The Best Private Schools in Ontario, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ontario. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
McQuaid Jesuit
Jesuit Schools Network
McQuaid Jesuit is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men in the Jesuit tradition, serving students from Ontario and throughout the Rochester region. Founded in 1954, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors options. The 35-acre campus includes modern science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. McQuaid emphasizes character formation through its Jesuit identity, requiring community service and offering spiritual development programs. The school maintains a 98% college matriculation rate to selective institutions.
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The Harley School
Independent
The Harley School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Rochester area, including Ontario. Founded in 1917, it offers a progressive education with International Baccalaureate programs from primary years through diploma. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Harley emphasizes individualized learning, critical thinking, and community engagement. The campus spans 25 acres with outdoor learning spaces and sustainability initiatives.
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Allendale Columbia School
Independent
Allendale Columbia School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from preschool through grade 12. With a history dating back to 1890, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with innovative programs in entrepreneurship, global studies, and technology. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. AC emphasizes personalized learning with an average class size of 14 students and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, performing arts productions, and international travel programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ontario, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Ontario, New York, and what are their key characteristics?
Ontario, NY, is part of the greater Rochester metropolitan area, providing access to several prestigious private schools. The top options include The Harley School (co-ed, progressive Pre-K-12 education with a strong focus on experiential learning), Allendale Columbia School (co-ed, Pre-K-12 known for its global focus and innovative curriculum), and McQuaid Jesuit (all-boys, 6-12 Catholic school with a rigorous college-prep program). While these schools are located in nearby Rochester, they actively serve families from Ontario and the surrounding Finger Lakes region through busing or carpool networks. Each offers distinct educational philosophies, making it important for Ontario parents to visit and find the best fit.
How does tuition for private schools in the Ontario, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Ontario, NY, typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per year for upper grades, with lower rates for younger grades. All three major schools—Harley, Allendale Columbia, and McQuaid Jesuit—have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. As New York State does not offer voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, aid comes directly from the schools' endowments and fundraising. It's crucial for Ontario families to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, as deadlines are strict. Many local families also utilize payment plans to manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ontario, NY, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Rochester/Ontario area often provide specialized programs not always available in public districts. For example, The Harley School has a renowned environmental sustainability program and a farm campus. Allendale Columbia emphasizes global citizenship with extensive language offerings and travel opportunities. McQuaid Jesuit offers a distinctive classical curriculum rooted in the Jesuit tradition, along with strong engineering and robotics programs. These schools generally have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and innovative project-based learning, which can be a significant draw for Ontario parents seeking a tailored education.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for applying to private schools like Harley, Allendale Columbia, or McQuaid from Ontario, NY?
The enrollment process for these competitive schools begins early. For fall admission, parents in Ontario should start researching in the fall of the prior year (e.g., September-October). Key steps include: attending open houses (often held October-January), submitting applications by January/February deadlines, scheduling student visits/interviews, and taking required entrance exams (like the ISEE or HSPT for McQuaid). Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March. Given that these schools draw from a wide region, including Ontario, early application is strongly advised to secure a spot and arrange transportation.
For families in Ontario, NY, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to these private schools located in Rochester?
Transportation is a key logistical factor for Ontario families. None of these schools provide dedicated district busing from Ontario. However, all three schools facilitate and help organize parent-run carpools with families from the Ontario, Webster, and eastern suburbs. Some families may qualify for limited public transportation via RTS bus routes, but this is often not ideal for younger students. The commute to Rochester can take 20-40 minutes depending on exact location and traffic. Many families find the commute worthwhile for the educational benefits, but it's an important daily consideration for scheduling and extracurricular participation.
Private Education Insights
Top Private High Schools in Ontario, NY: A Parent's Guide to Local Excellence
For parents in Ontario, New York, beginning the search for the “best private high schools near me” is an exciting and significant step. This journey is about more than just academic rankings; it’s about finding a community and an educational philosophy that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique potential. Fortunately, the Greater Rochester area, which Ontario is a part of, offers a remarkable concentration of exceptional independent schools, each with its own distinctive character. Navigating these options requires looking beyond the phrase “best private high schools near me” to understand what each institution specifically offers and how it fits within the fabric of our local community.
Your search will likely lead you to several standout institutions just a short drive from Ontario. Schools like The Harley School in Brighton emphasize progressive, student-centered education with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and community engagement. Its collaborative project-based learning model is ideal for the intellectually curious student who thrives in a less traditional, discussion-oriented environment. Meanwhile, Allendale Columbia School in Pittsford offers a rigorous college-preparatory program known for its global perspective and entrepreneurial focus. With a sprawling campus and a culture that encourages innovation, it prepares students to think critically on a world stage. For families seeking a faith-based education with a renowned tradition of academic excellence and character formation, McQuaid Jesuit in Brighton provides a comprehensive all-boys program rooted in the Jesuit principle of educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
When evaluating the best private high schools near you in Ontario, practical local considerations are key. The daily commute is a real factor; traffic on routes like I-490 or Route 96 can influence your decision, so visiting during a typical school day is insightful. Also, consider the social and extracurricular connections. Many Ontario students participate in local sports leagues or arts programs, and you’ll want to see how a school’s schedule and community integrate with life in Wayne County. Don’t underestimate the value of talking to other Ontario families currently enrolled at these schools. They can provide firsthand insight into the daily reality, the school culture, and how the transition from our suburban community to a Rochester-area campus truly feels.
Ultimately, the “best” school is the one where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired. We recommend moving from an online search for “best private high schools near me” to immersive, in-person discovery. Attend open houses at Harley, Allendale Columbia, and McQuaid Jesuit. Sit in on classes, ask teachers about their approach, and observe the interactions between students. Notice if the school’s ethos—whether it’s hands-on learning, global citizenship, or service leadership—resonates with your child’s interests and your family’s aspirations. The investment in a private high school education in our area is an investment in a tailored pathway, and the rich options available to Ontario families mean you can find a place where your student will not only prepare for college but also develop the confidence and integrity to thrive beyond it.
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