The Best Private Schools in Ossining, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ossining. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hackley School
Independent
Hackley School is a highly selective K-12 independent school located in Tarrytown, serving families throughout Westchester County including Ossining. Founded in 1899, Hackley combines rigorous academics with character development through its motto "Enter here to be and find a friend." The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong emphasis on classics, STEM education, and performing arts. Facilities include a 285-acre campus with modern science centers, athletic fields, and arts spaces. Hackley consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention.
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The Masters School
Independent
The Masters School is a prestigious coeducational day and boarding school serving the Ossining area from nearby Dobbs Ferry. Founded in 1877, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the distinctive Harkness Method, where students learn through collaborative discussion around oval tables. The school features exceptional arts programs, competitive athletics, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Serving grades 5-12, Masters emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global citizenship with a diverse student body that includes international boarding students.
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St. Augustine School
Catholic
St. Augustine School is a local Catholic elementary and middle school serving Ossining families since 1928. Offering Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong moral and academic foundations, the school provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum integrates faith-based education with modern academics including STEM enrichment, language arts, and technology integration. Facilities include smart classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and playground. The school maintains strong community ties and offers comprehensive after-school programs and extracurricular activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ossining, New York
What are the main types of private schools available in Ossining, New York, and how do they differ?
Ossining, NY, offers a diverse range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies and needs. The area is notable for prestigious independent day and boarding schools like The Masters School (co-ed, grades 5-12, with a day and boarding program) and Hackley School (K-12, independent day school in nearby Tarrytown). There is also a parochial option with St. Augustine School (Pre-K-8, Catholic). The key differences lie in their educational approach, religious affiliation (or lack thereof), grade ranges, and campus culture. The independent schools often feature rigorous college-preparatory curricula, extensive arts and athletics, and significant endowments, while the parochial school provides a faith-based education at a generally lower tuition point.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Ossining, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Ossining area varies widely based on the school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000-$15,000 per year for a K-8 parochial school like St. Augustine to over $60,000 for upper-grade boarding at The Masters School. Hackley School's day tuition is also in the upper tier for independent schools. Importantly, most of these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as schools like Hackley and Masters have substantial endowments dedicated to making their education accessible. New York State also has programs like the Child Care Tax Credit for younger students.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for top private schools like Hackley and Masters in the Ossining area?
The process for competitive independent schools in the Ossining area is structured and typically begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: 1) **Research and Inquiries (Spring/Summer prior)**: Attend open houses and virtual tours. 2) **Application Submission (Fall/Winter)**: Deadlines are often in January for the following academic year. Applications include essays, teacher recommendations, school records, and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT). 3) **Interviews and Visits (Winter)**: Required student and parent interviews are a critical component. 4) **Admissions Decisions (March)**: Most schools release decisions in mid-March. For St. Augustine School, the process may be more rolling but still benefits from early application. Sibling and legacy applicants often have earlier notification dates.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular programs that distinguish Ossining-area private schools?
Yes, schools in this region leverage their proximity to New York City and the Hudson Valley to offer distinctive programs. The Masters School is renowned for its Harkness teaching method, where students learn through discussion around an oval table, and its strong emphasis on visual and performing arts. Hackley School's "Knight in Shining Armor" program focuses on character education and its "Hackley 101" immerses 9th graders in interdisciplinary learning. Its location provides easy access to NYC for internships and cultural trips. St. Augustine School offers a strong STEM program and Spanish instruction from an early grade. All schools benefit from outdoor education opportunities due to the area's natural landscape.
For families considering both, what are the primary considerations when comparing Ossining public schools to private options?
The Ossining Union Free School District is well-regarded, offering a diverse, International Baccalaureate (IB) authorized program. Key considerations include: **Class Size**: Private schools like Masters and Hackley offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students) for more individualized attention. **Educational Approach**: The public district offers the IB continuum, while private schools may offer Advanced Placement (AP), Harkness, or other specialized pedagogies. **Resources and Facilities**: Private schools often have newer facilities, more extensive arts/athletics complexes, and higher teacher-student ratios due to larger endowments and tuition. **Community and Diversity**: Ossining public schools are highly diverse. Private schools actively work on diversity initiatives but may have a different demographic and geographic mix. The decision often hinges on the desired educational philosophy, specific program offerings, and budget.
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