The Best Private Schools in Port Jervis, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Port Jervis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart Elementary School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn
Sacred Heart Elementary School has been serving the Port Jervis community for over six decades as the only Catholic elementary school in the immediate area. The school provides a faith-based education with strong emphasis on core academic subjects while integrating technology and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention in a nurturing environment. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated computer lab, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and strong community values.
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John S. Burke Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York
Located approximately 20 miles from Port Jervis in Goshen, Burke Catholic High School serves students from throughout Orange County and neighboring regions. As a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school, it offers rigorous academic programs including 15+ Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school features state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic facilities, and comprehensive student support services. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous merit scholarship recipients annually, Burke Catholic maintains strong academic outcomes. The school community emphasizes spiritual development, academic excellence, and character formation through various service and leadership opportunities.
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The Chapel Field Christian Schools
Chapel Field Christian Schools
Chapel Field Christian Schools, located approximately 15 miles from Port Jervis in Pine Bush, serves families throughout Orange County and the tri-state area. The school offers comprehensive Christian education from pre-kindergarten through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. Academic programs include honors and advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM curriculum, and competitive athletics programs that have produced multiple state champions. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's committed faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community values that prepare students both academically and spiritually for future success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Port Jervis, New York
What are the main private school options available for families in Port Jervis, NY, and what grade levels do they serve?
Port Jervis offers a few key private institutions, primarily with religious affiliations. **Sacred Heart Elementary School** provides a Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, **John S. Burke Catholic High School** in nearby Goshen serves grades 9-12 and is a common choice for Port Jervis families seeking a Catholic secondary education. Additionally, **The Chapel Field Christian Schools** in Pine Bush offer a Protestant Christian education from Pre-K through 12th grade. It's important to note that while these schools serve the Port Jervis tri-state area, some require a short commute, as Port Jervis itself has a limited number of campuses.
How does tuition at Port Jervis area private schools compare, and are there any New York State financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Sacred Heart Elementary's tuition is approximately $5,000-$7,000, while Burke Catholic High School's tuition is around $10,000-$12,000. Chapel Field Christian Schools' tuition is typically in a similar range to Burke. Critically for New York State residents, the **Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)** is not applicable for K-12 schools. However, New York's **Child Safety Fund (via the Education Tax Credit)** can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, all three schools offer internal financial aid, parish subsidies (for Catholic schools), and multi-child discounts. It's essential to inquire directly with each school's admissions office.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools serving the Port Jervis community?
Schools serving Port Jervis emphasize college preparation with distinct specialties. **John S. Burke Catholic High School** offers several Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a well-regarded STEM program. **The Chapel Field Christian Schools** have strong athletics programs and may offer unique electives aligned with their Christian worldview. **Sacred Heart Elementary** focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy with integrated faith formation. A common thread in this region is the emphasis on character education and smaller class sizes, which allow for more individualized attention compared to larger public school districts. Many students also participate in regional sports leagues and academic competitions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Port Jervis, NY area?
The enrollment process generally begins in the winter prior to the desired school year. For **Sacred Heart Elementary**, open houses often occur in January-February, with registration deadlines in early spring. **John S. Burke Catholic High School** conducts entrance exams for incoming 9th graders (the TACHS exam) in November, with applications due shortly after. **Chapel Field Christian Schools** typically have rolling admissions but encourage applications by March for the best chance of placement. Given the limited seats, especially in the elementary grades, Port Jervis families are advised to start inquiries a full year in advance. Most schools require transcripts, recommendations, and a family interview.
For a family in Port Jervis, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. The **Port Jervis City School District** offers a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 education with diverse extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like Sacred Heart, Burke, or Chapel Field typically involves a desire for a faith-based environment, smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public), and a specific curricular focus. Transportation is a key logistical factor: New York State law mandates that the Port Jervis public district provides transportation to private schools within a 15-mile radius, which covers these options. Families must weigh the cost of tuition against the value of a religious education and perceived academic rigor. Many local families use a mix, with children attending public elementary and transitioning to private high school.
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