2024 Best Schools in Dutchess County

• Pawling, NY•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  49 reviews

Parent: As a parent, I cannot recommend Trinity-Pawling School highly enough. From the moment we arrived on campus, we knew this was the right place for our child. The facilities are state-of-the-art, the campus is beautiful, and the community is welcoming and inclusive. The faculty and staff are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where students can thrive. The school's commitment to character education is noteworthy.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 268

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Poughkeepsie, NY•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: Oakwood transformed my life. The excellent and creative academics rekindled my interest in learning and my ability to be a successful student again. In addition to becoming college-ready, I made lifelong friendships. I felt accepted and respected as myself. Teachers and administrators consistently demonstrated insight, empathy, sense of humor, and gobs of patience in dealing with adolescent angst and acting-out, and helping us become our best selves. Quaker spirituality infused the place in a positive way but was never pushed. I am very grateful for this wonderful school that provided community, family, and a strong foundation for the future.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 184

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Poughkeepsie, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  32 reviews

Parent: This is a truly wonderful school. We transferred our kids from Avenues World School in Manhattan to Poughkeepsie Day School and couldn't be happier. Small mixed-grade classes. Wonderful facilities. (Kids just need space and space they have!). Our two kids are no longer glued to iPads all day at school. When our son needed to do a little catching up on math, the teacher flagged the issue, sent home some extra work, and the problem was resolved within a few weeks. There is something wonderfully calm and friendly about the school. When I pick up my kids, they usually wrap up a basketball game outdoors or sit in a tree reading a book. Academics are top notch without drowning kids in homework. A truly wonderful school!... Read 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 37

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Millbrook, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  60 reviews

Alum: As an alumni, I am extraordinarily appreciative of the education Millbrook gave me. My teachers pressed me to become a strong writer and that served me well in college and beyond. I attended an ivy league school and found myself better prepared than my peers. Millbrook has similarly done that for my daughter. Her teachers have pushed her to bring out her best. I am proud of how far she has come in her 4 years at Millbrook and how ready she is for college. Millbrook has done a wonderful job admitting great kids - bright, kind, thoughtful, encouraging students. Great friends. I have been happy with the administration including the new Head of School, Jon Downs. I have also been happy with their college support and the caring dedicated nature of faculty generally. The one area where Millbrook really needs improvement is their R&R / weekend programming. There are not enough opportunities for kids to go off campus just for fun and be kids. No mid-week options. Not enough special events.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 325

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Spackenkill Union Free School District, NY•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Spackenkill Union Free School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  159 reviews

Senior: Spackenkill High School is known to be one of the better academic schools in its surrounding area. I am currently a senior at Spackenkill; I was captain of the varsity volleyball team, a member of Leo club and French club. Throughout my four years at Spackenkill the lack of appreciation for female athletes was extremely prominent. The football team received a significant amount of recognition across school platforms and the largest amount of fundraisers throughout the fall sports season. During the winter sports seasons the boy varsity basketball team received more fundraisers and recognition than the girls varsity basketball team. When bringing this to the attention of administration our thoughts and concerns we're not taken seriously. Aside from the division of girls and boys sports I enjoyed the volleyball program and believe it brings joy and opportunity into many of the girls lives. The academics at Spackenkill are significantly more challenging than schools in the surroundings.... Read 159 reviews

• grade A

• Students 504

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Rhinebeck Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 384

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Rhinebeck Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  76 reviews

Senior: Despite being a small school, RHS provides numerous opportunities and resources to it's students. The only issue is that as a small school, you can't always take the courses you want. An important thing to note is the compassion of both the students and the faculty. RHS creates a safe and friendly environment for any student to learn.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A

• Students 322

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Arlington Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 2 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: I loved my experiences in middle school. Most of my teachers were fun and passionate about what they do, and they made it such a positive experience for me.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 856

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Arlington Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 325

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Spackenkill Union Free School District, NY•

• 3-5

• grade A minus

• Students 341

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Wappingers Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  347 reviews

Senior: Even though I unfortunately didn't get the full high school experience due to Covid, what I did experience at John Jay was really good. The teachers there are amazing - I've developed amazing relationships with some of my teachers as well as my guidance counselor over the last 4 years and I'm very grateful for that. The school is so accommodating to every individual who needs it in order to have an equal education. The counselors at school prepped us really well for college and are there for everyone who needs help with anything regarding that especially when it gets stressful. There are so many clubs at school for everyone and our school is really good at sports, especially football.... Read 347 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,863

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Beacon City School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  237 reviews

Junior: Beacon High School has provided me with the best high school experience. It’s a school that allows from lots of opportunities such as clubs (music, sports, art, photography and etc). The school really cares about the mental health of its students, taking this is mind they allow for flexible schedules and not with an overwhelming tons of work. I would say that one down side of beacon is the diversity however throughout the last few years beacon has come up with a new plan to accept more students from more diverse backgrounds.... Read 237 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 863

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Poughkeepsie, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  236 reviews

Junior: Our Lady of Lourdes High School has an amazing environment with tons of opportunities to learn new things. The staff and administration are so incredibly kind and always willing to help. Our Lady of Lourdes offers many student-founded clubs and activities. The school also offers a wide variety of sports. The rigorous, yet manageable academic program helps to prepare students for college and even get them ahead of the game!... Read 236 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 705

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Arlington Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: Great school! I remember coming into this school new, and I fell in love with it. The only problem is that there are alot of bullies.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 956

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Poughkeepsie, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: I have one child that recently graduated from FCA, and another that will graduate in a couple of years that has been there since Pre-K. My children just love this school. I think a big part of that is that every teacher and administrator shows such great love and devotion to every student. My recent graduate was accepted at every college he applied to and received a number of scholarships. He was extremely well prepared for college and had enough dual enrollment and AP classes to satisfy nearly all of his first year requirements. We can't say enough about how great this school is.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 250

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Millbrook Central School District, NY•

• 3-5

• grade A minus

• Students 161

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Arlington Central School District, NY•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 634

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Rhinebeck Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• grade A minus

• Students 231

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Spackenkill Union Free School District, NY•

• K-2

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Middle School Student: I like the school because of its environment and teachers the way they teach, there building, library, ICT, sports activities and social activity...... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 300

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Red Hook Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  132 reviews

Sophomore: At Red Hook High School, my experience has been very good when compared to the middle school and elementary school. The teachers genuinely care about their students' success, and they actively work with the parents to make that happen. I am taking part in the unique IB program that is only offered in two high schools in Dutchess County, and so far I have found success and help through every step of my journey so far. The athletic facilities really need a complete makeover. The track is falling apart and causing runners to get shin splints easier, the varsity soccer field is constantly flooded during the season rendering it unusable, and so much more. The school should make another vote to upgrade all of the athletic facilities, and not lump it in with another vote this time. The athletic clubs are very welcoming and help you grow as an individual and become competitive in whatever sport you wish to pursue. Overall I would say I am very lucky to have the privilege to attend this school.... Read 132 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 585

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Pawling Central School District, NY•

• K-4

• grade A minus

• Students 379

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Poughkeepsie, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: I first got introduced to Tabernacle at the beginning of my eighth grade year of middle school. At first, it took a lot of getting used too because I came from a large public school, but I managed. I struggled a lot at first, but the teachers made sure I had everything I needed and were always very helpful and patient. Now that I'm a senior, the community at Tabernacle has become like my second family. I grew a strong bond with most of the teachers there and I developed wonderful friendships throughout the years. Every teacher made sure I reached my best potential and was always willing to stay after school. Overall I had a great experience and I'm happy I switched schools.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 125

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Arlington Central School District, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  667 reviews

Senior: After coming to a large public high school after speding nine years in a small private school, I was worried that the environment would just be too different for me to handle. There has always been someone there for me to talk to, whether it be a counselor, a teacher, or a friend. The teachers are absolutely amazing and are always there to encourage and help me with almost anything. The large student body makes it hard to organize a lot of events throughout the year, but the wide variety of clubs allows people to express their interests all year long. There are times when I feel slightly unsafe around some of the other students, but the safety team and administrators do their best to make sure that we are kept up to date on any happenings. Overall, I would say that Arlington is a great school!... Read 667 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,619

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Millbrook Central School District, NY•

• 6-8

• grade B+

• Students 209

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1