The Best Private Schools in Schroon Lake, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Schroon Lake. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
North Country School
Independent
North Country School is a renowned co-educational boarding and day school serving the Adirondack region, including Schroon Lake families. Located just 30 minutes from Schroon Lake, the school offers a progressive educational approach with strong emphasis on environmental science, sustainability, and outdoor learning. The 220-acre campus features farm-to-table dining, extensive arts facilities, and innovative academic programs. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, the school provides personalized attention and has excellent college placement records. The program integrates traditional academics with hands-on learning experiences in the unique Adirondack environment.
Programs:
Creative Kids Club
Independent
Creative Kids Club is a highly-regarded private school serving families throughout the Adirondack region, including Schroon Lake. Located approximately 20 minutes from Schroon Lake, this school offers comprehensive early childhood and elementary education with a focus on creative learning and individualized instruction. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated art studios, and outdoor play areas. Programs include STEM education, literacy development, and character education. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and strong academic foundation provided to students. The school serves as a popular choice for families seeking quality private education in the central Adirondacks.
Programs:
St. Agnes School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg
St. Agnes School is a respected Catholic elementary school serving the broader Adirondack community, including Schroon Lake families. Located about 25 minutes from Schroon Lake, the school offers a faith-based education combined with strong academic programming. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while integrating technology, arts, and community service. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school has maintained consistent enrollment and strong community support, with many families commuting from surrounding towns for its balanced approach to education and character development.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Schroon Lake, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Schroon Lake, New York?
Within the Schroon Lake area, families have a few distinct private options. North Country School is a renowned boarding and day school for grades 4-9, known for its progressive, place-based education on a working farm. Creative Kids Club is a private preschool and early childhood center focusing on developmental learning. St. Agnes School is a private Catholic school serving pre-K through 6th grade, offering a faith-based education. It's important to note that due to the rural nature of the Adirondacks, some families also consider private day schools in larger nearby towns like Lake Placid or Ticonderoga, which may involve a significant commute.
How does the tuition for private schools in Schroon Lake, NY, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in the Schroon Lake area varies significantly by institution. North Country School, as a boarding school, has a comprehensive tuition comparable to similar institutions nationally, but it offers robust need-based financial aid. St. Agnes School, as a parish school, typically has a lower tuition rate, often below the New York State private school average, with possible parishioner discounts. Creative Kids Club's preschool tuition is generally structured as weekly or monthly rates. All New York families should explore the state's Child and Dependent Care Credit for eligible expenses. Importantly, none of these schools participate in New York's tuition-based voucher programs, as those are not universally available, so direct aid from the schools is the primary resource.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Schroon Lake private schools offer that leverage the local Adirondack environment?
Private schools in Schroon Lake uniquely integrate the Adirondack Park into their curricula. North Country School is exemplary, with programs in sustainable farming, outdoor leadership, wilderness skills, and environmental science directly on its campus. Students participate in animal care, gardening, and extensive outdoor trips. St. Agnes School incorporates local history and ecology into its lessons, and its small size allows for community-based projects. The shared location means all schools benefit from a natural setting that promotes outdoor play and environmental stewardship, a defining characteristic of education in this region compared to urban or suburban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Schroon Lake, and how competitive is admission?
Enrollment timelines differ. For North Country School, the process is similar to selective independent schools, with applications due in January/February for the following fall, including student visits, interviews, and assessments. Admission can be competitive, seeking students who fit their unique community-oriented, outdoor-focused model. St. Agnes School and Creative Kids Club have more rolling admissions, but it's advisable to inquire by early spring for the fall semester, especially for limited preschool spots. Given the small size of these institutions, particularly the grade-specific classrooms at St. Agnes, spaces are limited and early application is strongly recommended. Open houses are often held in the fall.
For a family considering both options, what are the key differences between the Schroon Lake Central School District (public) and the local private schools?
The key differences involve educational approach, scale, and cost. The Schroon Lake Central School District (K-12) offers a tuition-free, comprehensive public education with standard extracurriculars and serves the entire community. The private options offer specialized approaches: North Country School provides a holistic, residential learning environment with a profound outdoor focus; St. Agnes offers a structured, values-based education in a small, intimate setting; Creative Kids Club provides early childhood-focused care. The public district has broader grade offerings (through 12th), while private options have specific grade ranges. The decision often hinges on a family's preference for a particular educational philosophy, religious affiliation, or specific learning environment, balanced against the significant cost of private tuition.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities