The Best Private Schools in Maspeth, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Maspeth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis Preparatory School
Catholic School
St. Francis Prep is the largest private Catholic high school in the United States, serving students from throughout Queens including Maspeth. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, business, and fine arts. The 10-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. With a diverse student body and strong community values, St. Francis Prep maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has produced numerous National Merit Scholars. The school's extensive transportation network makes it easily accessible from Maspeth.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent
The Kew-Forest School is one of Queens' oldest and most prestigious independent schools, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Maspeth in Forest Hills, the school offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum alongside traditional college preparatory programs. The campus features modern science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes averaging 12-15 students, Kew-Forest provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and offers extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, debate, and competitive sports.
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Léman Manhattan Preparatory School
Meritas Family of Schools
Léman Manhattan Preparatory School offers a world-class International Baccalaureate education with campuses in Lower Manhattan and the Upper West Side. While located in Manhattan, the school serves families from throughout the New York metropolitan area, including Queens communities like Maspeth. The school features cutting-edge facilities including rooftop playgrounds, science laboratories, and performing arts spaces. Léman's global network through the Meritas Family of Schools provides unique international opportunities and exchange programs. The school offers a comprehensive college counseling program and maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, ensuring personalized attention and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Maspeth, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Maspeth, New York?
While Maspeth itself is a residential neighborhood, it is strategically located near several highly-regarded private institutions. The most prominent nearby options include St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, a large Franciscan Catholic school; The Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills, offering a co-ed, college-preparatory program from Pre-K through 12th grade; and Léman Manhattan Preparatory School in Lower Manhattan, an International Baccalaureate World School. Many Maspeth families also consider Catholic academies within the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. Access to these schools typically involves a commute, utilizing nearby subway lines, buses, or private transportation.
How does tuition for private schools near Maspeth, NY, compare to the New York City average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools in the Queens and greater NYC area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like St. Francis Prep have tuition around $12,000, while independent schools like Kew-Forest and Léman Manhattan can range from approximately $40,000 to over $60,000 annually. These figures are in line with the high cost of private education in New York City. Crucially, most schools offer robust financial aid and scholarship programs based on demonstrated need. Parents should apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, using systems like SSS (School and Student Services) and inquire about merit scholarships and parish subsidies for Catholic schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Maspeth, NY?
Schools in this corridor offer distinctive programs that leverage their NYC location. St. Francis Prep emphasizes a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum with extensive AP offerings and a renowned performing arts program. The Kew-Forest School focuses on intimate, personalized college prep with strong STEM and arts integration. Léman Manhattan provides a globally-focused International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and utilizes its downtown campus for unique urban learning experiences. A key advantage for Maspeth students is the easy access to world-class cultural institutions, which these schools often incorporate into their curricula through regular field trips and partnerships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Maspeth, NY?
The timeline is critical and begins early. For fall entry, the process often starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (often with a fee), scheduling student interviews and assessments (for middle and high school), and taking standardized tests like the ISEE or SSAT. For Catholic schools like St. Francis Prep, the TACHS exam in November is essential for 8th graders. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently with admissions materials. It is highly recommended to contact schools directly for their specific calendars and to schedule tours to assess the commute from Maspeth.
For a family in Maspeth, what are the main considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Maspeth-specific factors. Local zoned public schools, like PS 153 or IS 73, offer proximity and no tuition. The trade-off for private options involves a daily commute to Queens neighborhoods like Fresh Meadows or Forest Hills, or even to Manhattan. Parents must weigh the value of specialized curricula (e.g., IB, religious education), smaller class sizes, and specific extracurricular offerings against commute time and cost. The investment is not only financial but also logistical. Many families find the structured environment and college placement records of schools like St. Francis Prep or Kew-Forest worth the effort, especially for high school, while others prioritize the community-centric convenience of Maspeth's public schools.
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