Your Complete List of NYC Private Schools for Kindergarten Applications

Madd

Madd

— 8 min read

Helping You Find the Right School—and the Right Fit—for Your Family’s Next Big Adventure.

The Three “Hill Schools” of NYC

1. Horace Mann School

Location: Riverdale, Bronx
Grades: Nursery–12

Why Apply:

  • One of the most academically rigorous private schools in the U.S.
  • Elite college matriculation (Ivies, Stanford, MIT).
  • Early childhood education is structured, accelerated, and enriched by specialist classes.
  • Campus facilities rival universities (e.g., science centers, art studios, athletics).

Parent Profile:

  • High-powered professionals in law, medicine, finance, tech.
  • Families seeking a traditional, prestigious education.
  • Many dual-career households and alumni legacies.
  • Focus on academic results and long-term opportunity.

2. Riverdale Country School

Location: Riverdale, Bronx
Grades: Pre-K–12

Why Apply:

  • Progressive, student-centered education on a 27-acre campus.
  • Strong in academics and whole-child development (social-emotional learning, service).
  • Outdoor education, sustainability, and ethics are integrated from day one.
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are deeply embedded.

Parent Profile:

  • Educators, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals.
  • Values progressive pedagogy, wellness, and global citizenship.
  • Families seeking academic rigor without rigidity.
  • Strong presence of Manhattan and Westchester families commuting for campus life.

3. Ethical Culture Fieldston School (Fieldston Lower School)

Location: Fieldston, Bronx (adjacent to Riverdale)
Grades: Pre-K–12

Why Apply:

  • Rooted in ethical education—teaches values alongside academics.
  • Fieldston Lower (K–5) emphasizes creative thinking, equity, and project-based learning.
  • One of NYC’s most progressive and diverse independent schools.
  • Incredible arts and humanities programs from early grades.

Parent Profile:

  • Journalists, artists, nonprofit leaders, social justice advocates.
  • Committed to progressive education and ethical development.
  • DEI-minded families who want their child to develop empathy and critical thinking.

UPPER EAST SIDE

1. The Dalton School (Co-ed, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Top-tier academics with a progressive structure, the famed "Dalton Plan" encourages self-directed learning and responsibility.
  • Parent Profile: Highly educated professionals—think academics, tech entrepreneurs, and media executives—who want elite prep but dislike rigid formality.

2. The Spence School (Girls only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Academically rigorous with a polished, elegant environment; known for developing articulate, confident leaders.
  • Parent Profile: Executives, diplomats, and legacy families valuing refinement, academic prestige, and female empowerment.

3. The Brearley School (Girls only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: One of the most competitive girls’ schools in the country; unapologetically intellectual and intense.
  • Parent Profile: Intellectuals, lawyers, and literary professionals who value serious academic rigor and tradition.

4. The Chapin School (Girls only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Strong in both academics and character-building, with a loyal parent and alum community.
  • Parent Profile: Upper East Side classic families, often in finance, law, or nonprofit leadership roles.

5. The Buckley School (Boys only, K–9)

  • Why Apply: Gentlemen-in-training. High academic standards in a structured and nurturing boys-only environment.
  • Parent Profile: Finance, medicine, and legacy families who favor tradition and discipline.

6. The Allen-Stevenson School (Boys only, K–9)

  • Why Apply: Emphasis on balance—academics, music, arts, sports—with a down-to-earth atmosphere.
  • Parent Profile: Creative professionals and bankers alike who want their sons to be both expressive and structured.

7. The Browning School (Boys only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Small, warm environment that emphasizes character and intellectual curiosity.
  • Parent Profile: Parents who appreciate old-school values without the pretension—lawyers, consultants, and thoughtful achievers.

8. Convent of the Sacred Heart (Girls only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Faith-based but globally diverse; strong academics, ethics, and service-oriented learning.
  • Parent Profile: Catholic and non-Catholic families alike, often international or philanthropic-minded.

9. Nightingale-Bamford School (Girls only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Balance of academic excellence with warmth and strong relationships. Top-notch college placement.
  • Parent Profile: Low-key power families who want rigor but also emotional intelligence and social awareness.

10. The Hewitt School (Girls only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: A growing academic reputation with a deep focus on developing ethical leaders and confident learners.
  • Parent Profile: Educators, entrepreneurs, and grounded professionals who want community and values.

11. The Town School (Co-ed, Nursery–8)

  • Why Apply: Progressive, inclusive, and nurturing. Academically strong but not pressured.
  • Parent Profile: Journalists, therapists, creatives—families who value emotional development alongside academics.

12. Marymount School of New York (Girls only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Faith-based and academically ambitious; known for strong humanities, service, and global studies.
  • Parent Profile: Practicing Catholics, diplomats, international families looking for moral and academic excellence.

13. Lycée Français de New York (Co-ed, Nursery–12)

  • Why Apply: Bilingual French-English education with a global outlook. IB track available.
  • Parent Profile: French or international families, U.N. staff, and world travelers seeking multilingual fluency.

14. Ramaz School (Co-ed, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Modern Orthodox Jewish school combining deep Torah learning with high-level academics.
  • Parent Profile: Observant Jewish professionals seeking a strong religious and secular blend.

15. Rodeph Sholom School (East Campus) (Co-ed, Nursery–8)

  • Why Apply: Reform Jewish school with a focus on community, diversity, and inclusive Judaism.
  • Parent Profile: Reform Jewish families prioritizing kindness, strong academics, and Jewish identity.

16. The Gillen Brewer School (Co-ed, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Designed for students with mild to moderate learning challenges; highly individualized.
  • Parent Profile: Parents of neurodiverse children seeking expert staff, sensory support, and small class sizes.

17. Caedmon School (Co-ed, Preschool–5)

  • Why Apply: Montessori + structured academics. A calm, child-centered entry into K–5.
  • Parent Profile: Montessori lovers, professionals with younger kids, and first-gen private school families.

18. The Geneva School of Manhattan (Co-ed, K–8)

  • Why Apply: Classical Christian education—Latin, logic, literature—focused on academic and moral training.
  • Parent Profile: Families seeking a conservative, traditional Christian education on the UES.

19. The Birch Wathen Lenox School (Co-ed, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Personalized attention and college prep in a tight-knit, low-drama community.
  • Parent Profile: Parents who want academic strength without the high-pressure culture. Often in medicine, education, or law.

20. St. Bernard’s School (Boys only, K–9)

  • Why Apply: Old-world charm meets academic rigor. A storied boys’ school with a strong literary and classical foundation, where character development is just as important as test scores.
  • Parent Profile: Academics, professionals, and legacy families with deep ties to NYC’s Upper East Side, seeking an intellectually rich and tradition-steeped environment.

UPPER WEST SIDE

1. Collegiate School (Boys only, K–12)

  • Why Apply: One of the oldest independent schools in the country; rigorous, traditional academics with a deep alumni network.
  • Parent Profile: High-powered professionals (finance, law, academia) who value discipline, tradition, and prestige.

2. Trinity School (Co-ed, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Among NYC’s most selective schools; Ivy League results without the arrogance.
  • Parent Profile: Ivy alums, writers, professors, and industry leaders who value both brains and balance.

3. Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School (Co-ed, Pre-K–12)

  • Why Apply: Academic rigor with strong support and a balanced approach; arts and STEM standouts.
  • Parent Profile: Doctors, tech execs, media professionals, and Columbia faculty.

4. Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) (Co-ed, Pre-K–12)

  • Why Apply: Progressive to the core, centered on ethics, identity, and equity.
  • Parent Profile: Nonprofit leaders, activists, creatives, and social justice-minded professionals.

5. Calhoun School (Co-ed, Pre-K–12)

  • Why Apply: Project-based learning with a strong arts and creativity component.
  • Parent Profile: Film editors, designers, progressive thinkers, and mellow high-achievers.

6. Dwight School (Co-ed, Nursery–12)

  • Why Apply: Globally connected school offering the IB curriculum; great for international families.
  • Parent Profile: Diplomats, multinational execs, and travel-heavy professionals.

7. Bank Street School for Children (Co-ed, Nursery–8)

  • Why Apply: Leading progressive education institution; whole-child development in action.
  • Parent Profile: Therapists, educators, child development experts, and socially-minded families.

8. Stephen Gaynor School (Co-ed, Pre-K–8)

  • Why Apply: Specialized for children with mild learning differences; personalized learning plans.
  • Parent Profile: Parents seeking early learning support—often working in advocacy, healthcare, or education.

9. Cathedral School of St. John the Divine (Co-ed, K–8)

  • Why Apply: Inclusive Episcopal values, small community, beautiful campus.
  • Parent Profile: Cultural and academic professionals who want a gentle, diverse environment.

10. Trevor Day School (Co-ed, Nursery–12)

  • Why Apply: Academically serious yet personal; wellness, inclusion, and community are core.
  • Parent Profile: Balanced professionals (law, media, education) who want a path to strong high schools and colleges.

11. BASIS Independent Manhattan (Co-ed, K–12)

  • Why Apply: Hardcore STEM and humanities; accelerated curriculum that draws math-lovers.
  • Parent Profile: Engineers, scientists, and high-achieving families looking for depth and challenge.

12. The IDEAL School of Manhattan (Co-ed, K–12)

  • Why Apply: A national model for inclusion; welcomes all learners, embraces neurodiversity.
  • Parent Profile: DEI-focused, inclusive-minded, neurodiverse families; social workers, professors, and nonprofit leaders.

13. The Studio School (Co-ed, K–8)

  • Why Apply: Emphasizes deep inquiry, social-emotional learning, and small class sizes.
  • Parent Profile: Artists, psychologists, and reflective parents who value alternative methods and teacher relationships.

14. Manhattan Country School (Co-ed, K–8)

  • Why Apply: Sliding scale tuition, racial equity focus, farm trips, community-minded.
  • Parent Profile: Social justice activists, teachers, nonprofit families looking for mission-driven education.

15. Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan (Co-ed, K–8)

  • Why Apply: Jewish day school with academic rigor and egalitarian values.
  • Parent Profile: Conservative/Masorti Jewish families who want strong religious and general education.

DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN (SoHo, Tribeca, Village, FiDi, Battery Park)

1. Avenues: The World School (Chelsea)

  • Why Apply: Globally connected, bilingual (Spanish or Mandarin), tech-forward, and innovative. IB World School.
  • Parent Profile: International business leaders, entrepreneurs, and startup parents. Global citizens who want sleek campuses and modern pedagogy.

2. Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin (LREI) (Greenwich Village)

  • Why Apply: NYC’s iconic progressive school. Child-centered, project-based learning with social justice woven into everything.
  • Parent Profile: Writers, artists, activists, downtown cool families who prefer creativity over conformity.

3. Friends Seminary (Gramercy)

  • Why Apply: Oldest co-ed Quaker school in NYC. Values simplicity, peace, integrity, and reflection along with strong academics.
  • Parent Profile: Creative professionals, journalists, nonprofit leaders, and parents seeking moral grounding and mindfulness.

4. Grace Church School (NoHo)

  • Why Apply: Episcopal values, academic rigor, and modern inclusivity. Strong arts and thoughtful community culture.
  • Parent Profile: Spiritual-but-not-religious parents seeking values-driven structure. Media and finance mix.

5. City and Country School (West Village)

  • Why Apply: Play-based and progressive with a historic commitment to learning through doing. Very low student-teacher ratios.
  • Parent Profile: Montessori fans, designers, therapists, and downtown parents wanting gentle but deep early learning.

6. Pine Street School (Financial District)

  • Why Apply: Dual-language (Spanish or Mandarin) + International Baccalaureate curriculum in a bright downtown setting.
  • Parent Profile: Bilingual parents, global expats, and downtown professionals.

MIDTOWN & GRAMERCY / NOMAD / EAST SIDE SOUTH

1. British International School of NY (BISNY) (Waterside Plaza, East River)

  • Why Apply: UK National Curriculum + IB + riverfront location. Excellent for globally mobile families.
  • Parent Profile: Expats, UN families, hedge fund parents with a global footprint.

2. UNIS (United Nations International School) (1st Ave & 25th St)

  • Why Apply: Deeply international with a rigorous IB curriculum. Student body from over 100 nations.
  • Parent Profile: Diplomats, NGO leaders, multilingual families seeking a cross-cultural education.

3. Nord Anglia International School (East Village)

  • Why Apply: Premium international network, strong arts and STEAM. Project-based + British roots.
  • Parent Profile: Expats, tech professionals, global families valuing flexibility.

BROOKLYN (Downtown, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights)

1. Saint Ann’s School (Brooklyn Heights)

  • Why Apply: No grades, deep arts focus, genius-level faculty, and creative explosion.
  • Parent Profile: Famous writers, film directors, musicians, and high-achieving eccentrics.

2. Packer Collegiate Institute (Brooklyn Heights)

  • Why Apply: College prep meets warmth. Known for strong arts, social justice, and academics.
  • Parent Profile: Balanced achievers who want excellence without pretension.

3. Berkeley Carroll School (Park Slope)

  • Why Apply: Intellectual, progressive, academically serious. Great science and literary programs.
  • Parent Profile: Doctors, educators, legal professionals with high expectations and open-mindedness.

4. Brooklyn Friends School (Downtown Brooklyn)

  • Why Apply: Quaker values + rigorous academics. DEI deeply ingrained. Urban, diverse.
  • Parent Profile: Multiracial, progressive families. Parents in social work, education, and civic life.

5. Poly Prep Lower School (Park Slope; main campus in Dyker Heights)

  • Why Apply: Strong traditional academics + elite college pipeline in a nurturing K–4 setting.
  • Parent Profile: Legacy private school families in Brooklyn. Finance, law, real estate.

6. Hannah Senesh Community Day School (Carroll Gardens)

  • Why Apply: Progressive Jewish day school with Hebrew, critical thinking, and joyful learning.
  • Parent Profile: Jewish families seeking pluralism, Brooklyn cool, and ethical leadership.

7. International School of Brooklyn (ISB) (Carroll Gardens)

  • Why Apply: French and Spanish immersion + IB curriculum. Diverse, globally minded community.
  • Parent Profile: Multilingual parents, expats, and creatives who travel often and value dual-language.

QUEENS & STATEN ISLAND (select private K options)

1. The Kew-Forest School (Forest Hills, Queens)

  • Why Apply: Queens’ oldest independent school. Small, nurturing, academic community K–12.
  • Parent Profile: Professional and immigrant families who value a private school feel without Manhattan elitism.

2. The Garden School (Jackson Heights, Queens)

  • Why Apply: Affordable independent K–12 with diverse student body and strong academics.
  • Parent Profile: Middle-class, first-generation private school families looking for access and quality.

3. Staten Island Academy (Staten Island)

  • Why Apply: Staten Island’s premier private school with a robust K–12 academic program.
  • Parent Profile: Longtime Staten Island families, business owners, and upwardly mobile professionals.

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