The 10 Best Private Schools in The Bronx
The 10 Best Private Schools in The Bronx
NYC’s “Country Day” Ivy League Feeders
While Manhattan is defined by its vertical, “city-as-campus” schools, The Bronx offers the ultimate urban luxury: space. Home to the “Hill Schools”—Riverdale and Horace Mann—this borough is the epicenter of the “country day school” model. These are Ivy League feeders with sprawling, university-style campuses, vast athletic fields, and a prep school atmosphere, all just a few miles from Midtown.
Families choose the Bronx not just for the academic rigor, which is on par with the best of the Upper East Side, but for the experience. They want their children to have green lawns, state-of-the-art sports centers, and a distinct, self-contained community, creating a suburban prep school feel without ever leaving the five boroughs.
“A school is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside.” – Lon Watters
| Borough / Region | Primary Vibe & Focus |
|---|---|
| The 10 Best Private Schools in Manhattan | The “Old Guard” Ivy Pipeline |
| The 10 Best Private Schools in Brooklyn | Progressive & “New School” Hubs |
| The Best Private Schools in Queens | Global Diversity & The IB Curriculum |
| The Best Private Schools in Staten Island | Traditional, Campus-Based Schools |
| Guide to NYC Private School Tiers | Decoding the “Types” of Schools |
Strategic Tips for Bronx Admissions
- The “Hill Schools”: The Bronx private school scene is dominated by the “Hill Schools” in the affluent Riverdale neighborhood: Horace Mann, Riverdale Country School, and Fieldston. The competition among these three is legendary.
- The Commute is Key: These schools are destinations. They run extensive private bus services that blanket Manhattan, Westchester, and even parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, picking up students for the daily commute to their campuses.
- Athletics are Central: Unlike in Manhattan, athletics here are a core part of the identity. The rivalry between Horace Mann and Riverdale in the “Ivy Prep League” (for sports) is a century-old tradition. Facilities are top-tier.
- Public School Power: Don’t forget that the Bronx is home to one of NYC’s Specialized High Schools—Bronx High School of Science—which is one of the world’s best public schools and a major competitor for the same high-achieving students.
The Bronx X-Factor: The “Campus.” This is what you are paying for. Instead of a single building on a side street, you get 20+ acres of green lawns, multiple gymnasiums, tennis courts, theaters, and a self-contained, secure environment that feels more like a small college than a high school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the Bronx “Hill Schools” as good as Trinity or Brearley in Manhattan?
Yes. Academically, they are all peers in the “Ivy Prep League” and send a similar percentage of graduates to top-tier universities. The choice is not about “better” academics but about environment: a sprawling, suburban-style “campus” (Horace Mann) vs. a vertical, urban “building” (Trinity).
What is the “Ivy Prep League”?
This is the athletic league for the elite private schools. It includes Horace Mann, Riverdale, and Fieldston (from the Bronx) and Trinity, Collegiate, and Dalton (from Manhattan). The rivalries are intense and a core part of the school culture.
Are there good schools in the Bronx besides the “Hill Schools”?
Yes. The Bronx is also home to some of the city’s most prestigious and powerful Catholic schools (like Fordham Prep and Cardinal Hayes), which offer a high-rigor, values-based education at a fraction of the price.
Ranking: The 10 Best Private Schools in The Bronx
This list is dominated by the elite “Hill Schools” and the top-tier Catholic institutions.
1. Horace Mann School (Riverdale)
Highlight: A “Top 3” NYC school. A massive 18-acre, co-ed K-12 campus with unparalleled resources.
Justification: Horace Mann is an academic and athletic goliath. It is a “country day” school in name but a small university in practice. Its endowment, facilities, and Ivy League placement are among the best in the world.
Address: 231 W 246th St, The Bronx, NY 10471
Phone: (718) 432-4000
Website: horacemann.org
2. Riverdale Country School (Riverdale)
Highlight: Horace Mann’s direct rival. A stunning 27.5-acre, co-ed K-12 “hilltop” campus.
Justification: Riverdale offers a world-class education with a strong focus on “high-challenge, high-support.” It is renowned for its innovative programs, strong community, and stunning facilities overlooking Van Cortlandt Park.
Address: 5250 Fieldston Rd, The Bronx, NY 10471
Phone: (718) 549-8810
Website: riverdale.edu
3. Ethical Culture Fieldston School (Fieldston)
Highlight: The “Progressive” Hill School, founded on a mission of ethical education.
Justification: Fieldston is the choice for families who want the “campus” but also a progressive, child-centered philosophy (similar to Dalton). Its “Ethical Culture” foundation makes it a leader in social justice and inquiry-based learning.
Address: 3901 Fieldston Rd, The Bronx, NY 10471
Phone: (718) 329-7300
Website: ecfs.org
4. Fordham Preparatory School (Belmont)
Highlight: The elite, all-boys Jesuit (Catholic) prep school located *on* the Fordham University campus.
Justification: Fordham Prep is a powerhouse. It offers a rigorous, Catholic education defined by Jesuit values (“Men for Others”). Its unique location gives students access to university facilities and a strong legacy of high achievement.
Address: 441 E Fordham Rd, The Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: (718) 367-7500
Website: fordhamprep.org
5. Cardinal Hayes High School (Concourse)
Highlight: A historic, all-boys Catholic high school with a legendary legacy.
Justification: Cardinal Hayes is a pillar of the Bronx community. It has a famed alumni network and provides a structured, high-achieving, and faith-based education for thousands of young men.
Address: 650 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 292-6100
Website: cardinalhayes.org
6. The Academy of Mount St. Ursula (Fordham)
Highlight: The oldest all-girls Catholic school in New York State (founded in 1855).
Justification: AMSU is an institution. It is dedicated to empowering young women in a rigorous, values-driven environment, with a strong focus on service and leadership.
Address: 330 Bedford Park Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: (718) 364-5936
Website: amsu.org
7. SAR Academy & High School (Riverdale)
Highlight: The premier, co-ed Modern Orthodox Jewish day school.
Justification: SAR is a national leader in Modern Orthodox education. It provides a top-tier, dual-curriculum (Judaic and General Studies) program in a state-of-the-art facility, known for its innovative approach and strong community.
Address: 655 W 254th St, The Bronx, NY 10471 (Academy) / 503 W 259th St, The Bronx, NY 10471 (High School)
Phone: (718) 548-1717 (Academy) / (718) 548-2727 (High School)
Website: saracademy.org
8. Aquinas High School (Belmont)
Highlight: An all-girls Catholic high school with a strong academic reputation and commitment to social justice.
Justification: Aquinas empowers young women through a rigorous curriculum, a supportive community, and a focus on service. It consistently sends graduates to top colleges.
Address: 685 E 182nd St, The Bronx, NY 10457
Phone: (718) 367-2111
Website: aquinashs.org
9. Monsignor Scanlan High School (Throggs Neck)
Highlight: A co-ed, college-prep Catholic school on a beautiful 13-acre campus.
Justification: Scanlan offers a strong balance of academics, arts, and athletics in a traditional, faith-based setting. Its large campus is a major draw for families in the East Bronx.
Address: 915 Hutchinson River Pkwy, The Bronx, NY 10465
Phone: (718) 430-0100
Website: scanlanhs.edu
10. Mount St. Michael Academy (Wakefield)
Highlight: An all-boys Catholic school (grades 6-12) with a strong athletic tradition.
Justification: “The Mount” is a Bronx institution, known for its strong brotherhood and “Marist” Catholic values. It’s a powerhouse in sports and provides a disciplined, college-prep environment.
Address: 4300 Murdock Ave, The Bronx, NY 10466
Phone: (718) 515-2800
Website: mtstmichael.org
Check Out Our Other Education Guides
- The 10 Best Private Schools in Manhattan
- The 10 Best Private Schools in Brooklyn
- Guide to NYC Private School Tiers
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