The Best Private Schools in Macedon, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Macedon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Harley School
Independent School
The Harley School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located approximately 20 minutes from Macedon, it offers a comprehensive educational experience with both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong academic reputation and diverse extracurricular offerings, Harley emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development with small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Allendale Columbia School
Independent School
Allendale Columbia School is a prestigious independent school serving students from age 3 through grade 12, located about 25 minutes from Macedon. The school offers a rigorous academic program with both IB and AP options, complemented by extensive arts and athletics programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, students receive personalized attention in state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science laboratories, and performance spaces. The school is recognized for preparing students for top colleges and universities while fostering global citizenship and leadership skills.
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McQuaid Jesuit
Jesuit Schools Network
McQuaid Jesuit is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 6-12, located approximately 25 minutes from Macedon. As part of the Jesuit educational tradition, the school emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and service to others. The comprehensive curriculum includes extensive AP course offerings and specialized programs in STEM fields. The campus features modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and technology resources. McQuaid is known for its strong community, competitive sports programs, and successful college placement record, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Macedon, New York
Are there any private schools located directly within the town of Macedon, New York, or will we need to commute to nearby areas?
There are no major independent private K-12 day schools physically located within the Macedon town limits. Families in Macedon typically commute to highly-regarded private schools in the greater Rochester area. The schools you mentioned—The Harley School and Allendale Columbia School in Rochester, and McQuaid Jesuit in Brighton—are the primary options, with commute times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes depending on your location in Macedon. This proximity to a major city like Rochester provides access to a robust private school market, albeit with a daily commute.
What are the distinctive educational philosophies of the top private schools accessible from Macedon, NY, and how do they differ?
The leading schools near Macedon offer distinct approaches. **The Harley School** (Pre-K-12) emphasizes progressive, student-centered education with a strong focus on creative and critical thinking within a collaborative environment. **Allendale Columbia School** (Pre-K-12) is known for its innovative, future-ready curriculum, deep experiential learning, and a pronounced global perspective. **McQuaid Jesuit** (5-12, all-boys) provides a structured, college-preparatory education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of "cura personalis" (care for the whole person), emphasizing intellectual, spiritual, and ethical development. This variety allows Macedon families to choose a philosophy that best aligns with their child's needs.
How does tuition for Rochester-area private schools compare for Macedon, NY, residents, and what financial aid options are available?
For Macedon residents, tuition is the same as for other enrolled students, but you must factor in transportation costs. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition ranges approximately from $20,000 to $30,000+ for upper grades at these schools. All three schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, with Harley and Allendale Columbia using the Clarity Application and McQuaid using FACTS. Importantly, New York State also offers the **STEM Incentive Program** for top scholars and the **Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)** for eligible families with children in non-public high schools, which can provide additional financial relief.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Rochester area, and when should Macedon families start?
The process is highly structured and begins early. Macedon families should start researching schools 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications (deadlines are often in January or February for the following fall), and completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. Starting early is crucial, especially for middle and high school entry points, to navigate financial aid applications and ensure you can manage the logistics of the commute from Macedon.
For a family living in Macedon, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Wayne Central) and a private school in Rochester?
This decision involves weighing several local factors. **Wayne Central School District** offers a no-commute, community-based education with standard extracurriculars. Opting for a Rochester-area private school involves a significant daily commitment to transportation (car pooling is common) but provides access to specialized academic programs, often smaller class sizes, and different educational philosophies. You must consider the child's fit, the family's schedule, and the long-term financial investment. Many Macedon families find the commute worthwhile for a specific program (like McQuaid's Jesuit leadership model or Harley's arts integration) not available in the public setting.
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