The Best Private Schools in Tarrytown, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tarrytown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hackley School
Independent
Hackley School is a prestigious K-12 independent day school located directly in Tarrytown, renowned for its rigorous academic program and exceptional college placement. The school features a 285-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Hackley emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, offering a comprehensive program that includes 18 AP courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and has a long tradition of sending graduates to top-tier universities.
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The Masters School
Independent
Located just minutes from Tarrytown in neighboring Dobbs Ferry, The Masters School is a highly-regarded coeducational day and boarding school serving grades 5-12. The school is distinguished by its Harkness teaching method, which emphasizes collaborative, discussion-based learning around oval tables. Masters offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement courses, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The campus features modern academic buildings, arts facilities, and athletic spaces, with a diverse student body and strong emphasis on global citizenship and ethical leadership.
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Solomon Schechter School of Westchester
Solomon Schechter School Network
Solomon Schechter School of Westchester is a highly-rated Jewish day school serving students from early childhood through middle school, with many Tarrytown families attending. The school offers a rigorous dual curriculum that combines comprehensive general studies with deep Jewish learning and Hebrew language immersion. Located in nearby White Plains, the school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, project-based learning, and character development, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. The school maintains strong community ties and prepares students for success at top independent and public high schools throughout Westchester County.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tarrytown, New York
What are the primary private school options available in Tarrytown, NY, and what distinguishes them from one another?
Tarrytown is home to several prestigious private schools, each with a distinct identity. **Hackley School** (K-12) is a highly selective, top-tier college preparatory day school with a strong emphasis on character and community, located on a beautiful hilltop campus. **The Masters School** (5-12) is known for its innovative Harkness table discussion method in the Upper School and a co-ed day/boarding program that attracts a diverse, global student body. **Solomon Schechter School of Westchester** (pre-K-8), while located in nearby Hartsdale, serves many Tarrytown families and offers a rigorous dual curriculum combining general studies with Jewish learning and values. This range provides options from secular elite prep to faith-based education.
How does the tuition for private schools in Tarrytown, NY, compare to the broader New York metro area, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at Tarrytown's leading private schools is competitive with other elite institutions in the New York metropolitan area, often ranging from approximately $40,000 to over $60,000 annually for upper grades. While this is a significant investment, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, both Hackley and Masters have robust financial aid budgets, awarding millions of dollars each year to families. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict. New York State also offers no tax benefits for private K-12 tuition, unlike some other states, making the financial aid process even more critical for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by Tarrytown-area private schools that leverage their location in the Hudson Valley?
Private schools in Tarrytown deeply integrate their Hudson Valley setting into their programs. **The Masters School** utilizes the nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve for environmental science and outdoor leadership. **Hackley School** emphasizes its "place-based" learning, with history classes exploring local sites like Lyndhurst and Philipsburg Manor. Many schools also leverage proximity to New York City for unparalleled arts and internship opportunities, with easy train access for museum trips, scientific research collaborations, and senior projects. This blend of a serene, historic campus environment with direct access to Manhattan's resources is a defining feature of education here.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Hackley and Masters in Tarrytown, NY?
The admission process for Tarrytown's top private schools is highly structured and begins well in advance. For entry in the fall, the process typically starts in the prior summer or early fall with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are usually in early January (e.g., January 8-15), with required components including standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and a campus visit/assessment day. Decisions are released in mid-March. For highly sought-after entry points like Kindergarten, 5th, 6th, and 9th grades, planning 1-2 years ahead is advisable. Given the competitive nature, engaging with the admissions office early to express interest is recommended.
For families considering both options, how do the public schools in Tarrytown compare to the local private school offerings?
The Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow area is served by the **Public Schools of the Tarrytowns (PST)**, which is a well-regarded and diverse public district. The choice often comes down to specific needs and resources. PST offers a solid, tuition-free education with newer facilities like the recently renovated Washington Irving School. The private schools (Hackley, Masters) offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, extensive extracurriculars, and a consistently rigorous college-prep trajectory with near-100% matriculation to four-year colleges. For families seeking a particular pedagogical approach (like Harkness), a boarding option, a faith-based foundation, or a more intensive focus on college placement, the private schools provide specialized alternatives. Many families in the area weigh the significant financial commitment of private school against the value of investing in their local public community.