The Best Private Schools in Westbury, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westbury. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Green Vale School
Independent School
The Green Vale School is a prestigious co-educational independent school located just minutes from Westbury in Old Westbury. Founded in 1923, the school serves students from age 2 through 8th grade with a comprehensive academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and individualized learning. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Green Vale is particularly known for its strong STEM curriculum, robust arts program, and small class sizes that allow for personalized attention. The school maintains an excellent teacher-to-student ratio and has a strong track record of preparing students for top secondary schools.
Programs:
Portledge School
Independent School
Portledge School is a highly-regarded independent day school located approximately 15 minutes from Westbury in Locust Valley. Serving students from nursery through 12th grade, Portledge offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The school features a beautiful 63-acre campus with modern academic buildings, athletic facilities including tennis courts and turf fields, performing arts center, and extensive science laboratories. Portledge is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse student body, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings including competitive athletics, robotics, and visual arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and has an excellent college placement record.
Programs:
The Waldorf School of Garden City
Waldorf Education
Located just 10 minutes from Westbury in Garden City, The Waldorf School of Garden City offers a unique educational approach based on Rudolf Steiner's philosophy. The school serves students from early childhood through high school with a curriculum that integrates academic, artistic, and practical elements. The Waldorf approach emphasizes developmental appropriateness, creative thinking, and holistic education. The campus features specialized classrooms for arts and sciences, beautiful outdoor spaces, and facilities designed to support the school's distinctive educational model. The school is particularly noted for its strong arts integration, foreign language instruction beginning in early childhood, and emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals with critical thinking skills and social awareness.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westbury, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Westbury, NY, and what are their educational philosophies?
Westbury, NY, is served by several prestigious private schools in the surrounding Nassau County area. Notable options include The Green Vale School (Old Brookville), offering a traditional, rigorous college-preparatory education from nursery through 8th grade. Portledge School (Locust Valley) is a co-ed, college-prep day school for Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on community and global citizenship. The Waldorf School of Garden City provides a distinct, arts-integrated, developmental curriculum based on the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner. While not located directly within Westbury's borders, these schools are key destinations for local families seeking private education, each offering a unique pedagogical approach.
How does tuition for private schools in the Westbury, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools near Westbury, NY, is significant, reflecting the high cost of living and operation in the New York metropolitan area. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $35,000 to over $50,000 annually, with upper school grades typically at the higher end. All the mentioned schools—Green Vale, Portledge, and Waldorf School of Garden City—have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It is crucial to apply for aid concurrently with admission, as funds are limited. New York State also offers tax-advantaged 529 plans that can be used for K-12 private school tuition, which can provide some relief for qualifying families.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for competitive private schools in the Westbury, NY, area?
The admission process for schools like Green Vale, Portledge, and Waldorf School of Garden City is highly structured and begins well in advance. For a September start, the ideal timeline begins 12-18 months prior, with inquiries and campus tours in the fall. Application deadlines are typically in January for the following academic year. The process almost always includes a completed application, teacher recommendations, school records, a student visit/interview (for applicable grades), and standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT for middle/upper schools). Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, starting early and engaging deeply with the school's admission office is strongly advised for Westbury families.
Are there specialized academic or extracurricular programs at Westbury-area private schools that leverage their New York location?
Absolutely. Private schools in the Nassau County area near Westbury capitalize on their proximity to New York City. Portledge School, for example, emphasizes global studies and entrepreneurship, with easy access to NYC's cultural and business institutions for field studies and internships. The Waldorf School of Garden City integrates arts and practical skills deeply into its curriculum, with opportunities for high school students to engage with NYC's vast artistic resources. Furthermore, schools often have strong STEM and robotics programs that compete regionally and nationally. Their athletic programs also compete in the prestigious Ivy Preparatory School League or similar conferences, offering high-level competition.
For a family in Westbury, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public school district and a local private school?
This is a fundamental decision for Westbury families. The Westbury Union Free School District offers a diverse, public education with various programs. Key considerations for opting for a private school include: seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Waldorf or progressive college-prep), smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, a different community demographic, or a seamless Pre-K-12 pathway that some private schools offer. Private schools also often have more flexibility in curriculum design and fewer state-mandated testing requirements. However, this comes at a high financial cost. Families should carefully assess their educational priorities, visit both types of schools, and consider the commute to private institutions located in neighboring villages.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities