The Best Private Schools in Queens
The Best Private Schools in Queens
The Global Hub: International Baccalaureate & Diverse Powerhouses
As the “World’s Borough,” the private school scene in Queens is a reflection of its incredible global diversity. Unlike the “Old Money” of Manhattan or the “Country Day” campuses of the Bronx, the elite schools in Queens are defined by their international focus, rigorous academic traditions, and deep community roots.
This is the city’s hub for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and high-performing, faith-based institutions. From the leafy, Tudor-style neighborhoods of Forest Hills and Kew Gardens to the bustling centers of Flushing and Jamaica Estates, Queens schools serve a high-achieving, globally-minded population, including many diplomatic families and new Americans seeking a top-tier college prep experience.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
| 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 10 Best Private Schools in The Bronx | Sprawling “Country Day” Campuses |
| 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 Queens Admissions
- The IB Hub: Queens is a leader in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Schools like The Kew-Forest School, The Mary Louis Academy, and the UNIS Queens Campus offer this globally-recognized, rigorous curriculum, making it a top choice for international and diplomatic families.
- The “Mega-School” Powerhouses: The private school scene here is dominated by massive, high-performing Catholic schools. Institutions like St. Francis Prep (the largest non-diocesan Catholic high school in the U.S.) and Archbishop Molloy have huge endowments, legendary sports programs, and powerful alumni networks.
- The Public School Competition: Queens has some of the world’s best *public* schools. The specialized Townsend Harris High School and Queens High School for the Sciences are often ranked #1 in NY and are the primary, free competitors for the same pool of high-achieving students.
- Neighborhood Anchors: Unlike the “commuter” schools in the Bronx, Queens private schools are often deep-rooted neighborhood anchors, serving the affluent communities of Forest Hills, Jamaica Estates, Bayside, and Briarwood.
The Queens X-Factor: The Global Crossroads. The true value of a Queens education is the environment. Students aren’t just *told* about the world; they are sitting next to it.
The cafeteria at a top Queens school is a microcosm of the UN, fostering a level of authentic global citizenship that is hard to replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Queens private schools considered “elite”?
Yes, but of a different kind. While they may not have the $70k price tag of Trinity, schools like St. Francis Prep and Kew-Forest are academic and athletic powerhouses that send graduates to top universities. Their “elite” status comes from their performance, history, and community influence, not just their tuition.
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme?
The IB Programme is a rigorous, two-year curriculum for high school juniors and seniors that is recognized by universities worldwide. It’s known for its emphasis on critical thinking, research (the “extended essay”), and international-mindedness, making it ideal for globally-mobile families.
What is the dominant school “type” in Queens?
The Catholic school system is the dominant force. The Diocese of Brooklyn (which covers Queens) and other independent Catholic orders run the largest and most prominent institutions in the borough, known for their high academic standards and affordability relative to independent schools.
Ranking: The 10 Best Private Schools in Queens
This list reflects a mix of top independent, international, and high-performing Catholic schools.
1. The Kew-Forest School (Forest Hills)
Highlight: The premier K-12 independent school in Queens and an IB World School.
Justification: Kew-Forest is the “Ivy Prep” of Queens. With a history spanning over 100 years and a rigorous IB curriculum, it’s the top choice for families seeking a traditional, high-achieving independent school experience without leaving the borough.
2. St. Francis Preparatory School (Fresh Meadows)
Highlight: The largest non-diocesan Catholic high school in the United States.
Justification: “The Prep” is an institution. With a massive student body (approx. 2,500), St. Francis offers a mind-boggling array of AP courses, activities, and top-tier athletic programs. Its alumni network is powerful and vast.
3. Archbishop Molloy High School (Briarwood)
Highlight: A massive co-ed Catholic school with a powerful alumni network and academic rigor.
Justification: Molloy is a direct competitor to St. Francis. It’s a Marist Catholic school known for its strong sense of community, academic excellence, and a legendary basketball program that has produced NBA stars.
4. The Mary Louis Academy (Jamaica Estates)
Highlight: The premier all-girls Catholic high school and an IB World School.
Justification: TMLA is a powerhouse for empowering young women. Its dual-track curriculum (offering both IB and AP) provides incredible academic flexibility, and its 100% graduation and college acceptance rate speaks for itself.
5. Holy Cross High School (Flushing)
Highlight: The top all-boys Catholic, college-prep high school.
Justification: Holy Cross is the all-boys equivalent of TMLA. Sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross (the same as Notre Dame), it’s known for its strong brotherhood, disciplined environment, and success in both academics and athletics.
6. United Nations International School (UNIS) – Queens Campus
Highlight: The K-8 “feeder” school for the world’s diplomatic community.
Justification: While its high school is in Manhattan, the UNIS Queens Campus (K-8) is a vital institution. It serves the children of UN families in Queens with a truly international, IB-focused curriculum, feeding them directly into the world’s top high schools.
7. Solomon Schechter School of Queens (Flushing)
Highlight: The premier Conservative Jewish Day School in the borough.
Justification: SSSQ is the anchor of the Queens Jewish community, offering a top-tier dual curriculum (General and Judaic Studies) in a nurturing, modern environment. It is known for its academic rigor and strong community values.
8. The Windsor School (Flushing)
Highlight: A private, 7-12 school with a strong focus on international students.
Justification: Windsor is specifically geared toward a global audience. It is authorized to issue I-20 forms for foreign students and has a strong track record of placing international students in top US universities.
9. Garden School (Jackson Heights)
Highlight: A historic, co-ed, K-12 college-prep school.
Justification: Founded in 1923, Garden School is a cornerstone of the Jackson Heights community. It’s a smaller, more intimate independent school known for its diverse student body and a nurturing, college-prep environment.
10. St. Demetrios School (Astoria)
Highlight: The largest Greek-American bilingual school in the United States.
Justification: St. Demetrios is a pillar of the Astoria community. It offers a unique (and rigorous) bilingual education in Greek and English from Pre-K to 12, preserving Hellenic culture while providing a strong college-prep foundation.
Check Out Our Other Education Guides
- The 10 Best Private Schools in Manhattan
- The 10 Best Private Schools in The Bronx
- Guide to NYC Private School Tiers
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