The Best Private Schools in Mahopac, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mahopac. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Catholic
St. Mary's School is a Catholic elementary school serving students from pre-K through 8th grade, conveniently located near Mahopac. The school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, music and art programs, and before/after school care. St. Mary's emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. The school has a strong track record of preparing students for competitive high schools and offers a well-rounded education with extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and academic clubs.
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The Harvey School
Independent
The Harvey School is a highly-regarded co-educational independent day school serving students in grades 6-12. Located just 15 minutes from Mahopac, Harvey offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Harvey emphasizes personalized learning with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers comprehensive college counseling. The school's diverse extracurricular program includes competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities.
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St. Lawrence O'Toole School
Catholic
St. Lawrence O'Toole School is a Catholic elementary school serving students from pre-K through 8th grade, located approximately 15 minutes from Mahopac. The school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values with strong emphasis on mathematics, science, and technology. Facilities include smart classrooms, computer lab, library, and gymnasium. The school provides individualized learning support and enrichment programs, along with extracurricular activities including sports teams, drama club, and academic competitions. St. Lawrence O'Toole maintains a strong sense of community and has a reputation for excellent student preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mahopac, New York
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Mahopac, NY, and what are their key characteristics?
Mahopac, NY, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a different focus. The Harvey School (K-12, co-ed) is a prominent independent college-preparatory day school known for its rigorous academics, arts, and athletics. St. Mary's School (Pre-K-8, Catholic) and St. Lawrence O'Toole School (Pre-K-8, Catholic) provide faith-based education within the local parish communities. For high school, many Mahopac families also consider nearby private institutions in Westchester or Putnam counties. The defining characteristic of Mahopac's private landscape is the blend of a well-regarded independent school with smaller, community-oriented parochial options.
How does tuition for private schools in Mahopac, NY, compare, and are there financial aid options or state programs like the STAP to help with costs?
Tuition in Mahopac varies significantly by school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, The Harvey School's tuition is approximately $50,000 for upper school, while the parish-based Catholic schools (St. Mary's and St. Lawrence O'Toole) typically range from $5,000 to $8,000 per year for parishioners. All these schools offer need-based financial aid. Crucially, New York State's STEM Incentive Program and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) are for college, not K-12. However, New York's **Child Care Subsidy** and the **Empire State Child Credit** can provide indirect financial relief. The most relevant aid is directly from the schools, so scheduling a financial aid consultation is highly recommended.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do Mahopac private schools offer that leverage the local Hudson Valley environment?
Mahopac private schools integrate the region's resources into their programs. The Harvey School, for instance, utilizes its 125-acre campus and proximity to the Hudson Valley for environmental science studies, outdoor education, and inspiration for its robust visual and performing arts programs. Its location also facilitates partnerships with local businesses and colleges for internships and advanced research. The Catholic schools often emphasize community service projects within Mahopac and neighboring towns, connecting students to local charities and civic organizations. This regional connection provides a tangible, place-based learning component that enhances the standard curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Mahopac, NY, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline and competitiveness differ between schools. For The Harvey School, the process is most formal and competitive, aligning with independent school norms. Applications for the following fall are typically due in January or February, with decisions released in March. It involves standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT), interviews, and school visits. For St. Mary's and St. Lawrence O'Toole Schools, the process is generally more rolling and community-focused, often with priority for parish members and siblings of current students. It's advisable to initiate inquiries a full year in advance for The Harvey School and by the prior spring for the Catholic elementary schools to ensure space availability.
For a family living in Mahopac, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the Mahopac Central School District public schools and local private options?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, and community. The Mahopac Central School District offers a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 program with diverse AP courses, sports, and clubs. Choosing a private school like The Harvey School often involves seeking a smaller student-teacher ratio, a specific college-prep intensity, or a particular arts/athletics focus. The Catholic schools offer a values-based education integrated with academics. Practically, private school choice means committing to tuition, transportation (as district busing may be provided for certain distances but is not guaranteed), and potentially a different social circle. Many families value the deep, long-term community ties formed in the public system, while others prefer the tailored mission of a private institution.
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