Update: This article was last updated on 6th February 2024 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Contrary to the common belief that children can be shaped according to one’s desires, the ten schools listed here recognize that each child is unique with inherent learning abilities and creative thinking skills. Guided by this principle, these schools strongly focus on fostering children’s creativity through a well-rounded curriculum.
The curriculum aims to improve academic performance, nurtures cognitive skills, encourages the exploration of individual talents, and promotes empathy, among other crucial aspects of holistic development.
Here is the list of the 10 best private elementary schools in NYC:
10 Best Private Elementary Schools in NYC
1. Riverdale Country School
Established in 1907, Riverdale is a coeducational institution renowned for its intense academic standards, robust artistic and athletic activities, and dedication to social responsibility. Its stunning 27-acre campus has sporting facilities, two libraries, and a cutting-edge research center.
Motto: Developing Minds, Building Character, Creating Community
Website: riverdale.edu
Location: 5250 FIELDSTON RD, BRONX, NY 10471
Phone: 718-549-8810
- Student-teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1460
- Average ACT:33
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2. The Chapin School
Chapin is an all-girls school that was established in 1901 with a focus on leadership development, academic performance, and intellectual curiosity. Its cozy environment encourages tight bonds between teachers and students, and its dynamic arts program features dance, music, drama, and visual arts.
Motto: Learning to Think, Learning to Live
Website: chapin.edu
Location: 100 E END AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10028
Phone: 212-744-2335
- Student-teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1420
- Average ACT:33
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3. Horace Mann School
Horace Mann, a coeducational institution, focuses on providing cutting-edge academics, a diverse student body, and dedication to social justice. Numerous AP classes, electives, and extracurricular activities are available. Founded in 1847, its alumni go on to attend some of the best colleges in the world.
Motto: For the Common Good.
Website: horacemann.org
Location: 231 WEST 246TH ST, BRONX, NY 10471
Phone: 718-432-4000
- Student-teacher Ratio: 7:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1450
- Average ACT:33
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4. The Brearley School
At the Brearley School, girls are encouraged to be inquisitive and diverse thinkers, developing critical and creative thinking skills for morally responsible interactions with the world around them. Students develop competence in a wide range of areas and develop a resilient, giving nature under the guidance of a caring and supportive community. Teachers and students develop a close relationship based on a shared passion for sharing ideas. Beyond academics, Brearley prepares students for the future by providing them with the confidence to pursue their aspirations and the insight to lead balanced, fulfilling lives. Adopted by the Board of Trustees, June 2016.
Motto: Learning Without Limits.
Website: brearley.org
Location: 610 E 83RD ST, NEW YORK, NY 10028
Phone: 212-744-8582
- Student-teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1520
- Average ACT:34
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5. Trinity School
Trinity is one of the oldest private schools in the country, having opened for business in 1709. It provides an Episcopal coeducational education with a focus on academics, morality, and community service. Gorgeous Hudson River vistas and Gothic architecture may be seen on the campus’s old buildings.
Motto: Knowledge, Humility, and Wisdom
Website: trinityschoolnyc.org/page
Location: 139 W 91ST ST, NEW YORK, NY 10024
Phone: 212-873-1650
- Student-teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate: N/A
- Average SAT: 1510
- Average ACT: 34
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6. Lycée Français de New York
Lycée Français de New York, a prestigious French-American school with 1200 students from Nursery to 12th grade and more than 50 countries represented, was founded in 1935. With a focus on teamwork, the bilingual and multicultural environment of the school develops students to become leaders and critical thinkers. Under the direction of skilled instructors, the Lycée offers a unique educational experience that prepares graduates for entrance to prestigious international universities.
Motto: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.
Website: lfny.org
Location: 505 EAST 75TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10021
Phone: 212-369-1400
- Student-teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1400
- Average ACT:31
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7. The Spence School
The Spence School was placed sixth in a Worth magazine survey of 31,700 high schools throughout the country on the success rate of graduating students to esteemed universities like Princeton, Yale, and Harvard. Clara B. Spence founded the private all-girls school that provides a demanding liberal arts education for students in grades K–12.
Motto: To Know, to Do, to Be
Website: spenceschool.org
Location: 22 E 91ST ST, NEW YORK, NY 10128
Phone: 212- 289-5940
- Student-teacher Ratio: 5:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1490
- Average ACT:33
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8. Convent of the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart students have the opportunity to develop into confident and thoughtful leaders through an exceptional academic program, a wide range of extracurricular activities and art programs, and an integrated service-learning component. The school offers a welcoming community that helps foster critical thinking, global understanding, and genuine compassion in students.
For a comprehensive overview of Sacred Heart’s offerings, visit their virtual open house events or take an in-person tour of the school and campus.
Motto: Educating Hearts and Minds.
Website: cshnyc.org
Location: 1 E 91ST ST, NEW YORK, NY 10128
Phone: 212-722-4745
- Student-teacher Ratio:6:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1450
- Average ACT:33
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9. The Nightingale-Bamford School
Nightingale’s mission is to empower women by fostering a passion for learning, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to equity.
The school’s mission is to provide a comprehensive education while fostering meaningful connections, multicultural understanding, and the ability to rise above expectations.
The focus is also on building futuristic skills such as critical thinking and compassion, by cultivating caring citizens through fundamental independence in Lower School, self-discovery at Middle School, and a liberal arts curriculum in Upper School that focuses on global citizenship.
Motto: Excellence in All Things.
Website: nightingale.org
Location: 20 E 92ND ST, NEW YORK, NY 10128
Phone: 212-289-5020
- Student-teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1430
- Average ACT:32
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10. The Dalton School
Premium education is the foundation of The Dalton School, which provides excellent instruction customized within a shared curriculum to meet each student’s unique requirements, interests, and talents. Dalton promotes the growth of students’ intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and sense of social responsibility by highlighting variety as an essential aspect of school life. Under the direction of the Dalton Plan, the school gets pupils ready to “Go Forth Unafraid®”.
Motto: Knowledge, Experience, Growth.
Website: dalton.org
Location: 108 EAST 89TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10128
Phone: 212- 423- 5450
- Student-teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Average graduation rate:100%
- Average SAT: 1450
- Average ACT:34
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After meticulously evaluating lists from reputable sources such as US News, Smart Sitting, and Niche, we have thoughtfully selected the ten finest institutions. Our primary criterion was to include schools that offer education up to 8th grade. We hope this curated list is valuable in guiding you toward making an informed decision and finding the perfect educational fit.
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How can I narrow down my search for private elementary schools?
Start by defining your priorities (academics, arts, religious affiliation, etc.). Explore school websites, attend open houses, and talk to current parents or alumni.