The Best Private Schools in Westmoreland, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westmoreland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Manlius School
Independent
The Manlius School (formerly Manlius Pebble Hill School) is an acclaimed independent day school serving Central New York families, including those from Westmoreland. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing rigorous academic challenges. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school emphasizes individualized learning and global citizenship. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities.
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Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse
Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Utica area, including Westmoreland. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 16 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Notre Dame provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes.
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St. Margaret's School
Independent Catholic School
St. Margaret's School is a respected independent Catholic school serving families throughout Oneida County, including Westmoreland. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool through eighth grade, combining strong academics with character development. The Montessori-based early childhood program transitions to a traditional elementary and middle school curriculum with emphasis on critical thinking and faith formation. The school features modern classrooms, technology integration, and diverse extracurricular offerings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westmoreland, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Westmoreland, NY, and what grade levels do they cover?
Westmoreland itself is a small town, but it is served by several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Oneida County area. The notable options include Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School (grades 7-12) in Utica, which is a popular Catholic college-preparatory choice. The Manlius School, located in nearby Manlius, is a prestigious independent day and boarding school (PK-12), though it is a longer commute. St. Margaret's School in nearby Albany is another independent option. For younger students, families in Westmoreland often also consider local Catholic elementary schools in Utica or the New Hartford area. Transportation logistics are an important consideration given the need to commute outside the immediate town.
How does tuition for private schools in the Westmoreland, NY, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition in this region varies significantly by school type. For example, Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School has a lower tuition range (approximately $8,000-$10,000 annually) typical of a diocesan Catholic school. In contrast, independent schools like The Manlius School have a much higher tuition, often exceeding $30,000 for day students. New York State has some of the highest private school tuitions nationally, but the Westmoreland-area options outside of elite independents are often more moderate. Most schools, including Notre Dame, offer need-based financial aid and scholarships. Additionally, New York State does not have a voucher program, but it does offer the "Child Safety Account" program for students in unsafe public schools, which can provide some funding for private alternatives.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Westmoreland, NY?
Schools in this region often leverage their specific missions and locations. Notre Dame High School emphasizes its Catholic identity and college prep, with strong STEM and arts programs. A unique aspect for families in Westmoreland is access to programs that benefit from proximity to the Mohawk Valley's institutions; some schools have partnerships with local colleges like Utica University for advanced courses. The Manlius School offers a renowned global studies program, extensive arts, and competitive athletics. For families interested in a classical education, St. Margaret's School in Albany provides that distinct model. The rural setting of Westmoreland also means some schools may incorporate outdoor education or environmental science into their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Notre Dame in the Westmoreland/Utica area?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For Notre Dame and similar schools, open houses are held from September to November. Application deadlines are often in January or February for the following academic year, with admissions decisions and financial aid awards communicated by March. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or shadow day. Given that Westmoreland is part of the Utica Catholic Schools community, there may be priority for parish members or siblings of current students. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as some schools in this region may have rolling admissions for certain grades if spaces remain.
For a family in Westmoreland, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Westmoreland Central School District) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several local factors. Westmoreland Central School District is a small, close-knit public system, which can offer personalized attention but may have fewer specialized academic tracks or extracurricular offerings than larger districts. Private options provide specific religious education (like at Notre Dame) or a highly rigorous independent curriculum (like at Manlius). Transportation is a major practical consideration; while the public district provides busing, private schools may require parents to arrange transportation, which can be significant given the distances to Utica, Manlius, or Albany. Financially, paying private tuition while also paying local school taxes is a reality for New York State residents. Many families choose private schools for their distinct values, smaller class sizes, or specific programs not available in the public setting.
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