The Best Private Schools in Savannah, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Savannah. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
St. Michael School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the Savannah area and surrounding Wayne County communities. With over 65 years of educational excellence, the school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and comprehensive programs including STEM education, fine arts, and technology integration. Parents consistently praise the supportive community environment, strong moral development, and rigorous academic preparation. The school serves students from pre-K through 6th grade with extended care options for working families.
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Allendale Columbia School
Independent School
Allendale Columbia School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from pre-K through grade 12, drawing families from Savannah and throughout the Rochester region. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers rigorous academic programs with global perspectives. The school features exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, students receive personalized attention and mentorship. The school is renowned for its college preparatory success, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, extensive arts offerings, and global travel opportunities.
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The Harley School
Independent School
The Harley School is a highly respected independent school serving the greater Rochester area, including Savannah families seeking exceptional private education. Founded in 1917, the school offers a comprehensive program from nursery through 12th grade, featuring Montessori early childhood education and college-preparatory upper school curriculum. The school emphasizes project-based learning, environmental sustainability, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and innovation labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently highlight the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community. The school's graduates are well-prepared for competitive colleges and universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Savannah, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families in Savannah, New York, and what are their educational approaches?
Savannah, NY, is served by several well-regarded private schools, though it's important to note that some, like The Harley School and Allendale Columbia School, are located in nearby Rochester, which is a common commute for families in the Savannah area. The most local option is often St. Michael School, which provides a Catholic, faith-based education. The Harley School is a progressive, independent school emphasizing experiential learning, while Allendale Columbia offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. Due to Savannah's more rural setting in Wayne County, many families consider schools in the greater Rochester area, expanding their options to include various religious and independent institutions.
How does tuition for private schools in the Savannah, NY, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools accessible to Savannah families varies significantly. Local parochial schools like St. Michael School often have lower tuition rates, potentially ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 annually. Independent schools in Rochester, such as The Harley School or Allendale Columbia, have higher tuitions, often exceeding $30,000 per year for upper grades, which is above the New York State private school average. Importantly, most of these schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. New York State also offers programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible families, and some schools participate in state-supported scholarship funds for middle-income families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Savannah, NY, offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in the Savannah and greater Rochester area often design programs that utilize the region's unique assets. For instance, schools may incorporate environmental science studies focused on the nearby Great Lakes ecosystem, Finger Lakes geology, or local agricultural science tied to Wayne County's farming community. The Harley School is known for its immersive "Winterim" program, which can include local internships. Allendale Columbia emphasizes global studies with local cultural connections. While St. Michael School integrates community service within the Savannah area, schools may also have partnerships with Rochester's museums, theaters, and universities, providing enrichment opportunities not always available in a rural public district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Savannah, NY, families, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for the top private schools near Savannah generally begins in the fall, a full year before the desired start date. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid (like SSS/Clarity) are often between January and February. Admissions events and open houses are held in the fall. Given the reputation and limited seats at schools like Harley and Allendale Columbia, waitlists are common, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade. For a more local option like St. Michael School, the process may be more flexible, but early inquiry is still recommended. Savannah families should plan to research and visit schools 12-18 months in advance.
For a family living in rural Savannah, NY, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to private school options in Rochester?
The key considerations involve commute, community, cost, and curriculum. The Savannah-Shortsville (Red Jacket) Central School District is a small, rural public district offering a close-knit community with no tuition. The primary trade-off for private school is the daily commute of 30-45 minutes to Rochester schools, which adds significant time and transportation logistics. However, private schools offer smaller class sizes, specialized academic tracks, extensive arts and language programs, and often more resources for college counseling that may be limited in a small public district. Families must weigh the financial investment against the desire for a specific educational philosophy or program not available locally.
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