The Best Private Schools in Verbank, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Verbank. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Millbrook School
Independent
The Millbrook School is a prestigious co-educational college preparatory school located just minutes from Verbank. Founded in 1931, this independent boarding and day school serves students in grades 9-12 with a rigorous academic program emphasizing critical thinking and character development. The 800-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, art studios, athletic facilities, and the renowned Trevor Zoo. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Millbrook provides personalized attention and has an excellent college placement record.
Programs:
Oakwood Friends School
Friends (Quaker)
Oakwood Friends School is one of the oldest co-educational college preparatory schools in the nation, located approximately 20 minutes from Verbank. This Quaker-affiliated day and boarding school serves grades 6-12 with a focus on academic excellence, community values, and social responsibility. The school features a diverse student body, small class sizes, and a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global awareness. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and performance spaces. Oakwood's college counseling program has an outstanding record of placing graduates in selective colleges and universities.
Programs:
The Kildonan School
Independent
The Kildonan School is a specialized independent boarding and day school serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, located approximately 15 minutes from Verbank. Founded in 1969, the school provides a comprehensive college preparatory education while specializing in Orton-Gillingham methodology. The campus features modern academic buildings, technology labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Kildonan offers individualized instruction with a 1:1 tutoring model, small classes, and a supportive environment that helps students develop confidence and academic skills. The school serves students in grades 2-12 and has an excellent record of preparing graduates for college success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Verbank, New York
What are the main private school options for families living in or near Verbank, New York?
While Verbank itself is a small hamlet, it is situated in the Town of Union Vale in Dutchess County and is within reasonable commuting distance of several notable private schools. The most prominent are The Millbrook School (a co-ed, grades 9-12 boarding and day school in Millbrook), Oakwood Friends School (a Quaker, grades 6-12 boarding and day school in Poughkeepsie), and The Kildonan School (a specialized day and boarding school for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, located in Amenia). Families in Verbank often also consider schools in the broader Hudson Valley region. Transportation logistics for day students are a key consideration given the rural nature of the area.
How does the tuition for private schools near Verbank, NY, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the top private schools near Verbank is significant, often aligning with or exceeding New York State's high private school averages. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at these schools typically ranges from approximately $40,000 to over $60,000. Boarding tuition is higher. However, all of these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial for New York State residents to inquire about the School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit programs, though eligibility varies. Parents should not be deterred by the sticker price; they are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid, as many families receive substantial grants.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Verbank area that leverage the local environment?
The private schools near Verbank are deeply connected to the Hudson Valley's unique cultural and natural landscape. The Millbrook School features a renowned 800-acre campus with an on-site zoo (The Trevor Zoo) and environmental science programs that are integral to the curriculum. Oakwood Friends School emphasizes Quaker values, social justice, and hands-on learning through its Center for Peace, Justice, and Sustainability. The Kildonan School offers a unique, intensive Orton-Gillingham based curriculum specifically designed for dyslexic learners, which is a specialized resource not commonly found in public schools. All schools utilize the region's history, arts, and outdoor spaces for immersive learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Verbank, NY, community?
The admission process for these selective schools begins early. The timeline typically starts in the fall, 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January or February (with standardized testing like the SSAT or ISEE), and completing interviews and campus visits. Notification dates are usually in mid-March. Given that these schools draw from a national and international pool for boarding, local Verbank families applying for day spots should emphasize their connection to the community and start the process as early as possible to secure consideration. Rolling admissions may be available if spaces remain.
For a family in Verbank, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Arlington Central School District) and a nearby private school?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Verbank context. The Arlington Central School District is a large, well-regarded public system. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Quaker, experiential, or dyslexia-specialized), smaller class sizes, and a particular community feel. For college-preparatory focus, The Millbrook School offers a traditional, rigorous boarding school model. Logistics are paramount: the commute to a private day school can be 30-60 minutes each way, whereas public school busing is provided. Financially, it's a comparison of property taxes (funding public schools) versus private tuition. The choice often comes down to seeking a specialized program or a different educational environment not available in the comprehensive public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities