The Best Private Schools in Unionville, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Unionville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
John S. Burke Catholic High School
Archdiocese of New York
John S. Burke Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Orange County and surrounding areas including Unionville. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 16 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, Burke Catholic provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's academic excellence, supportive community environment, and strong moral foundation.
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The Chapel Field School
Independent Christian School
The Chapel Field School is an accredited private Christian school serving families throughout Orange County, including Unionville residents. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. Chapel Field features a robust college preparatory program, competitive athletic teams, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community atmosphere that fosters both academic and spiritual growth.
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St. Joseph School
Archdiocese of New York
St. Joseph School is a well-established Catholic elementary school serving students from Middletown and surrounding communities including Unionville. The school provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong foundation in core academics, faith formation, and character development. St. Joseph's features updated technology integration, dedicated STEM programming, music and art education, and competitive sports teams. The school community is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong parent involvement. Reviews highlight the school's excellent teacher-student ratios, rigorous curriculum preparation for high school, and nurturing environment that supports whole-child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Unionville, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Unionville, New York?
Unionville, NY, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with religious affiliations. The notable options include John S. Burke Catholic High School (a regional diocesan high school in Goshen), The Chapel Field School (a Christian day school in Pine Bush), and St. Joseph School (a Catholic elementary school in Middletown). It's important for Unionville parents to note that these schools are located in neighboring towns within Orange County, requiring consideration for daily transportation. These schools offer core academic programs alongside faith-based education, with Burke Catholic providing a comprehensive high school experience.
How does tuition for private schools in the Unionville, NY, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State?
Tuition in the Unionville-area private schools varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, John S. Burke Catholic High School tuition is approximately $9,000-$10,000, while elementary schools like St. Joseph are typically lower. New York State offers significant financial aid opportunities that Unionville families should explore. These include the **Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)** for post-secondary prep and, most notably, the **Child Safety Fund (formerly known as the Mandated Services Aid program)**, which provides direct tuition assistance for students attending non-public schools. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies, scholarships, and need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply early and consult directly with each school's financial office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Unionville, NY, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Unionville often provide specialized programs rooted in their missions. **John S. Burke Catholic High School** features a strong college-prep curriculum with notable STEM and arts programs, along with a wide array of competitive sports in the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA). **The Chapel Field School** emphasizes a Christian worldview integration across all subjects and offers a distinctive environmental stewardship program. **St. Joseph School** provides a structured, values-based elementary education with small class sizes. A key differentiator for these schools is the required religion/theology curriculum and community service components, which are central to their educational philosophy and not typically found in Unionville's public school offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Unionville, NY, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Burke Catholic, Chapel Field, and St. Joseph generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Open houses are typically held between October and January. For Burke Catholic, 8th-grade students often take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in the fall. Application deadlines are usually in February or March, with acceptance notifications sent by early spring. Due to the limited number of seats and the regional draw of these schools, Unionville parents are strongly advised to begin the process early, attend open houses, and ensure all application materials, including transcripts, recommendations, and any required parish forms (for Catholic schools), are submitted promptly.
For a family in Unionville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (likely the Minisink Valley Central School District) and a private school in the area?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Transportation** is a major one; while New York State mandates public school districts to provide transportation to private school students within certain distances (typically 15 miles), Unionville families must confirm routes and timing with the Minisink Valley Central School District. **Educational Philosophy** is another: Minisink Valley offers a large, comprehensive public education with diverse AP courses and extracurriculars, while private options provide a faith-based environment with potentially more disciplinary structure. **Cost** is obvious, but the value of smaller class sizes and community alignment should be weighed. Finally, consider the **long-term path**; choosing an elementary school like St. Joseph may naturally lead to Burke Catholic for high school, creating a continuous faith-based education pipeline not available in the public system.
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