The 10 Best Private Schools in Westchester County, NY
The 10 Best Private Schools in Westchester County, NY
NYC’s Elite Suburb: The “Country Day School” Ivy League Pipeline
Just north of New York City, Westchester County represents the zenith of suburban elite living and education. For high-powered NYC executives and finance professionals, it offers the “best of both worlds”: sprawling, green campuses and a (slightly) more relaxed pace, all while maintaining a direct, powerful pipeline to the Ivy League and top universities.
Unlike the vertical, “city-as-campus” schools of Manhattan, Westchester is defined by the **”Country Day School” model**. These institutions boast massive athletic facilities, state-of-the-art arts centers, and even 5-day boarding options, attracting families who want top-tier academics without the intense urban pressure. From Rye to Bedford, the county’s private schools are among the nation’s best, with rigorous admissions and matriculation lists that rival their Manhattan counterparts.
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
| Region | Primary Vibe & Focus |
|---|---|
| The 10 Best Private Schools in NYC | The Overall Elite View |
| The 10 Best Private Schools in Manhattan | The “Old Guard” Ivy Pipeline |
| The Best Private Schools in Greenwich, CT | Hedge Fund Hub & Elite Preps |
| The Best Private Schools in Short Hills, NJ | Top-Tier NJ Preps |
| Guide to NYC Private School Tiers | Decoding the “Types” of Schools |
Strategic Tips for Navigating Westchester Admissions
- The “Country Day” Model: The biggest differentiator is space. Expect sprawling campuses, mandatory athletics, and a strong sense of community. The trade-off is that you are more car-dependent than in NYC.
- Public vs. Private: Unlike NYC, Westchester’s top public schools (e.g., Scarsdale, Bronxville, Chappaqua) are so good they compete directly with elite private schools for college placement. This is a key decision for families moving to the area.
- Boarding Options: A major advantage over Manhattan. Top schools like Hackley and Masters offer 5-day or 7-day boarding, providing a “prep school lite” experience close to home.
- The “Feeder” System: Towns like Bedford and Katonah are known for elite K-9 schools (like Rippowam Cisqua) that are specifically designed to “feed” students into top New England boarding schools (like Choate or Deerfield) or the local high schools on this list.
The Westchester X-Factor: The “Best of Both Worlds.” Families choose Westchester to get the green lawns, sprawling campuses, and athletic focus of a suburban prep school, while still being a 30-45 minute train ride from Manhattan for parental commutes, internships, and cultural access via Metro-North Railroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Westchester private schools as good as NYC schools?
Yes. Schools like Rye Country Day and Hackley are considered “Ivy League feeders” on par with their Manhattan counterparts. They post similar, exceptional college matriculation lists. The difference is cultural and logistical (campus vs. city), not academic quality.
Is it easier to get into a Westchester school than an NYC one?
No, just a different applicant pool. The top-tier schools (RCDS, Hackley, Masters) have single-digit acceptance rates for key entry years. The competition is just as fierce, drawing from wealthy communities in Westchester and nearby Connecticut.
Should I live in Westchester and commute my child to NYC?
It’s generally not recommended. The commute (drive + train + subway) can be grueling for a child. The schools in Westchester are of such high quality that there is little reason to endure the commute, unless seeking a specific, unique program only found in Manhattan.
Ranking: The 10 Best Private Schools in Westchester County
This list focuses on the most prestigious K-12 and 9-12 schools known for academic excellence and elite college placement.
1. Rye Country Day School (RCDS) (Rye)
Highlight: The consensus #1. A co-ed, Pre-K to 12 powerhouse known for its “super-feeder” status to the Ivy League and a perfect balance of elite academics, arts, and dominant athletics.
Justification: For the family that wants the “Trinity” of Westchester, RCDS is it. It has the reputation, the results, and the facilities. Its location in Rye provides easy access for families across the county and in Greenwich.
Address: 3 Cedar St, Rye, NY 10580
Phone: (914) 967-1417
Website: ryecountryday.org
2. Hackley School (Tarrytown)
Highlight: A massive 285-acre campus with a renowned K-12 co-ed program and optional boarding (5- or 7-day).
Justification: Hackley is the “Horace Mann” of Westchester. It offers a true “prep school” feel with a strong focus on character (“Enter here to be and find a friend”). It’s a top choice for those seeking a rigorous, community-focused environment.
Address: 293 Benedict Ave, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Phone: (914) 631-0128
Website: hackleyschool.org
3. The Masters School (Dobbs Ferry)
Highlight: Famed for its use of the Harkness Table (discussion-based learning), strong arts, and a stunning campus overlooking the Hudson. Offers boarding.
Justification: Masters is the intellectual and arts-focused choice (grades 5-12). The Harkness method fosters deep critical thinking and engagement. Its boarding program attracts a diverse student body.
Address: 49 Clinton Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Phone: (914) 479-6400
Website: mastersny.org
4. French-American School of New York (FASNY) (Larchmont/Mamaroneck)
Highlight: The premier bilingual (French-English) school (N-12), offering both the IB Diploma and the French Baccalauréat across multiple campuses.
Justification: For international families or those seeking true bilingualism, FASNY is the top choice north of the city. Its rigorous dual curriculum produces multilingual students highly sought after globally.
Address: Campuses in Larchmont, Mamaroneck
Phone: (914) 250-0000
Website: fasny.org
5. Iona Preparatory School (New Rochelle)
Highlight: The top all-boys Catholic preparatory school (K-12) in the region, with a strong legacy in academics and athletics.
Justification: For families seeking a high-achieving, all-boys environment grounded in Catholic values, Iona Prep is the leader. It’s known for its strong brotherhood, competitive sports, and excellent college placement.
Address: 255 Wilmot Rd, New Rochelle, NY 10804 (Upper School) / 173 Stratton Rd (Lower School)
Phone: (914) 632-0713
Website: ionaprep.org
6. School of the Holy Child (Rye)
Highlight: An elite, all-girls Catholic college-preparatory school (grades 5-12).
Justification: The all-girls counterpart to Iona, Holy Child is renowned for empowering young women in a rigorous, faith-based environment. It has a strong reputation for academic excellence and leadership development.
Address: 2225 Westchester Ave, Rye, NY 10580
Phone: (914) 967-5622
Website: holychildrye.org
7. The Harvey School (Katonah)
Highlight: A co-ed, college-prep school (grades 6-12) with small class sizes and optional 5-day boarding.
Justification: Harvey is known for its personalized approach. For students who thrive with more individual attention without sacrificing rigor, Harvey’s small-by-design community is a strategic choice for college prep.
Address: 260 Jay St, Katonah, NY 10536
Phone: (914) 232-3161
Website: harveyschool.org
8. German International School New York (GISNY) (White Plains)
Highlight: A bilingual, multicultural K-12 school offering the NYS High School Diploma and the German International Abitur.
Justification: GISNY is a key international hub. Its rigorous, bilingual education opens doors to universities in both the US and Europe, attracting German-speaking families and global citizens.
Address: 50 Partridge Rd, White Plains, NY 10605
Phone: (914) 948-6513
Website: gisny.org
9. Solomon Schechter School of Westchester (White Plains/Hartsdale)
Highlight: The leading K-12 Conservative Jewish day school in the county, known for its dual curriculum of Judaic and General Studies.
Justification: For families seeking a top-tier academic program fully integrated with Jewish values, traditions, and Hebrew language, Schechter Westchester is the premier choice, sending graduates to top universities and seminaries.
Phone: (914) 948-3111
Website: schechterwestchester.org
10. Rippowam Cisqua School (Bedford/Mount Kisco)
Highlight: An elite Pre-K to 9 independent school known as a primary “feeder” to top New England boarding schools.
Justification: RCS serves the affluent communities of Northern Westchester. Its purpose is to provide an exceptional foundation before students matriculate to elite boarding schools (Andover, Exeter, Choate) or local day schools like Hackley.
Phone: (914) 244-1200
Website: rcsny.org
Check Out Our Education Guides for NYC & Beyond
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