The Best Private Schools in Shrub Oak, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shrub Oak. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School
Archdiocese of New York
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School is a Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Shrub Oak. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, featuring small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Programs include advanced mathematics, comprehensive STEM education, music, art, and technology integration. The school community emphasizes character development and family involvement, with extensive extracurricular activities and strong parent satisfaction ratings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities serving the local community.
Programs:
French-American School of New York
Independent
The French-American School of New York is a prestigious independent bilingual school serving families throughout Westchester County, including Shrub Oak. FASNY offers a unique dual-language education from preschool through high school, culminating in both the International Baccalaureate Diploma and French Baccalaureate. The school features exceptional academic programs with emphasis on global citizenship, advanced STEAM curriculum, and comprehensive arts education. The 30-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a diverse international community and outstanding college placement record, FASNY provides a world-class education for students seeking bilingual and multicultural learning.
Programs:
Kennedy Catholic High School
Archdiocese of New York
Kennedy Catholic High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout Westchester County, including Shrub Oak. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 20+ Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM Academy, and extensive arts programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and comprehensive college counseling. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. With strong athletic programs and numerous extracurricular opportunities, Kennedy Catholic maintains high college acceptance rates and strong community support.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shrub Oak, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Shrub Oak, New York?
Shrub Oak itself is a hamlet within the larger Town of Yorktown, and while it doesn't have a large number of schools within its immediate borders, it is served by several notable private institutions in the surrounding northern Westchester area. These include St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School (Pre-K-8, Catholic), located in nearby Shrub Oak, Kennedy Catholic High School (9-12, Catholic/interfaith) in Somers, and the French-American School of New York (Pre-K-12, bilingual) in nearby Larchmont/Scarsdale. Families also frequently consider other independent and parochial schools throughout Yorktown, Somers, and Cortlandt Manor. The specific choice often depends on grade level, educational philosophy, and commute tolerance.
How does tuition for private schools in the Shrub Oak, NY area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in the Shrub Oak area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, parish-supported Catholic elementary schools like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton can range from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 annually. Secondary schools like Kennedy Catholic High School typically range from $12,000 to $16,000. Elite independent schools like the French-American School of New York can exceed $40,000 per year. Most private schools in New York offer need-based financial aid, and New York State also has programs like the Child Safety Fund (for non-public school security) and potential education tax credits. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages, scholarships, and payment plans.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools accessible from Shrub Oak?
The private schools serving Shrub Oak families offer distinct specializations. The French-American School of New York provides a rigorous bilingual, bicultural curriculum culminating in both the French Baccalaureate and an American high school diploma, which is unique in Westchester. Kennedy Catholic High School offers a strong college-preparatory program with notable arts and STEM pathways, including robotics and advanced science research. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School provides a faith-based education with integrated technology and Spanish instruction from an early age. Many area private schools also leverage their proximity to the cultural and scientific resources of the Hudson Valley and New York City for enrichment programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Shrub Oak, NY region?
The enrollment process for private schools in this competitive region often begins 12-18 months before the desired start date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments/interviews. For schools like FASNY and Kennedy Catholic, adherence to these deadlines is critical due to high demand. Rolling admission may be available at some schools if spaces remain. For Catholic schools, priority is often given to parish members and siblings of current students. We strongly recommend contacting your target schools in the early fall to get exact dates and requirements.
How do the class sizes and community environments of Shrub Oak's private schools compare to the local public schools (Lakeland Central School District)?
The most pronounced difference is class size. Private schools like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Kennedy Catholic typically maintain classes of 15-25 students, compared to public elementary classes in the Lakeland district that can approach 25-30 students. This often allows for more individualized attention. The community environment in Shrub Oak's private options is also distinct: parochial schools foster a close-knit, values-based community, while independent schools like FASNY offer a globally-focused, diverse environment. The Lakeland public schools offer extensive extracurriculars and resources due to their larger scale. The choice often hinges on whether a family prioritizes a specific religious identity, pedagogical approach, or smaller setting versus the comprehensive, tax-funded public system.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Preschools in Shrub Oak, NY: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Shrub Oak, the search for the "best private preschools near me" is often the first significant step in a long and rewarding educational journey for your child. This charming hamlet in Yorktown, with its strong sense of community and beautiful surroundings, is also wonderfully positioned to offer families access to some exceptional early childhood programs, both within its borders and in the surrounding Northern Westchester area. Understanding the local landscape is key, as the ideal preschool will blend a nurturing philosophy with a foundation that aligns with your long-term educational vision.
While Shrub Oak itself is home to excellent institutions like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, which offers a faith-based education beginning with young learners, and is near secondary schools like Kennedy Catholic High School, your search will likely extend into neighboring towns. This is a common and advantageous aspect of living here. Many families find that the "near me" in their search encompasses a 15-20 minute drive, opening doors to specialized programs. For instance, the renowned French-American School of New York, located just a short drive away in Mamaroneck, offers an immersive bilingual preschool experience that is highly sought after. This proximity to diverse options is a real benefit for Shrub Oak residents.
When evaluating the best private preschools near you, consider the educational continuum. Some preschools are stand-alone centers focused solely on early childhood development, while others, like St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, are integrated into a larger K-8 school. This can provide a seamless transition and a consistent community for your child, which many families value. For those considering an independent school path later, looking at preschools that feed into those networks can be strategic. The daily commute is also a practical local factor; with Route 6, 202, and the Taconic State Parkway nearby, assess which locations are most convenient for your family’s daily rhythm.
The best programs in our area typically share common traits: low student-to-teacher ratios, play-based learning infused with early literacy and numeracy, and strong social-emotional development curricula. Visit potential schools and observe the atmosphere. Does it feel like a joyful, secure place? Speak with the directors about their approach to the unique needs of preschoolers. In a community like Shrub Oak, where word-of-mouth is powerful, ask neighbors and local parenting groups for their personal experiences and insights. Your search for the "best private preschools near me" is about finding a partner in your child’s early growth. It’s about locating a program where your little one can build confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning within a safe and stimulating environment, setting a positive tone for all their academic years to come. Taking the time to explore the rich options available from our Shrub Oak base will help you make a confident, informed choice for this foundational chapter.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities