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1. Trinity School
One of the oldest and best private schools in NYC, founded in 1709, it thrives on a rigorous academic curriculum and commitment to educational excellence. It’s known for teachers developing personal communication with each student, making it number one.
Alumni: John Jay, a founding father of the United States, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author John McPhee.
Website: https://www.trinityschoolnyc.org/
Location: 139 W 91ST ST NEW YORK, NY 10024
Phone: 212- 873-1650
- Student-teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Tuition Fee: Around $47,965
- Average graduation rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1500
- Average ACT: 34
- College Preparation: Yes
Popular Majors
- Economics: 61
- Business: 51
- Political Science and Government: 51
- Computer Science: 45
Top Colleges – 2018-2020
- Harvard: 25
- Princeton: 9
- MIT: 2
Recommended reading: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Private School for Your Child
2) Riverdale Country School – Pre-K-12
Located in the Bronx Region, Riverdale Country School is one of the best private schools in NYC. It has a widespread campus with various programs and activities, including athletics, performing arts, and community service. Its defining feature is its focus on the inherent talents of individuals and holistic education, as well as offering a learning landscape that promotes critical thinking, academic excellence, curiosity, open discourse, and innovation.
Interdisciplinary learning, research, travel and experiential education, athletics, clubs, and activities are all part of its rich curriculum.
Recommended Reading: Best Private Schools in Brooklyn
Alumni: Former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt, actor Timothée Chalamet, and journalist David Halberstam.
Website: https://www.riverdale.edu/
Location: 5250 FIELDSTON ROAD BRONX, NY 10471
Phone: 718-549-8810
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
- Tuition Fee: Around $51,295
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1450
- Average ACT: 33
- College Preparation: Yes
Popular Majors
- Business: 69
- Economics: 55
- Political Science and Government: 50
- Psychology: 47
Top Colleges – 2017-2022
- Cornell: 52
- Pennsylvania: 45
- Columbia: 27
Some notable things when reviewing the best elementary schools located in the state of New York, the following are key items to remember:
- There are many high-performing elementary schools in New York when it comes to National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) scores in both Reading and Math.
- Many elementary schools located throughout New York also have excellent student support services, including Special Education and Multi-lingual programs.
- Some of the best-performing elementary schools in the state of New York are located within certain New York City school districts. Two of the districts that are consistently rated as some of the best performing are District 2 and District 26.
Parents often look at proficiency scores, student–teacher ratios, and school environment reports when looking for the best elementary schools in New York because the class size and resources available at these schools differ a lot from one neighborhood to the next. And if you haven’t been here yet, you should definitely go.
Recommended reading: Best Elementary Schools in New York (2026 List)
3) The Brearley School – K-12 – All Girls
The school focuses on instilling confidence in the students and empowering them to pursue their ambitions and the wisdom to live balanced and purposeful lives. Most of its alumni developed a competitive spirit and a creative and artistic bent of mind.
The class sizes are such that students get individualized attention and instruction. Besides academics, the school has a wide range of programs and activities, including athletics, performing arts, and community service.
Alumni: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, actress Parker Posey, and journalist-author Anna Quindlen.
Website: https://www.brearley.org/
Location: 610 E 83RD ST NEW YORK, NY 10028
Phone: 212- 744-8582
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Tuition Fee: $58,700.
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1520
- Average ACT: 34
- College Preparation: Yes
Popular Majors
- Biology: 21
- History: 19
- Political Science and Government: 17
- English: 17
Top colleges – 2018-2020
- Harvard: 18
- Princeton: 7
- MIT: 1
Recommended Reading: Best Middle Schools in New York (2026 List)
4) The Rye Country Day School – PK, K- 12
New York is home to another renowned private school, which combines traditional and innovative approaches, and it offers a learning environment full of challenging programs that stimulate students’ creativity and encourage them to reach their full potential in academic, athletic, creative, and social endeavors.
Alumni: Actor-singer John Treacy Egan, actor Nick Kroll, and author Raymond Khoury,
Website: https://www.ryecountryday.org/
Location: Rye Country Day School, Cedar St. Rye, NY 10580
Phone: 914-967-1417
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Tuition Fee: $50, 000
- Average Graduation Rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1420
- Average ACT: 33
- College Preparation: Yes
Popular Majors
- Biology: 79
- Economics: 55
- Psychology: 39
- Computer Science: 36
Top colleges – 2018-2020
- Harvard: 13
- Princeton: 5
- MIT: 0
5) Collegiate School – K-12 – All boys
Collegiate School is recommended as one of the best private schools in NYC, and it offers the best individual attention to every child, and teachers are known to provide engaging lectures and classes to the children.
The students have a close-knit community irrespective of their backgrounds. The school offers preparatory guidance for college education and life.
Recommended Reading: Best Private Schools In Long Island
Alumni: New York Governor and Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller and the journalist and author David Brooks.
Website: https://www.collegiateschool.org/
Location: 301 Freedom PI S, New York, NY 10069, United States
Phone: 212.812.8500
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Tuition Fee: $53,900.
- Average graduation rate: 100%
- Average SAT: 1490
- Average ACT: 34
- College Preparation: Yes
Popular Majors
Economics: 36
Business: 35
Political Science and Government: 23
Biology: 12
Top colleges – 2018-2020
- Harvard: 11
- Princeton: 6
- MIT: 1
As you look through our list, consider not only factors like tuition costs and extracurricular activities – but also a nearly 100% graduation rate, an impressive teacher-to-student ratio, an excellent curriculum, and a diverse cultural environment. When it comes to your child’s academic future – make an informed decision!
Recommended reading: Top 6 Boarding Schools In New York
Private schools in New York City are also known for having a diverse student body and providing a well-rounded education. Many have a long history and a solid reputation in the educational community.
Despite the fact that we have narrowed your search, we recommend that you visit the schools and speak with current parents, teachers, and students to get a sense of the school’s culture and academic programs.
Moonpreneur is dedicated to transforming conventional education, preparing the next generation with comprehensive learning experiences. Our Innovator Program equips students with vital skills in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, Game Development, and App Development, fostering entrepreneurship through hands-on learning. This initiative aims to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow by integrating innovative technologies and practical skills in school curriculums.
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Trinity is indeed providing a world class education and outstanding programs in athletics but it is quite hard to get into this school. The admission criteria is difficult as compared to the age of a child.
@olivia it is worth noting that many elite schools have rigorous admission criteria, as they are looking for students who demonstrate a strong academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities that align with the school’s values.
My child is studying at Rye Country School and his performance in academics has remarkably increased in few months. So, I would totally agree with this list of best school in town.