The Best Private Schools in Sterling, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sterling. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
McQuaid Jesuit
Jesuit Schools Network
McQuaid Jesuit is a renowned all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 6-12. Located approximately 35 minutes from Sterling, it serves students from throughout the Finger Lakes region with a comprehensive Jesuit education model. The school features extensive facilities including modern academic buildings, science and technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. McQuaid is known for its rigorous academic curriculum with 25+ AP courses, strong STEM programs, championship athletic teams, and emphasis on character formation through service learning. The school maintains a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and has an outstanding college acceptance record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
The Harley School
Independent
The Harley School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located approximately 45 minutes from Sterling, it serves families throughout the Finger Lakes region with a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum. The school features a 25-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Harley is known for its strong academic program that includes both IB and AP options, emphasis on critical thinking, and commitment to character development. The school maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
Programs:
Allendale Columbia School
Independent
Allendale Columbia School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located about 40 minutes from Sterling in Rochester, it draws students from throughout Wayne County and the broader region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with both IB and AP courses, emphasizing global perspective and innovative learning. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Allendale Columbia is particularly noted for its strong college placement record, diverse student body, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. The school maintains a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive support services.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sterling, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families in Sterling, New York, and are they located directly in the town?
Sterling itself is a small town in Cayuga County, so most top-tier private schools are located in the broader Rochester metropolitan area, which is a reasonable commute. The schools you mentioned—The Harley School and Allendale Columbia School in Rochester, and McQuaid Jesuit in Brighton—are among the most prominent. For Sterling residents, these schools are typically accessed via car or bus, with commutes ranging from 45 minutes to over an hour. There may also be smaller parochial or independent options closer to Sterling in towns like Auburn or Fair Haven, but the premier college-preparatory institutions are concentrated near Rochester.
How does tuition for top private schools near Sterling, NY, compare to the New York state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at schools like Harley, Allendale Columbia, and McQuaid Jesuit is generally at or above the New York state average for private schools, which is among the highest in the nation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for these schools ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000+ for upper grades. Importantly, all these institutions have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. As a Sterling resident, your eligibility for aid is assessed through applications like SSS (School and Student Services), and many families receive significant grants. New York also has programs like the Child Tuition Tax Credit, which can provide a state tax credit for donations to scholarship organizations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Sterling, NY, offer that might justify the commute?
The schools in the Rochester area offer distinctive programs not commonly found in smaller public districts like Sterling's. The Harley School emphasizes experiential, project-based learning and has a renowned environmental program. Allendale Columbia is known for its global focus, entrepreneurship courses, and strong arts. McQuaid Jesuit offers a rigorous classical education rooted in the Jesuit tradition, with exceptional STEM and robotics programs. For a student from Sterling with specific interests in, for example, engineering, competitive debate, or intensive language study, these programs can be a major draw. The schools also provide extensive athletic leagues, arts facilities, and college counseling networks that are more comprehensive than typically available locally.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a Sterling family applying to a Rochester-area private school like McQuaid Jesuit?
The process is highly structured and begins well over a year before intended entry. For a fall 2026 start, you would begin researching in spring/summer 2025. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting an application by January 2026, providing student records and teacher recommendations, and having your child complete an entrance assessment (like the ISEE or a school-specific test). For McQuaid Jesuit, as a boys' school, there may also be a student interview. Financial aid applications are due concurrently. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For Sterling families, it's crucial to plan for the logistics of visits, testing, and the daily commute, which is often a topic discussed during the family interview.
For a family living in Sterling, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to a private school in Rochester?
The comparison involves fundamental trade-offs. The Sterling Central School District is a small, rural K-12 district offering a close-knit community with potentially smaller class sizes at the elementary level but fewer advanced course offerings at the high school level. The private schools in Rochester offer a wider array of AP/advanced courses, specialized faculty, and facilities for arts, athletics, and technology. The major consideration is the daily commute, which can be 1.5-2+ hours roundtrip, impacting family time and extracurricular participation. Financially, you are weighing the cost of tuition against the "free" public option. Culturally, it's about choosing between a localized community experience and a more diverse, metropolitan environment with a specific educational philosophy (e.g., progressive, Jesuit). Many families base their decision on their child's specific academic needs and aspirations.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities