia students is access to these specialized tracks—like advanced science research or global travel opportunities—that may be more limited in smaller, rural public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Rochester area that Livonia families should follow?
The admission process for competitive private schools near Livonia is structured and often begins over a year in advance. The standard timeline starts in the fall (September-October) with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are typically in January or February for the following fall. The process usually includes submission of an application, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a standardized entrance exam (like the ISEE or HSPT). Many schools also require a family interview and student visit day. It is highly advisable for Livonia parents to start research in the spring or summer before the intended enrollment year, as financial aid deadlines often align with or closely follow admission deadlines.
For a family living in Livonia, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the district?
Choosing a private school in Pittsford, Penfield, or Rochester from Livonia involves important logistical factors. Most schools do not provide transportation from Livingston County, meaning parents must commit to daily driving or carpool arrangements, which can be a significant consideration given winter weather. The commute can range from 25 to 45 minutes. On the community side, your child will likely build friendships with students from across the Rochester metro, which broadens their social network but may make local, in-town playdates less frequent. Many families find that active involvement in school events and sports helps build a strong sense of community despite the geographic spread. It's wise to connect with other Livonia or Livingston County families currently attending your target schools to understand their real-world experience.
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