The Best Private Schools in Port Ewen, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Port Ewen. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rhinebeck Country School
Independent
Rhinebeck Country School is an independent progressive school serving families throughout the Hudson Valley region, including Port Ewen. The school focuses on child-centered education with hands-on learning experiences and strong emphasis on social-emotional development. Their curriculum integrates outdoor education, environmental studies, and comprehensive arts programs. The school features small multi-age classrooms, experienced teachers, and a beautiful campus with extensive outdoor learning spaces. Known for its inclusive community and innovative approach to education.
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Kingston Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
Kingston Catholic School serves students from Port Ewen and surrounding Ulster County communities with a comprehensive Catholic education program. The school emphasizes faith-based learning alongside strong academic foundations in core subjects. Features include small class sizes, dedicated faculty, modern technology integration, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM education, music, art, and physical education. The school maintains strong community ties and offers before/after school care programs for working families.
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Oakwood Friends School
Friends (Quaker)
Oakwood Friends School is one of the oldest co-educational boarding and day schools in the United States, serving students from Port Ewen and throughout the Hudson Valley. The Quaker-inspired education emphasizes academic excellence, community responsibility, and peaceful conflict resolution. The college preparatory curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and community service requirements. The school features a diverse student body, experienced faculty with advanced degrees, and a beautiful 63-acre campus with modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Port Ewen, New York
Are there any private schools physically located within Port Ewen, New York, or will we need to commute to neighboring towns?
There are no major private school campuses physically located within the hamlet of Port Ewen itself. Families typically commute to nearby towns in Ulster and Dutchess counties. Popular options include Kingston Catholic School in Kingston (approx. 10-15 minutes north), Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie (approx. 20-25 minutes south), and Rhinebeck Country School in Rhinebeck (approx. 25-30 minutes southeast). The Port Ewen location offers convenient access to the Route 9W corridor for these commutes.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Port Ewen, NY area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State?
Tuition in the Port Ewen area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Kingston Catholic School's elementary tuition is approximately $6,000-$8,000, while independent schools like Oakwood Friends School have tuition exceeding $40,000 for upper grades. New York State offers several financial aid opportunities, including the **STEP (Science, Technology and Engineering Program) for private school students** and the **Child Care and Dependent Care Credit**. Additionally, many local schools have their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through each school's process, often using the Clarity Application.
What unique educational programs or philosophies are offered by private schools accessible from Port Ewen, NY?
The schools serving Port Ewen families offer distinct educational approaches. **Oakwood Friends School** is the only Quaker-based, college-preparatory school in the region, emphasizing community, silence, and social justice. **Rhinebeck Country School** offers a progressive, project-based learning environment from preschool through 8th grade, often with multi-age classrooms. **Kingston Catholic School** provides a structured, faith-based education infused with Catholic values and traditions. This variety allows Port Ewen parents to choose a philosophical fit, whether it's religious, progressive, or Friends-based, without having to move to a major metropolitan area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Port Ewen, and are there waiting lists?
The enrollment timeline for schools like Kingston Catholic, Oakwood Friends, and Rhinebeck Country School generally begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March. Due to their reputations and limited seats, especially in lower grades, these schools can have waiting lists. It is highly advisable for Port Ewen families to begin attending open houses in the early fall, schedule tours, and submit applications well before the deadline. Some schools may offer rolling admissions for later grades if space is available.
For a Port Ewen resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Kingston City School District) to private school options?
Key considerations include class size, educational approach, and commute. The Kingston City School District's Port Ewen Elementary School offers a no-tuition, community-based option with larger class sizes. Private alternatives offer significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios (often 10:1 or lower) and specialized curricula. However, they require tuition and a daily commute. Parents must weigh the value of a specific religious or pedagogical approach against the convenience and cost of the local public school. Additionally, private schools in the area often have more extensive extracurricular and arts programs relative to their size, which can be a deciding factor for some families. Transportation to private schools is typically the family's responsibility.
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