The Best Private Schools in Staten Island, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Staten Island. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Poly Prep Country Day School
Independent School
While located in Brooklyn, Poly Prep serves many Staten Island families and is easily accessible via the Verrazzano Bridge. This prestigious independent day school serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade on a 25-acre campus. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, competitive athletic programs, and outstanding arts facilities. Poly Prep features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic fields, and innovation spaces. The school maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending Ivy League and other top-tier universities.
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Staten Island Academy
Independent School
Staten Island Academy is the oldest private, independent, coeducational day school in New York City, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and a strong emphasis on character development. The 12-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and performance spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Joseph Hill Academy
Catholic School
St. Joseph Hill Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for young women serving grades 9-12, with a coeducational elementary division. The school provides a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values with extensive Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and diverse extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a chapel, athletic fields, and specialized spaces for arts and technology. The school emphasizes leadership development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Staten Island, New York
What are the main types of private schools available on Staten Island, and how do they differ?
Staten Island offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as independent secular schools, Catholic diocesan schools, and single-sex academies. For example, Staten Island Academy is a prestigious, co-educational independent school offering a rigorous college-prep curriculum from Pre-K through 12th grade. St. Joseph Hill Academy represents the strong Catholic school tradition on the island, offering all-girls education from elementary through high school. Poly Prep Country Day School, while based in Brooklyn, has a significant draw for Staten Island families seeking a top-tier independent school experience with extensive extracurriculars. This variety allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and community values specific to the Staten Island context.
How does tuition for Staten Island private schools compare to the broader New York City area, and what financial aid options exist?
While generally high, tuition for day schools on Staten Island can be somewhat lower than comparable Manhattan or Brooklyn private schools, though still a significant investment. For the 2023-2024 year, tuition at schools like Staten Island Academy often ranges from $30,000 to $40,000 annually. A key financial consideration specific to New York is the availability of need-based financial aid through individual schools and programs like the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for qualifying families. Many Staten Island private schools also offer merit scholarships and sibling discounts. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict and funds are allocated early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Staten Island private schools offer that leverage the borough's location and community?
Several Staten Island private schools have developed distinctive programs that capitalize on local resources. Many, including Staten Island Academy, have strong marine science and environmental studies programs, utilizing the borough's extensive coastline, wetlands, and the nearby Gateway National Recreation Area. Robotics and STEM competitions are also prominent, with teams often competing in regional NYC leagues. Furthermore, schools with a Catholic tradition, like St. Joseph Hill Academy, may integrate community service requirements that partner with local Staten Island charities and organizations, fostering a strong sense of civic engagement within the borough. Some schools also offer specialized transportation or ferry-based programs for easier access to Manhattan's cultural institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools on Staten Island?
The timeline for Staten Island private schools is aligned with the broader NYC independent school calendar but requires early planning due to limited seats. The process typically begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by early January, and completing student assessments/interviews by February. Many schools also require the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or similar standardized tests. For Catholic schools like St. Joseph Hill, there may be additional requirements such pastor references. Notification dates are usually in mid-March. Given Staten Island's tight-knit community, starting early and demonstrating genuine interest in the specific school's culture is highly advised.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing top Staten Island public schools (like Staten Island Tech) with leading private schools?
The comparison often centers on educational approach, resources, and selectivity. Top public schools like Staten Island Technical High School are tuition-free and academically excellent but are highly selective, requiring a competitive entrance exam (the SHSAT) for admission. They offer a focused, specialized curriculum but may have larger class sizes and fewer resources for arts or individualized learning. In contrast, private schools on Staten Island offer a more holistic, community-oriented education with smaller classes, more individualized attention, and often broader extracurricular offerings from a younger age. They control their curriculum and student body, which can align with specific family values. The decision frequently comes down to a family's priority on a specialized public STEM education versus a comprehensive private school experience with greater emphasis on character development and arts, alongside the significant financial commitment.
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