The Best Private Schools in Ridgewood, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ridgewood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Churchill School and Center
Specialized Independent School
The Churchill School specializes in serving students with language-based learning disabilities and has earned exceptional ratings for its specialized approach. While located in Manhattan, the school serves families throughout the metropolitan area including Ridgewood. The school provides a comprehensive academic program tailored to students who learn differently, with small class sizes, individualized instruction, and extensive support services. Their program focuses on building academic skills, self-advocacy, and preparing students for college and beyond, with outstanding college acceptance rates for their graduates.
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The Berkeley Carroll School
Independent School
The Berkeley Carroll School is a highly-regarded independent school serving families from Ridgewood and surrounding Brooklyn/Queens areas. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their comprehensive curriculum includes advanced STEM courses, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and community service opportunities. The school is known for its diverse student body and strong college placement record, with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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The Kew-Forest School
Independent School
Located in nearby Forest Hills, The Kew-Forest School is one of Queens' oldest independent schools serving Ridgewood families. The school offers International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs alongside a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include modern science labs, art studios, performance spaces, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and critical thinking skills, with a diverse student community and strong emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ridgewood, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Ridgewood, New York, and are they located within the neighborhood itself?
Ridgewood, NY, is a residential neighborhood in Queens, and while it has excellent public schools, most of the top-tier private schools are located in nearby neighborhoods. Families in Ridgewood commonly consider schools like The Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills (Pre-K-12), The Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope, Brooklyn (Pre-K-12), and specialized institutions like The Churchill School and Center in Manhattan (for students with language-based learning disabilities). It's important for Ridgewood parents to factor in commute times, as accessing these schools often involves travel to adjacent boroughs. Some local Catholic and parochial schools may offer more immediate neighborhood options.
How does tuition for private schools near Ridgewood, NY, compare to the broader New York City average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the premier private schools accessible from Ridgewood is aligned with the high costs of New York City independent schools, often ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $60,000 annually for upper grades. Schools like Berkeley Carroll and Kew-Forest have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It is critical for Ridgewood families to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as funds are competitive. New York State also offers tax-advantaged 529 plans for K-12 tuition expenses, and some schools have payment plan options to help manage the significant financial commitment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Ridgewood that might not be available in local public schools?
Private schools in the New York City area, including those serving Ridgewood families, often provide distinctive programs. For example, The Berkeley Carroll School has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, advanced STEM labs, and extensive arts offerings. The Kew-Forest School highlights its global citizenship curriculum and small class sizes for personalized attention. These schools frequently have partnerships with NYC cultural institutions, offer competitive robotics or debate teams, and provide extensive college counseling resources that can be more intensive than those in the larger Ridgewood public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Ridgewood, NY, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The private school admissions process in the New York City area is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, parents should start researching schools in the spring or summer before the application year (e.g., spring 2024 for fall 2025). Key steps include attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by early January (with deadlines typically between January 1-15), and completing student assessments and interviews. Notification dates are usually in late February or early March. Given the competitive nature, Ridgewood families are advised to plan at least 12-18 months in advance and consider applying to multiple schools.
For a family in Ridgewood deciding between the local public schools and private options, what are the key factors to consider specific to this Queens neighborhood?
Ridgewood is known for its strong and diverse public school system, including highly-rated schools like PS 88 and Grover Cleveland High School. The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors: the desire for a specialized curriculum (e.g., Montessori, progressive education) more readily found in private schools, the resources available for unique learning needs, and the daily commute to a private school outside the neighborhood. Families should also consider the cultural and socioeconomic diversity goals for their child, as well as the long-term financial impact of tuition versus the potential savings of staying within the well-regarded Ridgewood public school district.
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