2024 Best Boarding Schools in the New York City Area

• Tarrytown, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  78 reviews

Alum: I began attending Hackley in the sixth grade and remained there through the end of my high school career. With such great academic resources at your disposal, it's hard to not garner great college readiness. That being said, near-college level stress on children definitely creates a stress-inducing atmosphere. While this may be perceived as preparing kids for the real world, providing few mental health resources and being in the predominantly white, affluent bubble of Hackley does anything but that. Very grateful for the great opportunities the school afforded me both in and out of the classroom, particularly through travel, which was covered by my hefty financial aid. I would make sure families considering Hackley (particularly families of color or little financial means) know that the adjustment may take a toll on your student.... Read 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 855

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Wayne, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Pioneer Academy is a great school, both on the academic level and ethical level. It provided a safe and nourishing environment for both my kids, the elder of them attended Pioneer for the 4 years of high school and helped him a lot. He finished the school last year and now is enrolled in a highly ranked engineering college in New Jersey. My youngest son has been attending Pioneer since 3rd grade. He is now in 8th grade and enjoying the school with all that it offers, good teachers, great learning facilities, different sports activities and safe environment. Pioneer is a small school in numbers and may lack some facilities like an indoor gym, but it is really like a big family for the kids!... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 426

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Stony Brook, NY•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: I am constantly recommending The Stony Brook School to my family and friends because it is such a wonderful place. My daughter has thrived and become a more confident learner. She enjoys going to school each and every day! The teachers challenge her while offering support any time she may need. The faculty, staff and coaches are top notch and really care for their students and want them to succeed. She has grown tremendously both as a writer and reader. Socially, she has made many sweet and caring friends at SBS. There is a strong sense of community among students, faculty, staff and parents. The Stony Brook School hosts numerous events both on and off campus. The schools motto of Character Before Career is truly evident and embraced by all. If you are considering sending your child, I urge you to visit and talk with the school to see and hear about all the greatness taking place. We are so thankful to have found The Stony Brook School!... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 453

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Hopatcong, NJ•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  9 reviews

Middle school student: I feel very special coming to this school, and the teachers are always able to bring out the best in our students. One time at the school Christmas party, there was a new student who had just arrived from mainland China, and his English was not very good. However, he wanted to perform a show, so the teacher said, 'You can perform in Chinese!' The student was very confident and did not worry about people laughing at his limited English skills. Once, while practicing the piano, I hurt my hand. My teacher allowed me to take a break from my Manhattan apartment, and when I returned to school, my English, math, and science teachers all took the initiative to find me and give me extra lessons. The school dormitory is located by a beautiful lake, providing a safe and quiet environment. We truly had a great high school life at this school, and I will cherish these beautiful memories for the rest of my life.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 206

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Dobbs Ferry, NY•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  126 reviews

Alum: I attended The Masters School from 5th - 12th grade and had an amazing experience! The school has a strong sense of community; teachers are invested in their students, not just teaching cutting edge curricula but also being willing to explore students' interests inside and outside the classroom. The campus is beautiful, and facilities are top notch. The school both honors its long, rich history and constantly looks forward to meet changing times and needs. Graduates of The Masters School are well-rounded, open-minded, confident forces for good.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 694

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  112 reviews

Parent: I could not be more pleased with our family school choice! This is our second year at Léman and it has been the best educational decision we ever made. The school, faculty, staff, and families are so welcoming, passionate, and diverse. Every student is seen and perceived as a unique individual. The IB curriculum offers extensive learning opportunities and enriches the academic curriculum in an interwoven organic fashion. Students not only learn but are involved, inspired, and guided by amazingly high-level passionate educators. Words are not enough to express how happy we are and how highly we recommend Léman Manhattan Preparatory!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Edison, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  9 reviews

Junior: My experience at the OPA is amazing. The teachers are the most caring, kind, and qualified I've ever seen. They will go out of their way to help you be comfortable with the material. Best teachers ever!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 118

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Thornwood, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  121 reviews

Senior: I am a student at EFA and I'm a senior now. EFA has a very nice campus environment and offers different classes and clubs, which gives international students a good learning experience. EFA's teachers and staff are very nice, they are very patient and helpful, and they give a lot of help to students who are studying abroad, both academically and psychologically. The school offers IBDP, and students can choose to take IB courses in 11th grade to challenge and enrich themselves. Most importantly, you can feel and learn about different cultures here!... Read 121 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 275

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• St. James, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  30 reviews

Alum: I attended the Knox School myself and my niece and nephew are current students at Knox. I highly recommend the school to any parent seeking a school that helps each student become the best version of themselves. Not only is the academic program stellar, but there is a great family atmosphere. The amount of individualized attention your child will receive is unparalleled. There are many extracurricular activities as well. Throughout the pandemic, the school has gone well above and beyond to keep the students and staff safe and healthy, but the school created an amazing virtual learning environment. Thankfully the students are back in person; however, the amazing work the school did to create a wonderful virtual environment is a testament to how hard they work for their students.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Brookville, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  160 reviews

Parent: We could not be more thrilled with our choice to send our daughter to school at Luhi! The small class sizes, engaged staff and nurturing environment have really allowed our daughter to flourish. Her teachers have really gotten to know her, which has made her feel very comfortable. She is happy and willing to go to school every day- and we fully believe that is because of the warm, caring, welcoming environment. We have seen quite a change in her academics at Luhi and feel that she is finally reaching her full potential. We cannot wait to see what the rest of her career at Luhi is like- if we’ve seen all of these wonderful changes in just one year!... Read 160 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 428

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Katonah, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  73 reviews

Parent: Harvey is a special school with a strong sense of community providing an environment that encourages learning, creatively and risk taking academically as well as in sports, the arts and many other areas. Harvey's college prep curriculum encourages critical and creative thinking while ensuring that students maintain self-respect and self-reliance. A diverse student body with a wide variety of academic abilities and backgrounds, Harvey offers grade level, honors advanced placement courses, while focusing on each student to ensure that they are being challenged and supported. Small class sizes, collaborative learning environment and access to teachers make Harvey a wonderful, engaging learning environment. Students are encouraged to try new things, push themselves beyond their own expectations – academically as well as on the sports fields, in the art center, robotics lab or in Model UN. Harvey is where students want to learn, explore, and excel! Harvey provides "Rigor with Heart!"... Read 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 368

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bridgeport, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  36 reviews

Junior: The institution definitely has a highly familial atmosphere which I really enjoy! You are able to develop a personal relationship with all the teachers, and nearly all the students are warm and welcoming too. Its a very good place to go to if you value community alongside academics. It also allows for extremely easy access to college credits which I really appreciate. My only complaint is that sometimes certain teachers speed through material way too fast. But other than that its been a very positive experience!... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 60

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Chestnut Ridge, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  27 reviews

Parent: We cannot express enough the gratitude and admiration we have for Green Meadow. By focusing on and celebrating the best parts of childhood, the Green Meadow curriculum, campus, and faculty and staff cultivate creativity, curiosity, and joy within their students. Our child has benefited year after year from the hands-on experiences and the contemplative studies the school provides to each and every student. As parents in the 21st century, it's so reassuring to know that Green Meadow remembers what it's like to be a child. Their holistic approach to educating through the years with developmentally appropriate curricula allows children to see the world for its natural beauty and native brilliance. Because students are fully engaged in the learning process, from performances to immersive explorations (have you even seen their notebooks!?!) they develop an autonomy, agency, and confidence to take on the future in the face of all its uncertainties. It's truly a beautiful education.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  21 reviews

Alum: From my experience at YUHSB from 2015-2019, I can relay that the high school puts a tremendous amount of resources toward student activities, extra-curriculars, and experiential learning. There are a plethora of student-led clubs and teams, as well as a host of guest speakers on a variety of topics. Though my overall experience was wonderful, the school could've done better on transportation, and the environment toward LGBTQ+ students as well.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A

• Students 323

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Whitestone, NY•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: This school is really very nice, students are very friendly to me, and teachers are willing to help you if you have any issue about the study or any other thing. When the holiday comes, we will have a party and celebrate together. I participate in class discussion and have a fun time in this school, And we also have field trips, and college tour for the seniors, I remember once we went to the Metropolitan Museum together, and tomorrow we are going to the Museum Of Natural History, I am so exciting about it !... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 58

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Newark, NJ•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  81 reviews

Senior: My experience going to Benedict’s was a Rollercoaster ride. I came to Benedict’s for basketball in my junior year and from the moment I stepped in if I’m being wanted to step out.It wasn’t a great first day experience it was kind of scary meeting new people and the way the school runs was something I knew I had to get used to. First week they gave me and my peers lockers with no locks, which seemed crazy to me, but when they explained why, I realized my school was legit. Throughout the school, the motto "what hurts my sister hurts me" is definitely represented.From the first day I started going there, my teachers have always been open arms for me. Benedict's has given me so many opportunities and opened doors that I didn't think were possible. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's common to say Catholic schools are predominantly white, but it's actually mixed with all races and it allows us to understand each other and ignore ignorance. I love my school so much.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A

• Students 750

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  239 reviews

Alum: Many students appreciate the sense of community at Bishop Loughlin. The school fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, allowing students to build lasting friendships and connections with their peers and teachers. Bishop Loughlin offers a strong academic program with a wide range of courses and opportunities for students to excel. The school is committed to helping students reach their full potential academically, providing them with the tools and resources needed for success.... Read 239 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 621

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• 3-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: My son is about to graduate and is off to an amazing boarding school next year. We could not be more grateful and pleased with everything the Choir School is. The academics, the like-minded peers, the artistic and intellectual setting, our "Choir School family" and the MUSIC! -- if your son is looking for more (so, so much more) from school, check out Saint Thomas. There is nothing like it in the US, and the boys leave with incredible life skills that extend well beyond music and academics.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 26

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• South River, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-11

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Middle School Student: Pillars is a great school, I highly recommend it because the teachers are top quality, and they are so kind. They emphasize Islam no matter what subject it is. The hifz class allows you to become more knowledgeable about the Quran. Arabic is separated into three different levels and they help with your reading. They help find the perfect level for you. Overall, Pillars is a great school!... Read 7 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 191

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Purchase, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 347

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Greenwich, CT•

• Private School•

• K-9

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: EHS is life-changing, not just for the child but for the whole family. My son was there for 9 years and it truly launched him for success. Before he went to EHS, he used to cry and refuse to go to school, but at EHS he ran onto the bus, eager to get there and came back off smiling and happy at the end of the day. Homework is done at school, in study hall, with teachers overseeing so that stress is removed from the home environment. He got all his services at school, including speech, OT and social skills group and we loved that it was one stop shopping. The sports and activities choices were wonderful. They do a great job making every moment a teachable one, even the lunches with a teacher at every table, making sure everyone is talking to each other, being polite and connecting. No devices all day- so great! He did the boarding program right before he graduated and that was a helpful independence builder that propelled him into his high school. I honestly cannot say enough about EHS.... Read 4 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 265

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Yonkers, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 2.5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 187

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• K-9

• grade unavailable

• Students 181

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Peapack, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, 2-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 38

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Mohegan Lake, NY•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 14

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1