2023 Best Elementary Schools in the New York City Area

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: Lots of opportunities to do things and the worst part was when there was the opportunity, but I could figure out how to get to it. Generally good with Financial Aid with some exceptions like having to be in a music program in order to get music lessons, but largley only being able to be in a program if you already played something. The athletic options were good, both on teams and otherwise. The art department was fantastic and many students were close with the teachers. Though other kids' experiences varied, I liked all my teachers. We learned a lot and had easy accessibility to things outside of the classroom, including trips, (moderately) job opportunities, hearing from speakers and alumni, community service, general get-to-gethers/events, and more.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,001

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  74 reviews

Parent: Our two children attended Riverdale Country School from 6th through 12th grades, and it has been our pleasure to be members of the Riverdale community for the past eleven years. Both have now graduated, and our daughter is following in her older brother’s footsteps to attend her first choice college this fall. We have loved being Riverdale parents and watching our children thrive. The school excels on so many levels — from extraordinarily qualified and dedicated teachers and school leaders who really get to know your children, to a wide range of course offerings in every subject, to all the after-school athletics and arts, and a true school spirit running through it all. Just as an example, both children had the chance to perform independent research side-by-side with a teacher/supervisor in their senior years, in areas of study they developed themselves. What an amazing experience!... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,299

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  82 reviews

Sophomore: I am receiving a truly fantastic education at Brearley, and for that I am grateful! The school provides students with valuable resources and opportunities to expand and customize their learning experience. The culture of competition can be overwhelming, but I think the stressful atmosphere is perpetuated by the students, rather than the administration. The adults I’ve interacted with at Brearley have generally been supportive and understanding, while some of the kids can be cutthroat and aggressively driven.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 776

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  149 reviews

Alum: The school is excellent in every regard except for the student culture. Everyone is extremely nice and there haven't been any problems with bullying, but it comes at the cost of near complete grade-centrism. Grades are so important that, in many cases, comprehension and enjoyment of the subject falls second. It creates tension and competition, and I'm pretty sure the stress took more than a few years off my life. Still, I've loved attending here and from my parent's perspective, the administration was unbelievably organized and generally very responsive to issues. Also, if you're interested in engineering like I was during high school, there were only two classes with engineering in the name. To make up I joined one of the (several) robotics teams and took all the math, physics and compsci classes I could, which were excellent, but it's a noticeable hole in the school's diverse curriculum.... Read 149 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,793

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Basking Ridge, NJ•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  147 reviews

Sophomore: At the Pingry School, everyone can find their place. Whether it is the plethora of student interest clubs, diverse student body, the openness and willingness of the teachers to help at every turn, or just the smile on everyone's faces in the morning, it really is a joy to be a member of the Pingry Community. The level of trust and camaraderie among the community is unparalleled, and Pingry really sticks to the tenets of its Honor Code. But there really is no better way to experience the Pingry Community than to come see it for yourself!... Read 147 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,197

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  31 reviews

Middle school student: Collegiate School, with its modern campus and commitment to a safe, nurturing environment, amazes me as a middle school student. It's an innovation hub with cutting-edge facilities and technology in interactive classrooms and advanced labs, fueling our curiosity. What's remarkable is Collegiate's unwavering safety dedication, prioritizing our well-being through secure access, surveillance, and vigilant staff. Safety isn't just physical; it's part of the culture, fostering diversity and discouraging bullying, creating an accepting, supportive atmosphere. Our teachers are experts and approachable mentors, guiding us through challenges and celebrating our achievements. The sense of community enriches the learning experience. In summary, Collegiate School offers a modern, safe, inspiring environment where innovation meets security, diversity thrives, and learning flourishes.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 656

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  110 reviews

Senior: Sacred Heart is a unique school, with incredible facilities. It helps girls find their voice and encourages us to explore different paths to problem solving. Even though we are in a competitive environment, we are always supportive of each other and encourage each other to do our best. Whether it was in class or during sports, we had fun and enjoyed our time together. I’ve made a great group of diverse friends I know I will keep forever. I also feel very prepared for college. I was excited to be accepted to my top choice university. Sacred Heart has great college placement and an exceptional college counseling group. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I will be sad to leave. But, I know I always have a home at Sacred Heart!... Read 110 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 741

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  30 reviews

Senior: I have gone to Spence my entire life and I am so grateful for that experience! I definitely enjoyed high school the most out of my 13 years there because of the opportunities, teachers, friends and unique learning experience. I feel close to all the staff and administration there and I truly believe that they want to help you succeed.... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 751

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Rye, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  114 reviews

Works Here: I've been personally and professionally satisfied as an employee at Rye Country Day School. I found the community to be welcoming and eager for a new chapter, under strong leadership. I've felt supported in my work and have had many opportunities to grow new skillsets, which is important to me in a workplace. Impressive is the first word that comes to mind when I see how successful our students are and in unique ways. Of course, RCDS students' achievements include superior academics and athletic championships. But I've been most struck witnessing the level of care, genuine passion, and commitment to causes that are important to the students, specifically with the Community Engagement Fellows, the students who were selected to attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, and student leaders involved in the Sustainability program. These high school students are so informed and articulate! The young leaders that RCDS fosters are going places.... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 957

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  59 reviews

Parent: Exceptional, phenomenal, and superb! Those are just a few words to describe our experience at The Nightingale-Bamford School. This school has delivered everything it promised during the application process, and much more. The strong, close community is a stand-out at Nightingale. We felt welcome and a sense of belonging right from the start, and this has truly allowed our daughter to thrive. The teachers are exceptional, they make strong efforts to know our daughter and challenge her in appropriate, thoughtful ways. As a result of their approach, she has gained incredible skills across the board including reading, writing, and math, and grown exponentially. At Nightingale, she has developed confidence, a strong voice, independence, and public speaking skills starting at a young age thanks to the wonderful instruction here.  She looks forward to going to school everyday - where Nightingale educates her heart and mind.  We know that she is reaching her full potential here.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 710

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  85 reviews

Alum: I went through Dalton's K-12 program and, overall, I think it was a great success. Up until middle school, I didn't feel challenged but learned through creative projects and collaboration with fellow classmates. My middle school experience aided me to learn the tools needed for high school with an introduction to culminating assessments (which were extremely nerve-racking at the time) but I learned the importance of them in retrospect. Unfortunately, my view of Dalton high school is skewed due to Covid19 and other tragic events in the community. Freshman year of high school was when I found my first group of friends. I was thrilled but was soon ripped away from them and isolated. Dalton stayed on Zoom from March 2020 to January 2021, switching 55-minute class times to 30 minutes and then a whopping 80. To say the least, Dalton does not handle change well - but does anyone really? Junior and Senior years were somewhat back to normal. Dalton has helped me understand what I want and need.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,331

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  97 reviews

Parent: The Lycée Français de New York is the humanities, literature and philosophy school par excellence, providing an outstanding preparation for university and beyond by developing critical and analytic skills in dual language and method. Student's perspective: the LFNY's strong focus on the French language, on HLP and the development of critique, coupled with continual availability and support from the teaching staff through built-in, after-class 'dialogue' (tutoring) hours, the Lycée excels in its preparation of the students' readiness for the Baccalaureate exams. In terms of student life and school spirit: regardless of their cultural origin, the students are united and bonded by the common thread of the French language. Parent's perspective: from lunch helper in Primary to participation in event committees and/or occupying a position in the APL (parent liaison to the school administration), parental involvement while voluntary is welcome and encouraged.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,150

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  123 reviews

Junior: I have been at Avenues since the beginning (11 years!) and have become very comfortable with the people and environment. There are many things I love about Avenues, but the Global Journeys programs and Harkness-style classes are two of my favorite aspects. Just this January J-term, I went on a Global Journeys program to Senegal. In small groups, we stayed with homestay families, communicating with them in broken French and hand gestures. Through this experience, we learned more about their culture and gained confidence in dealing with unusual situations. This trip also brought my and my peers closer together—I love waving whenever I see them in the hallways! Another thing that I love about Avenues is the discussion-based classes. In English and World classes, discussing material (plot, themes, historical movements, etc) helps me formulate my ideas and speak succinctly. This skill, along with collaboration and flexibility, are fundamental strengths that I have developed at Avenues.... Read 123 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,958

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Englewood, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  69 reviews

Freshman: I've been here since the seventh grade. I'm gonna be totally honest, it's an incredibly expensive school and my family is a high donor. Unlike in my previous school, teachers are connected. It's not one of those seemingly universalized experiences where its 50/50 about teachers caring. More like 80/20, and that 20 still have their charms. Though the student body are what really pulls it together. The makeup of the school is split down the middle between preppy party kids (that have their qualities) and the other half of the nicest, most motivated kids you'll ever meet. Though its middle/high school. There's drama. Its not always fun. The administration has some fundamental flaws. In that it seems as though they care more about their endowment then their students. Facilities is slow to accommodate, still no NB bathrooms, nor gym accommodations, nor trans accessible binaried bathrooms. Anyhow I love my school 8.4/10!... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,068

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  111 reviews

Parent: We have two daughters at Chapin, both of whom started in Kindergarten, and could not be happier with the school. As parents, our desire is to help our daughters become independent thinkers who love to learn. So far, Chapin has been incredible in this regard. Chapin combines intense academics and social-emotional learning in a way that develops thoughtful, emotionally mature, successful students. The school's access to resources and extracurricular offerings is incredible, enabling the girls to try out sports and activities. Having K-12 under one roof is a real plus, especially with easy access to Carl Schurz park, Asphalt Green, and Randall's Island. Overall, we couldn't be happier with our choice of Chapin for our family!... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 814

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.7 out of 5  135 reviews

Parent: The school is truly a dream. Top ranked in the country, few blocks from our apartment, on beautiful 5th Ave overlooking the MET. Most importantly, they engage, cultivate, and support their girls into a rigours education. We are happy our daughter was accepted into their limited spots; but amazed at their educational support that will make my daughter thrive. Huge highlights: First STEM program for girls, Financial Literacy through Bloomberg Terminal certification, brand new Upper School with state of the art technology. An Apple Distinguished School with ipads for students. An absolutely unreal Fabrication Lab that easily competes MIT/Caltech labs. Art and dedicated classrooms at the MET. Finally, and most importantly, a humble grace that shows how education is a gift; a gift to selflessly give back to society.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 768

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Summit, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  62 reviews

Alum: Academically excellent, great leadership opportunities, and supportive staff. The school should have much higher rankings given how well it prepares well rounded and intelligent future leaders. In 2007, The Wall Street Journal already listed Kent Place School as one of the world's top 50 schools for its success in preparing students to enter top American universities. The school has excellent academical cuticulum, strong STEM resources, and abundant student activities. At KPS learning with purpose, leading with ethics, thriving in community, and investing in one another are the priorities. These priorities are rooted in the school's core strengths, enriched by our long history of understanding how high-achieving girls learn best, and deepened by the story that every student brings to our community. KPS has a long history. Since 1894, KPS has dedicated to empowering girls. The results have been spectacular. KPS has sent students to many top institutions in the world.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Locust Valley, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  93 reviews

Parent: We have a rising Kindergartener, who finished his first year at Friends in Pre-K. As a parent, and an educational professional, I personally could not have designed a better experience for my son, especially during the COVID-related shut down. We initially chose Friends for our son because we wanted more for him; we wanted him to learn through experience, to develop thoughts of his own and more importantly to be part of a community that subscribed to similar values as ours. Our son’s first year was FANTASTIC! Notably, while everyone was scrambling to figure things out when the State shut down, our son was being educated and supported in a way that was developmentally appropriate, fun and responsive. The transition to virtual school was so seamless, that it seemed like it was planned for (it might have been). More importantly, the teachers were open and responsive to feedback, and continued to tweak the new modality regularly. We are looking forward to many more years at Friends!... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 706

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  54 reviews

Parent: My son was accepted at all the top schools in the city, and he chose Browning hands down. A large part of his rationality is how rigorous the curriculum is, but the biggest influence is how much fun he had during his tour. My wife and I are happy with his choice, particularly after we spoke with current parents and after we attended the Speaker Series. We love how small school is with only 35 boys per grade! The after school programs are excellent. Our son is working towards becoming an Eagle Scout outside of school and he finds enough time to fit it all in. Browning is excellent in fostering independence and self-advocacy. In addition, developing their diversity and inclusion practices have been an impressive endeavor particularly after over 100 years of tradition. Browning is focused on school's mission of nurturing boys and their surrounding community so they thrive in whatever they choose to take on in the future.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• 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

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  39 reviews

Parent: My children have received an exquisite education. The teachers and students are brilliant. Of course, no place is perfect, and the school has some areas of growth. I am grateful that my kids have gotten to attend such a special and magical school that has fostered their creativity, individuality, and intellectualism.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,095

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  50 reviews

Parent: I can’t say enough good things about BASIS Independent Brooklyn! Our 4 year old is in the PK-1 program at their new school location (405 Gold Street) and he’s blossoming! Caring and awesome teachers. Very thorough communication from the admin. A rock solid parent community! A great curriculum that offers a diversity of skills-building challenges (literacy, math, yoga, movement, theater, science, social emotional learning, Mandarin, just to name a few!) A plethora of after-school activities. Great location (next to a Target & Trader Joe’s). Same rigorous education but $20K cheaper than Poly Prep/Saint Ann’s etc. We met some amazing friends through this school and our son is so happy to go to school every day! In Pre-K 1 (3’s program), our son is already doing sight words and he’s staring to read simple words. The school really fosters a curiosity for learning, civic duty awareness, kindness development and a community of like-minded parent community! I can’t be happier!... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 869

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Somerset, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  111 reviews

Parent: I have two children that attend RPS Upper School, this school is fantastic! My sons are academically challenged and are receiving a world-class education. This school encompasses all aspects of a five star rating. The faculty and staff are attentive and responsive to every need. The school is culturally diverse, it offers students many sports, clubs, and various activities to choose from and they celebrate student accomplishments in and out of the classroom setting. Your child will graduate from RPS well prepared for college and beyond!... Read 111 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 640

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Montclair, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  122 reviews

Junior: MKA is a school with a lot of academic rigor, and it is clear that most of the teachers care for the student's academics. Keyword most, because some teachers (especially at the middle school) did not care as much for student's academics and/or wellbeing. Besides that, the reason that I'm giving 4 stars and not 5 is because of the community in the school, especially the upper school. Although the school says that they are trying to fix issues within the community (ex. yearly surveys, mental health clubs, etc.), there are many microaggressions against minorities, women, and especially lower-income people. There is an underlying "competition" of who is richer, dresses up the preppiest, brings a sports car, etc. It is also clear (and the school has recognized) that many minorities and women feel unsafe around certain cliques and friend groups because of said microaggressions being spread. Overall, good academics, administration needs to work on making the community a safer place.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,064

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  106 reviews

Alum: I absolutely loved the education. The english and math department of the high school are stellar and care truly about the students, the student's well being, and their education. The athletics is cutthroat and treats every sporting event like the olympics. The campus is beautiful, but it seems recently the administration is falling apart.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,155

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1