2024 Best Private Schools in the Rochester Area

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  45 reviews

Junior: I've been going to the school for over 10 years and overall my experience has been amazing! I was really able to express my individuality with independent studies in the commons and all the faculty and staff encouraging creativity especially in music department. Even in the lower school a teacher let me create my own unit and help teach the class for a day. The only draw back is simply because there are so few people sometimes socially it can be difficult.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 515

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  92 reviews

Senior: Allendale Columbia School is an excellent school with a tight-knit community. My favorite part of the Allendale community is the supportive, passionate, and caring teachers whom I can always count on for engaging conversations. Additionally, Allendale encourages students to take an active role in the community, whether through participating in a speak-up forum, holding positions in student government, or providing feedback on various school matters. The school also fosters a progressive learning environment, prioritizing collaboration and hands-on work. At Allendale, all community members know each other. While the student body comprises of diverse backgrounds and personalities, most students are uniquely special and somewhat eccentric. In comparison to the Harley School, both schools are quite similar, but the choice ultimately depends on one's interests and personal vibe. By visiting both schools, you will be able to determine which one suits you best.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: Mcquaid Jesuit is a very good college prep school. The campus is decent, although not as new and updated as many others. The STEM center is definitley the highlight of the campus. The preparation for college is likely its biggest strong point. They push kids hard, so everyone is pretty well off and ready for college. Those involved with the college application process are experienced, informative, and proactive. The cafeteria has amazing food, and the sports teams are dominant. This all combines with a faith-based experience that brings satisfaction to the more spiritual parts of every student.... Read 116 reviews

• grade A

• Students 811

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  198 reviews

Freshman: I genuinely have loved every second being at Mercy, and sending your daughter here is definitely a gift everyone deserves. I will say though if your daughter doesn’t have great grades in your typical public school, she might not excel here. As someone who had all grades above a 98% at public school, now I average around a 90%. Although the school is very challenging, I feel like I learn a lot more being given more homework, and getting good grades feels much more rewarding. The people are genuinely so sweet - staff and students, and they are all very welcoming. The teachers are very qualified and they are really helpful when you advocate for yourself and ask. In general Mercy pushes for your daughter to grow more independent and be able to go out and conquer challenging tasks on her own, and they really do it amazingly. Overall I would definitely recommend this school!... Read 198 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 786

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  167 reviews

Senior: I liked the Aquinas community and their emphasis on teaching “goodness, discipline, and knowledge”. Aquinas is like a family and that allows for a positive, healthy environment to learn and work in.... Read 167 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 773

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Hilton, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Senior: I have had a wonderful experience at Lake Ontario Baptists Academy. The staff is personable and diligent about seeing students succeed. I was also challenged by the academics. Being such a small school you do forfeit some of the extra activities, resources, and some of the college preparation that comes with a larger school. However, the integrity and the bond that we have in our school is worth more to me than all the extras.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 53

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  49 reviews

Senior: Bishop Kearney is a great atmosphere where you actually can gain an outstanding education. It has made a decline since I have been here since freshman year. Yes, the academics is a great aspect of the school, but I feel as if the attention should go towards the student body especially. The better opinions and voices that get a chance to be heard from the students the better the overlook and legacy of Kearney will appear in the future.... Read 49 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 305

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Penfield, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  36 reviews

Parent: Finney saved our family! I have an elementary, middle, & HS student and each are having an amazing experience. From academics, to art/music, developing leadership & decision-making skills, to teaching a Christian World-View, we are 100% satisfied. If you and your kids are feeling alone in public schools and that you don't fit in...you are not alone, come to Finney! It's never too late in your child's education to be a part of the Finney family. Do you remember when you were a kid in public elementary school? Your parent came to read, brought in baked goods, was involved in your education and experience? That's what MIDDLE and HIGH school is like at Finney. They welcome parent involvement. Do you remember when you were given a topic in school, told to research, share your opinion, and supported for free thinking? That's what happens at Finney! Do you remember a time when your children were taught to love everyone regardless of [insert anything]? That's what happens at Finney!... Read 36 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• grade B+

• Students 136

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Lima, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  39 reviews

Parent: We are proud to be part of the Lima Christian School community! We have two boys attending the school and we have seen them thrive within this welcoming, Christ-centered, environment. The Teachers and the Staff are all amazing! It is evident as you walk through the halls of the school that each and every child is so incredibly loved. The academics are unmatched and I feel great knowing that my kids will leave this school with a firm foundation that will set them up for success in whatever they are led to pursue.... Read 39 reviews

• grade B

• Students 163

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  46 reviews

Alum: I enjoyed my time at Northstar... had positive relationships with my teachers and fellow students. The diploma I received was not a Regents diploma, but I didn't have any issue getting into colleges. NCA is recognized and respected in the area! Of course, it's not perfect (as no school is), but it provides a quality education in a Christian atmosphere.... Read 46 reviews

• grade B

• Students 377

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: The Villa of Hope School is a private special education school that I have had the privilege of attending since I was a freshman in high school. I love the teachers and staff. They actually care about the students they serve. I wish that we had more teachers and staff but the school is a difficult job due to the behaviors in the school. They also do restraints at the Villa of Hope school, so all staff are TCI certified.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 80

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Penfield, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: Southeast Christian Academy is and excellent school to attend! It is a small school with around 60 students total. Everyone has a one on one experience with all of the teachers. The teachers really care about all of their students. All in all this school is the best school out there!... Read 2 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 59

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Brockport, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• grade C+

• Students 62

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-4

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: We moved to Rochester area from another state one year ago. Our elder daughter started at a Christian school so we knew we wanted to continue with Jesus-centered education. During our first visit, RCA left us with deep impression with the blessed morning session with prayers, hymns, patriotism, and courtesy. The classroom visit was a wonderful experience as well, where we observed a good balance of enthusiasm, creativity, and respect, all of which core values of Classical Christian Education. We immediately knew this was the school we were looking for! Now, one year later, we fully embrace the value and culture at RCA and are ready to send our second child in for the kindergarten!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 51

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: I feel, as I know my parents did, that a Catholic school eduction is so much more than straight A's. It goes beyond the excellent academic rigor, smaller classroom settings, discipline and uniforms. A Catholic education fosters good morals and values that we want for our three daughters. We want them to be proud of their Catholic Religion, to turn to God for help when they need it; and to think of Him when making a decision or choice. We want them to learn about God not only at home and church, but in school as well. Being Catholic and attending a Catholic School is something so special and something to be proud of. We embrace that it teaches self-discipline, accepting responsibility, respecting others, humility; and commitment to God, family, friends, grades and oneself.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 162

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: Archangel School is a phenomonal school. Archangel is a private school with a traditional Catholic curriculu. The school maintains a low student to teacher ratio ensuring individualized attention for students. It is a family oriented school with teachers who are first and foremost concerned with the education of the children. The academically demanding curriculum at Archangel School instills Christian values while also bringing the beauty and truth of the Catholic Faith to all facets of student life.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 71

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Penfield, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 2.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: My son has ADHD, and attended St. Joseph School from Kindergarten through fourth grade, and I can not tell you enough of how glad I am that we chose St. Joseph school. They nurtured him as well as any other child in their academically challenging and spiritually fostering program. The students, staff, administration, and parents are loving, respectful, and kind. My son would have most likely been placed in a special education environment and not have had the opportunity to be challenged and grow into the beautiful person he is today. I mourned leaving the school when our family decided to leave for a town south of Charlotte, because this school felt like our family. His first grade teacher did a reward chart for the behaviors she wanted to see and I supplied the tokens each day for a job well done, and I did have to work with him on his subjects at home each day after school; although, I had a newborn and a one year old, and soon had three children when he was in second grade. Thanks... Read 4 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 306

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Pittsford, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-5

• grade unavailable

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• grade unavailable

• Students 223

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: All of our children have attended GCS and my wife and I couldn't have been happier. It has always been a blessing to have a Christian school available with such caring and supportive staff. It has been a joy watching our children grow and flourish with the direction and guidance of teachers who put Christ first. I would highly recommend anyone to check out GCS for a great education.... Read 4 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 202

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Hilton, NY•

• Private School•

• K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 197

• Student-teacher ratio 33:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: We love Seton and are very happy we made the decision to send our children to this wonderful school. We looked at many other private school and Seton fit our family perfectly.... Read 2 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rochester, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 171

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1