New York 20 Best K-12 Private Schools For 2025–26

Choosing the right private K–12 school can shape a child’s future. This guide spotlights 20 standout schools—anchored in New York and benchmarked against top peers nationwide—so families can compare tuition, size, programs, and Ivy+ outcomes to find the best fit.

What Defines a Top Private K-12 School in New York

In this curated list for 2025–26, New York’s leading private schools feature enrollments from 600 to 1,800, tuition from $50,000–$70,000, and student–teacher ratios as low as 5:1. Most report 100% four-year college matriculation with strong Ivy+ outcomes. From Manhattan icons like Brearley, Spence, Chapin, Trinity, Dalton, and Horace Mann to suburban leaders like Rye Country Day and Riverdale, each profile highlights values, tuition, extracurriculars, and college placements—helping families compare options and find the best fit.

Schools Covered In This Article

• Riverdale Country School (Bronx, NY; Co-ed)
• The Pingry School (Basking Ridge & Short Hills, NJ; Co-ed)
• The Brearley School (Manhattan, NY; Girls)
• The Nueva School (Hillsborough & San Mateo, CA; Co-ed)
• St. John’s School (Houston, TX; Co-ed)
• The Chapin School (Manhattan, NY; Girls)
• Rye Country Day School (Rye, NY; Co-ed)
• Horace Mann School (Bronx, NY; Co-ed)
• Trinity School (Manhattan, NY; Co-ed)
• St. Mark’s School of Texas (Dallas, TX; Boys)
• Sidwell Friends School (Washington, DC; Co-ed; Quaker)
• American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus (Plantation, FL; Co-ed)
• The Dalton School (Manhattan, NY; Co-ed)
• The Spence School (Manhattan, NY; Girls)
• The Quarry Lane School (Dublin, CA; Co-ed)
• Ethical Culture Fieldston School (Bronx & Manhattan, NY; Co-ed)
• BASIS Independent McLean (McLean, VA; Co-ed)
• Avenues: The World School (Manhattan, NY; Co-ed)
• The Village School (Houston, TX; Co-ed)
• BASIS Independent Brooklyn (Brooklyn, NY; Co-ed)

2025–26 Tuition Comparison

Ranking	School	Enrollment	Tuition (2025–26)	Notes
1	Riverdale Country School	1,300	$59,412 (Total ~$69,300)	Ivy Prep League, 70+ teams
2	The Brearley School	770	$66,800	Strong Ivy+ matriculation
3	The Chapin School	810	$68,250 (+$2,000 laptop fee)	Ivy+ placements; AAIS league
4	Rye Country Day School	969	PK–4: $50,675; 5–8: $53,400; 9–12: $57,350	68 athletic teams
5	Horace Mann School	~1,790	$65,370	Ivy Prep League; 90+ clubs
6	Trinity School	1,052	$69,000	Founded 1709; one of oldest schools
7	The Dalton School	1,330	$67,480	Ivy League feeder reputation
8	The Spence School	804	$68,480	100% matriculation, Ivy+
9	Ethical Culture Fieldston School	1,700+	$68,162	Progressive, ethics-centered
10	Avenues: The World School	1,980	$72,300	Global exchange programs
11	BASIS Independent Brooklyn	600+	PreK $39,100; K $39,500; 1–12 $43,000	Avg SAT 1492
12	Convent of the Sacred Heart	730	$64,610	AAIS league; strong college placements
13	Lycée Français de New York	1,200+	$49,925	Dual-language program
14	Collegiate School	670	$68,900	Oldest independent school (1628)
15	Friends Academy	769	K $33,000; 1–4 $39,600; 5–8 $43,700; 9–12 $47,900	Ranked #1 K–12 (Niche)
16	French-American School of NY	~700	K $37,950; 1–8 $40,215; 9–12 $44,810	IB program, bilingual
17	Marymount School of NY	773	$67,510	Strong college matriculation
18	The Browning School	400+	$68,910 (incl. books, trips)	30+ clubs
19	The Hewitt School	425	$67,700	Ethical leadership, sustainability
20	BASIS Independent Manhattan	285–340	K $39,900; 1–5 $43,000; 6–8 $45,385; 9–12 $47,775	Avg SAT 1492; strong top 50 admit rate

1. Riverdale Country School (Bronx; Co-ed)

• Grade: PK–12
• Founded Year: 1907
• Values: Scholarly & Intimate Teaching, Holistic Student Support, Learning by Doing, Belonging in a Diverse Community, and Campus Stewardship & Sustainability
• Enrollment: 1,300
• Tuition: $59,412 (Total cost ~$69,300)
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 5:1
• Sports Team: 70+ teams (Ivy Prep League)
• Club Number: 40+
• Matriculation: Past 5 years—10+ students to Brown, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, Stanford, UChicago, Penn, Princeton, Yale

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• Higher Ed Enrollment 2019-2024

2. The Brearley School (Manhattan; Girls)

• Grade: K–12
• Founded Year: 1884
• Values: Purpose, Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Empathy, Inclusion
• Enrollment: 770
• Tuition: · $66,800 (2025–26)
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1
• Sports Team: 14 varsity teams
• Club Number: 50+
• Matriculation: 2021–25—Harvard (25), Columbia (21), Cornell (20), Yale (18), Penn (15), Brown (10), Princeton (10)

To learn more information: Fast Facts

3. The Chapin School (Manhattan; Girls)

• Grade: K–12
• Founded Year: 1901
• Values: Curiosity, Excellence, Humanity, Integrity
• Enrollment: 810
• Tuition: $68,250 (Laptop fee $2,000 for Grades 6–12)
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1
• Sports Team: Beaver, 15 varsity teams
• Club Number: ~50
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; (2021–2025) Strong Ivy+ presence with top matriculations to Cornell (21), Penn (13), Yale (13), UChicago (8), Harvard (7), Princeton (6), Columbia (6), Stanford (5), plus notable numbers to Northwestern, MIT
• Notable: Competes in NYC’s AAIS league

To learn more information: 

• Most recent school profile
• College Matriculation & Admitted List (2021-2025)

4. Rye Country Day School (Rye; Co-ed)

• Grade: PK–12
• Founded Year: 1869
• Values:  Respect and Responsibility, Commitment to Personal & Academic Excellence, Diversity within an Inclusive Community, Service
• Enrollment: 969
• Tuition:
  • PK– 4: $50,675
  • 5-8: $53,400
  • 9-12: $57,350
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: Pre-K 6:1; K–4 9:1; Grade 5 15:1; Grades 6–8 8:1; Grades 9–12 12:1
• Sports Team: Wildcats, 68 teams (38 championships in last 5 years)
• Club Number: 50+
• Matriculation: 100% to college; Class of 2025 included Cornell (9), Northwestern (5), Penn (4), WUSTL (4), plus Stanford (3) and UChicago (3).
• Notable: Frequent NYSAIS championships in multiple sports

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• 5-Year Matriculation List

5. Horace Mann School (Bronx; Co-ed)

• Grade: Nursery–12
• Founded Year: 1887
• Values: Life of the Mind, Mature Behavior, Mutual Respect, Secure and Healthful Environment, Balance Between Individual Achievement and a Caring Community
• Enrollment: ~1,790
• Tuition: $65,370
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 8:1
• Sports Team: Lions, 36 varsity teams
• Club Number: 90
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; Class of 2025 admits to Cornell (9), Northwestern (5), Penn (4), WUSTL (4), Stanford (3), UChicago (3)
• Notable: Ivy Prep League athletics and extensive student publications

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

Recommended Reading: Elite Education in NYC: Trinity vs. Horace Mann

6. Trinity School (Manhattan; Co-ed)

• Grade: K–12
• Founded Year: 1709
• Values: Labore et Virtute
• Enrollment: 1,052
• Tuition: $69,000
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 13:1
• Sports Team: Tigers, 30 varsity teams
• Club Number: 50+
• Matriculation: 100% to selective colleges
• Notable: Among the oldest schools in the U.S. (founded 1709)

To learn more information: 

• Fast Facts
• Trinity School 21-25 Matriculation Map

7. The Dalton School (Manhattan; Co-ed)

• Grade: K–12
• Founded Year: 1919
• Values: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Justice
• Enrollment: 1,330
• Tuition: $67,480
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1
• Sports Team: Tigers, 50+ teams in 14 sports
• Club Number: 70+
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; Based on the 2019-2024 matriculation data, the school shows strong placement at top-tier universities, with top destinations including Harvard (37), Cornell (36), Brown (28), UChicago (26), Yale (22)
• Notable: Strong Ivy Prep League presence

To learn more information: Fast Facts

Recommended Reading: Ten Great Private Schools for Ivy League Admission

8. The Spence School (Manhattan; Girls)

• Grade: K–12
• Founded Year: 1892
• Values: Scholarship, Leadership, Joy, Belonging, Agility
• Enrollment: 804
• Tuition: · All grades $68,480
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 13 students per class; 6:1
• Sports Team: 38
• Club Number: 40+
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; 2019–24 included Harvard (24), Cornell (16), Brown (15), Columbia (10), Princeton (9), Stanford (10), Yale (9)
• Notable: Competes in NYC’s AAIS league

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

9. Ethical Culture Fieldston School (Bronx & Manhattan; Co-ed)

• Grade: PK–12
• Founded Year: 1878
• Values: Ethics & inclusion
• Enrollment: 1,700+
• Tuition: $68,162
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1
• Sports Team: Eagles, 56 teams in 16 sports
• Club Number: 60+
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; Based on the provided 2020-2025 matriculation data, the school has strong placements at selective universities, include Emory (31), Northwestern (28), Cornell (25)
• Notable: Progressive education with ethics-centered curriculum

To learn more information: School Profile

10. Avenues: The World School (Manhattan, Co-ed)

• Grade: Nursery–12
• Founded Year: 2012
• Values: –
• Enrollment: 1,980
• Tuition: · All grades $72,300
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 17 students per class, 6:1
• Sports Team: 37
• Club Number: 40+
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; Class of 2024 highlights include Cornell (7), USC (4), Johns Hopkins (3), Princeton (2), Georgetown (2), and NYU (3).
• Notable: Focus on global programs and language immersion; Campus exchange program available.

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• School Profile

Recommended reading: Bay Area Avenues

11. BASIS Independent Brooklyn (Brooklyn; Co-ed)

• Grade: PK–12
• Founded Year: 2014
• Values: Show Respect, Take Responsibility, Make Improvements
• Enrollment: 600+
• Tuition:
  • PreK $39,100
  • K $39,500
  • 1–12 $43,000
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 7:1
• Sports Team: 15+ teams
• Club Number: 55
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; Class of 2025 matriculation — 17% to top 10 universities, 41% to top 20 universities.
• Notable: Average SAT score 1492/1600 for Class of 2025.

To learn more information: Fast Facts

12. Convent of the Sacred Heart (Manhattan; Girls; Catholic)

• Grade: PK – 12
• Founded Year: 1881
• Values: Deep respect for intellectual values; social awareness that impels to action
• Enrollment: 730
• Tuition: $64,610
• Class size / Student-to-teacher ratio: 7:1
• Sports Team:  38 teams
• Club Number: 60+ student-led clubs and organizations
• Matriculation: Graduates from 2021 to 2025 enrolled at Ivy institutions—Harvard (2), Yale (3), Princeton, Columbia (2), Stanford—and to other top destinations including the University of Chicago (6), the University of Pennsylvania (10), Cornell (12), Georgetown (21), New York University (10)
• Notable: All competitive teams compete in the AAIS (Athletic Association of Independent Schools).

To learn more information: Fast Facts

13.Lycée Français de New York (Manhattan; Co-ed, Nonsectarian; Bilingual French/American)

• Grade: Nursery–12
• Founded Year: 1935
• Values: Community, Commitment, Open Minds, Joy
• Enrollment: 1,200+
• Tuition: $49,925 (2025-26)
• Class size / Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
• Sports Teams: 43 competitive after-school teams (from Grade 6)
• Club Number: 33 extracurriculars including arts, music, robotics, theater
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; U.S. placements include Columbia (7), Cornell (18), Harvard (3), Yale (4), Princeton (4), UPenn (6), Stanford (2), University of Chicago (7), NYU (21), and Northeastern (14).

To learn more information: Fast Facts

14.Collegiate School (Manhattan; Boys)

• Grade: K – 12
• Founded Year: 1628
• Values: History & Tradition, Culture & Community, Boys’ Education, and Academic Excellence
• Enrollment: 670
• Tuition: $68,900 (all-inclusive)
• Class size / Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1
• Sports Team: 24 teams including soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf
• Club Number: Dozens—Math Club, Science Olympiad, Robotics, Model UN, Debate
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation,across 2020–2024, Collegiate students enrolled at Ivy+ and other highly selective universities including Harvard (1),Columbia(11), Cornell(13), Stanford (1), Duke(10)
• Notable: Oldest independent school in the U.S. (founded 1628)

To learn more information: Fast Facts

15.Friends Academy (Locust Valley; Co-ed; Quaker)

• Grades: PK -12
• Founded Year: 1876
• Values: Stay True, Practice Peace,Cultivate Community, Pursue Justice, Be the Change, Take Care, and Let Your Life Speak
• Enrollment: 769
• Tuition:
  • Kindergarten: $33,000
  • 1-4: $39,600
  • 5-8: $43,700
  • 9-12: $47,900
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1
• Sports Team: 20 varsity sports (Upper School); 10 Middle School sports
• Club Number: Dozens including robotics, mock trial
• Matriculation: 100% graduation rate, Graduates enrolled across a wide range of selective U.S. and international universities, 2020–24—Columbia, Cornell, Princeton, Yale, UChicago, Duke, Rice, Notre Dame, Amherst, Bowdoin, Barnard
• Notable: Ranked #1 Best K–12 Private School in NY (Niche)

To learn more information: Fast Facts

16.French-American School of New York (Mamaroneck/Larchmont; Co-ed; Bilingual)

• Grades: PK-12
• Founded Year: 1980
• Values: Responsibility, Emphathy, Solutions, Positivity, Enthusiasm, Cooperation, and Time.
• Enrollment: ～700
• Tuition:
  • Kindergarten: $37,950
  • 1-8: $40,215
  • 9-12: $44,810
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio:20 per class, 10:1
• Sports Team: 24
• Club Number: 65
• Matriculation: 100% college acceptance and 100% baccalaureate success;  2025 IB Class avg 33.4; graduates enrolled at Brown, Columbia (Sciences Po dual BA), Cornell, Harvard, Penn, Yale, MIT, UChicago, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Georgetown, Tufts, NYU, USC

To learn more information: Fast Facts

17.Marymount School of New York (Manhattan; Girls; Catholic)

• Grade: PK -12
• Founded Year: 1926
• Values: Character, Compassion, Social Justice, Spiritual Identity
• Enrollment: 773
• Tuition: $67,510
• Class size / Student-to-teacher ratio: 5:1
• Sports Team: 30
• Club Number: 75
• Matriculation: 100% college matriculation; based on 2020–2024 data, top destinations include Wake Forest (12), Cornell (11), Tulane (11), University of St Andrews (8), New York University (8), Boston College (8), University of Pennsylvania (7), Lehigh (7), Northeastern (7)

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• 2020-2024 College Matriculation

18.The Browning School ((Manhattan; Boys)

• Grades: K–12
• Founded Year: 1888.
• Values: Honesty, Curiosity, Dignity, and Purpose.
• Enrollment: 400+
• Tuition : $68,910 (includes lunch, books, trips)
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1
• Sports Team: Soccer, Basketball, Squash, Tennis, Track, Baseball, Golf, Varsity Table Tennis
• Club Number: 30+ (including 6 affinity/alliance groups)
• Matriculation: 100% graduation rate. 2020–24—Boston College (8), Penn (7), Emory (6), Colgate (5), multiple admits to Cornell, Dartmouth, NYU

To learn more information: Fast Facts

19.The Hewitt School (Manhattan; Girls)

• Grades: K–12
• Founded Year: 1920
• Values/Mission:  Inspiring ethical leadership, equity, sustainability, joy
• Enrollment: 425
• Tuition: $67,700 (2025-2026)
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1
• Sports Team: 24 varsity sports (soccer, volleyball, tennis, squash, golf, track, softball)
• Club Number: 30+ student-ran clubs and publications
• Matriculation: 100% graduation rate. 2021–2025—multiple matriculants to Brown, Columbia, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Duke, Johns Hopkins, New York University, Northeastern

To learn more information:

• Fast Facts
• 2025-2026 Hewitt school College Profile

20.BASIS Independent Manhattan (Manhattan; Co-ed)

• Grades: PK–12 (Lower: PK–5 on Columbus Ave; Upper: 6–12 in Chelsea)
• Founded Year: 2017
• Values: Confidence, Creativity, Citizenship, Courage, and Compassion.
• Enrollment: 285–340
• Tuition:
  • K $39,900
  • 1–5 $43,000
  • 6-8 $45,385
  • 9-12 $47,775
• Class size/Student-to-teacher ratio: ~5:1
• Sports Team: Wildcats; 10 interscholastic sports (Basketball, Dance, Fencing, Flag Football, Martial Arts, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball)
• Club Number: ~55 per trimester (arts, robotics, MATHCOUNTS, debate)
• Matriculation: 54% admitted to top 25 colleges; 91% to top 50 colleges
• Notable: Average SAT score 1492/1600 for Class of 2025.

To learn more information:

• Matriculation
• Fast Facts

Choosing a top private K–12 school in New York means finding more than academics—it’s about community, growth, and preparation for college. These 20 schools excel in values, small class sizes, rich programs, and proven Ivy+ matriculation, helping families make confident choices.

Which factor matters most to you when evaluating schools—cost, academics, or culture? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Next Steps: Plan Academics for Private High School Admissions

For private school applications, academic performance is a core evaluation metric. To understand what top private schools expect, start with these four in-depth guides:

• All-in-One Guide: How to Get Into a Private Elementary School
• All-in-One Guide: How to Get Into a Private Middle School
• All-in-One Guide: How to Get Into a Private High School
• ISEE vs SSAT: Complete Guide for Private School Admissions

Why Accelerated Math Matters for Private Schools

One of the most important academic differentiators for competitive private high schools is placement on an accelerated math track. Compared with public schools, academic private schools typically move faster and expect students to reach advanced math earlier.

The comparison below shows how math progression often differs by grade and how math competitions align with each stage.

Grade	Public School Curriculum	Academic Private School Curriculum	Recommended Math Competitions
G6	Pre-Algebra (starting)	Pre-Algebra / Algebra 1	AMC 8 / AMC 10
G7	Math 7 (Pre-Algebra)	Algebra 1 / Geometry	AMC 8 / AMC 10
G8	Math 8 (Pre-Algebra)	Geometry / Algebra 2	AMC 8 / AMC 10 / AIME
G9	Algebra 1	Algebra 2 / Pre-Calculus	AMC 10 / AIME
G10	Geometry / Algebra 2	Pre-Calculus / Calculus AB / SAT Math	AMC 10 / AIME / USA(J)MO
G11	Algebra 2 / Pre-Calc / SAT	Calculus BC / Stats / SAT Math	AMC 12 / AIME / USAMO
G12	Calculus / Stats	Multivariable Calculus / Stats	AMC 12 / USAMO

Not Sure If You’re on the Right Track?

If you’re planning for private school admissions but unsure whether your current math placement and pacing are competitive, a Think Academy Free Math Evaluation can help.

You’ll receive:

• a diagnostic assessment of your current level
• clear feedback on acceleration readiness
• a personalized 1-on-1 learning path aligned with private school expectations

Prefer to Start with Practice?

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Inside, you’ll find:

• K–5 Worksheets: Choose from foundation practice for students who need extra support with grade-level skills, or advanced practice for students ready for more challenging, above-grade-level work.
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*Ranking data sourced from Niche.com. School information compiled from official school websites and publicly available profiles. Always check the school’s website for the latest updates.