The Best Private Schools in South Glens Falls, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in South Glens Falls. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saratoga Independent School
Independent
Saratoga Independent School offers a progressive, project-based education for students from pre-K through 8th grade. Located just 15 minutes from South Glens Falls, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and community engagement. The curriculum integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) with a strong focus on social-emotional development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and extensive outdoor learning opportunities on their wooded campus. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and rigorous academic preparation for high school.
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St. Mary's School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
St. Mary's School provides a comprehensive Catholic education from pre-K through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Greater Glens Falls area including South Glens Falls. The school combines faith formation with strong academic programs, featuring modern STEM labs, technology integration across all grade levels, and a robust arts curriculum. Facilities include a recently renovated library, science laboratories, and gymnasium. The school maintains small class sizes with certified teachers and offers extensive extracurricular activities. Parent reviews highlight the strong community atmosphere and excellent preparation for area Catholic high schools.
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Lake George Junior-Senior High School
Lake George Central School District (Private Program)
While primarily a public school district, Lake George Junior-Senior High School serves as a regional educational option through its tuition-based programs for out-of-district students, including those from South Glens Falls. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional Advanced Placement courses. Known for academic excellence, the school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 ensures personalized attention, and the school consistently ranks among the top in the Capital Region for college readiness and graduation rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in South Glens Falls, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in South Glens Falls, NY, and what are their educational approaches?
South Glens Falls itself has limited on-site private schools, but families commonly look to several notable institutions in the wider Saratoga County region. The top options include **Saratoga Independent School** in nearby Saratoga Springs, which offers a progressive, project-based curriculum from Pre-K through 8th grade. **St. Mary's School** in Glens Falls provides a Catholic, faith-based education from Pre-K to 6th grade, emphasizing traditional academics and character development. While **Lake George Junior-Senior High School** is a public school, the Lake George Central School District does offer a unique, tuition-based International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme that attracts private-pay students from outside the district, including South Glens Falls. This creates a distinctive "public-private" option for advanced academics.
How does tuition for private schools in the South Glens Falls, NY, area compare, and are there New York-specific financial aid resources?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. Mary's School typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $7,000 annually. Saratoga Independent School's tuition is higher, often between $20,000 and $25,000, reflecting its independent school model and extensive facilities. A key New York-specific resource is the **Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)**, but it is primarily for college. For K-12, parents should inquire directly with each school about need-based financial aid and scholarships. Additionally, New York's **Child Care Subsidy Program** may help with Pre-K costs for eligible families, and some schools participate in diocesan aid programs for Catholic schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from South Glens Falls, NY?
Schools in the region offer specialized programs that leverage the local environment and community. Saratoga Independent School emphasizes outdoor education and place-based learning, often utilizing the Adirondack and Hudson River regions. Their middle school includes innovative electives and a strong arts integration. St. Mary's School incorporates STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) into its curriculum and has a focus on community service within the Glens Falls area. The IB Programme at Lake George Junior-Senior High School, accessible via tuition, provides a globally recognized, rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and research, which is unique for a public school setting in this region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near South Glens Falls, NY, and are there waitlists?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For schools like Saratoga Independent School, open houses are held from October through January, with application deadlines typically in February for the following fall. Admission often includes a student visit/assessment and parent interview. St. Mary's School may have a more rolling admissions process but encourages early application. Due to smaller class sizes, especially in popular grades like kindergarten, waitlists are common at these schools. It is highly advisable for South Glens Falls families to initiate inquiries by November to secure a spot and understand any parish-affiliation requirements or priorities for Catholic schools.
For a family in South Glens Falls, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to private options?
The South Glens Falls Central School District is well-regarded, so the decision often hinges on specific family values and needs. Key considerations include: **Class Size:** Private schools like SIS and St. Mary's offer significantly smaller classes (often 12-18 students) versus larger public school classrooms. **Educational Philosophy:** The project-based, student-driven approach at SIS differs from the standard public curriculum, while St. Mary's offers a structured environment with religious education. **Logistics & Cost:** Commuting to Saratoga Springs or Lake George for private/IB options involves daily transportation, which public school avoids. Families must weigh the annual tuition cost against the free public education, considering if the specialized programs justify the expense. Many families also value the strong community feel and specific moral framework offered by the local private schools.
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