2019 Best Schools in Westchester CountyAbout this List

Hackley School

• Private School
• Tarrytown, NY
• K-12
• 53

Sophomore: As a sophomore currently in Hackley, I can only highly recommend the school. The academic program is one of the most rigorous out there even if it isn't noticeable in the school. Various AP classes and advanced electives are the common practice beginning sophomore year and beyond and some freshmen may even take some as well.

The English Department is considered the bane of most students' existence and goes into such analytical depth that it rivals any AP English course out there.

Transitioning from a public school to this could be difficult, especially if it's into the Upper School. The rigorous curriculum will challenge you, and lower grades than usual will appear. Our strongest science and math students who take on AP Physics C and Multivariable Calculus in senior year are subject to the two most difficult classes in the school, classes that can give test grades as low as 40 on a regular basis. It's worth it though, the experience is unforgettable.
Read 53 Reviews

• A+

• 834 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rye Country Day School

• Private School
• Rye, NY
• PK, K-12
• 86

Alum: I transitioned from a rigorous private school in UK or RCDS. Transition has was wonderfully smooth and incredibly easy. Academics are top notch and rigorous- on-par with UK standard of rigour. I’m so glad I studied here. A warm metropolis is how I remember RCDS to be. A great place. Wonderful and supportive teachers. The headmaster was excellent and made sure the school was run like a finely tuned machine but a warm kind machine!
Read 86 Reviews

• A+

• 894 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

French-American School of New York

• Private School
• Mamaroneck, NY
• PK, K-12
• 50

Parent: Phenomenal school with great academics in an international, welcoming environment! Higher SAT and ACT Scores than Rye Country Day and Hackley (based on Niche.com) for an average $10K less tuition. I am very pleased with the school for my son who has been a student for 8 years. The demanding academics are taught by caring and passionate teachers, who prepare their students not only for college (the bilingual curriculum does give them an edge for their college applications!), but also to become global citizens. The IB track, now accessible in 9th grade, is open to prospective students who don't speak French. This school is a gem and a unique opportunity for parents to provide a top notch education to their child(ren).
Read 50 Reviews

• A+

• 784 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Scarsdale Senior High School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• 100

Alum: Scarsdale has an inherent sense of competition, but it isn't a factor that crushes students. This competition motivates students to work their best, and teachers continue to reinforce this idea that you can always do better, even if it is just a little bit. The competition and stress, though harmful at times, does make you feel frequently connected to other students.
Read 100 Reviews

• A+

• 1,517 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Masters School

• Private School
• Dobbs Ferry, NY
• 5-12
• 95

Parent: As a current parent and a parent of an alumna, I am grateful for our experience. My very different children have myriad interests. Whether academic, athletic, performing/visual arts, or technology, Masters has satiated their needs and passions. My daughter was celebrated, appreciated and supported for who she is as a student, vocalist, athlete, community member and a person. Her ability to develop close relationships with faculty ultimately drove her decision to attend a college that offered the same dynamic. She says she misses the dining hall at Masters! Apparently, fish sticks at college are not the same as salmon and striped bass in high school. She often spoke of her "Masters Identity,” which allowed for risk taking, challenge, success and failure. It created opportunities for her to discover what she is truly passionate about while being her authentic self. She was sent into the world as a culturally and academically competent, kind human being. What more could I ask for?
Read 95 Reviews

• A+

• 667 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Horace Greeley High School

• Chappaqua Central School District, NY
• 9-12
• 101

Senior: Horace Greeley is an amazing school in theory. I mean, my parents and I moved to Chappaqua SO I could attend. The things we learn are top notch, the technology available at our fingertips is state-of-the-art, and the teachers are phenomenal. But, the social norms here are atrocious. The habits the students practice academically is extremely unhealthy. Students brag about pulling all-nighters and taking as many AP classes as possible. This school, is basically just a machine for getting into good colleges. I remember my SECOND WEEK of freshman year people asking me what colleges I was looking at.
Read 101 Reviews

• A+

• 1,308 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mamaroneck High School

• Mamaroneck Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• 129

Junior: Athletics are fun, academics are great but RIGOROUS if you decide to take plenty of honors and AP courses especially junior year. If you care about your grades stay away from Spanish at all costs, as Spanish 3H (sophomore year) is the most difficult and punitive class in the entire school.

Highly competitive environment academically, as scores of students aim for top 10 universities every year. Biggest problem with the school is stress and the somewhat segregated social scene. With all the stress, it’s unsurprising that Mamaroneck kids tend to really let loose on the weekends.
Read 129 Reviews

• A+

• 1,543 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rye High School

• Rye City School District, NY
• 9-12
• 69

Senior: I've had an enjoyable time at Rye although I lament it's lack of diversity and wish I'd been more exposed to different perspectives. Despite the lack of diversity, however, students at RHS are on the whole very open-minded and accepting of others. I've had a pleasant experience as an openly out LGBT person without being the victim of or witnessing bullying of any sort.

Most of my teachers have been well-qualified and good at their jobs. A small few have been sub-par or just awful at teaching. The science department in particular I feel is lacking in strong teachers. Rye does have a strong and well-resourced art department for a public school, and breeds many creative students by offering an array of opportunities and encouraging artistic accomplishment. The school does a good job of preparing students for the rigor of college, yet the atmosphere is quite competitive and can be challenging to deal with at times, especially for the majority of students with such busy schedules.
Read 69 Reviews

• A+

• 1,008 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Byram Hills High School

• Byram Hills Central School District, NY
• 9-12
• 106

Niche User: I personally have had the honor to participate in a lot of the schools programs. I've have been a part of the Varsity Dance Team for four years and Captain for two, raising $25,000 over the past four years through our dance expositions for multiple charities. I have been involved in the Soccer and Lacrosse program at the high school. The String Orchestra and many other clubs such as SWAC (student Wellness advisory committee) and Red Ribbon (HIV/AIDS). I have also been part of the Senior mentor program which is very unique and different in our school than other school's mentor programs. As 1 out of 18 seniors chosen in the entire grade me and my partner taught a class of 24 freshmen 1st period teaching them how to adjust to high school and important life lessons and tips they would need in order to be the best and do the best they could in the next four years in high school.
Read 106 Reviews

• A+

• 816 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

School of the Holy Child

• Private School
• Rye, NY
• 5-12
• 21

Alum: This school has always been a gem, but now more so than ever!
The facilities have been improved beyond belief offering all or more than any of the other private schools offer. They give their students an outstanding education and college prep, a confidence in themselves and their abilities, life long friendships and a secure path for their future. They nourish the entire whole student at Holy Child, allowing them to grow and flourish. It was a gift that I received my education there...one that keeps giving!
Read 21 Reviews

• A+

• 300 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

John Jay High School

• Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• 99

Parent: JJHS has a solid academic program, sports program and extra curricular programs. It's easy to get engaged with the school as a parent and student. The facilities for sports and theater are very nice although the classrooms need serious improvement. They do not use a collaborative format and by no means focus on the individual student and "how" they learn best in varied settings. The classrooms and the library more resemble something from the 1980's or earlier. That said, the teachers are mostly good and engaged with the students as are the administrative personnel. I would increase the college preparedness and offer more advanced areas of study including in the languages and career choice areas (i.e., such as sports management, fashion design, health and more.) Overall, it's a very good public school but just needs greater thought-leading initiatives and perhaps greater funding to afford more updated facilities (beyond the sports facilities, which are clearly well funded).
Read 99 Reviews

• A+

• 1,070 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fox Lane High School

• Bedford Central School District, NY
• 9-12
• 180

Senior: Fox Lane is a rigorous high school that leaves students very well prepared for college. The faculty provides students with a great support system and are always willing to help students learn in a way that works for them. However, the math department could use some re-staffing as many teachers don't seem to teach in a way that most students understand. One department that stands out is the music department, which has amazing staff, technology and opportunities for students. Fox Lane has great facilities equipped with new learning technology that helps students to adapt to the changing world around them. Overall, a terrific public school.
Read 180 Reviews

• A+

• 1,380 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Edgemont Junior/Senior High School

• Edgemont Union Free School District, NY
• 7-12
• 82

Middle School Student: As an experienced Edgemont student, I know what I'm talking about. Edgemont is a very safe, educational public school. Most of the people are nice, except for a select few, but overall very accepting and kind. The teachers are very nice and smart. They obviously have to now what there talking about to join this schools terrific staff. The campus is beautiful, with buildings connected by breeze ways, its very nice to get a clean breathe of air before proceeding to your next class. The safety is great, with every child getting a metal cart that always them into every building, and without this key there is no other way of getting in. The food is tremendous, with very healthy and yummy options. They even have a snack bar filled with great treats! Over all I feel that Edgemont is amazing, but the friends and things you learn there are better.
Read 82 Reviews

• A+

• 932 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pelham Memorial High School

• Pelham Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• 127

Alum: I wasn't like the vast majority of kids who went to school in Pelham. Sure, I went to Pelham schools throughout my youth, but what separated me from everyone else was that I didn't live in Pelham. As someone who didn't live with everyone else, I still felt welcomed by the community and I honestly feel like I was more-so raised in Pelham than in my actual town. Most students are very nice, and the teachers are always more than willing to help you succeed, because that's their most important objective. What made my years in Pelham so special to me was the school's spirit. Every grade brings a new level of school spirit, and when everyone comes together, whether it's for homecoming or olympics, it just goes to show just how much everyone loves the community and how special of a town Pelham really is. That's what made me fall in love with Pelham.
Read 127 Reviews

• A+

• 881 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fox Meadow School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
• K-5

• A+

• 461 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Edgewood School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
• K-5
• 4

Niche User: I really like the academics at this school. I think the kids learn a lot that will be useful later in life.
Read 4 Reviews

• A+

• 411 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hastings High School

• Hastings-on-Hudson Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• 97

Senior: Hastings highschool is truly a unique learning experience inside the classroom and out. The teachers are amazing and you will take them for granted until it is time to leave. The actual students attending the school are mostly all very privileged and very wealthy so if you don't fit that mold you will be an outsider, but it is honestly worth it for the education you will receive. It's a great community if you are musically inclined or enjoy theatre, any of the arts really. There are very strong programs. Honestly you will find your place no matter what you like. Athletics are more or less a joke besides soccer, even the teams who do well won't get attention because they are not soccer. But the boys variety soccer team did win states so that's cool! Anyways overall you will have an unforgettable experience here, I would recommend it.
Read 97 Reviews

• A+

• 490 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Briarcliff High School

• Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• 73

Senior: The high school is a high performing school for its intense sense of competitiveness and offers different opportunities and experiences to even the newest students. Its student body is overall fun and energetic. As for teachers and faculty, they all are great people once you get to know them and are actively helping students whenever possible. If you are a student looking for a challenge, this place is a perfect fit. However, you may need to help yourself when it comes to joining clubs as there isn't the grandest spectrum of subjects for extracurricular activities. As well as that, Briarcliff places the student in a strong role to guide themselves to reach out for help, find out information about colleges or courses, and even look for scholarships. Upon entering the high school, you think you know it all, but once you graduate, you know really understand how much more you should learn once you're off to college!
Read 73 Reviews

• A+

• 581 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Greenville School

• Edgemont Union Free School District, NY
• K-6

• A+

• 489 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Seely Place School

• Edgemont Union Free School District, NY
• K-6
• 2

Niche User: We have had an excellent experience thus far. My son comes home everyday and tells me how much he loves school. Compared to some of the other school districts I feel that our kindergarten teacher has the right ideas about homework. She gives a small amount and a week to complete. This allows for a no pressure environment. After all this is Kindergarten. Having said that my son has learned so much in just a few months!
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 535 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Heathcote School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
• K-5

• A+

• 383 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Quaker Ridge School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
• K-5

• A+

• 463 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Scarsdale Middle School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
• 6-8
• 8

Alum: I was a CHOICE student at Scarsdale Middle School. Though middle school is not really the highlight of anyone's school experience, I think that SMS prepared me well for high school. I also think that the CHOICE program was a good opportunity to explore a type of education outside of the norm before I entered higher education.
Read 8 Reviews

• A+

• 1,141 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Greenacres Elementary School

• Scarsdale Union Free School District, NY
• K-5

• A+

• 401 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bronxville High School

• Bronxville Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• 72

Junior: I have been going to Bronxville for 12 years and although it is an extremely competitive environment, teachers are so helpful and it is all super manageable. The social life in Bronxville is super fun and seeing all the comments about drinking and drugs makes me sad because that is not necessarily true and honestly most high schools have more drinking and drugs than we do. Bronxville is so unique and it's such a great school! There's something there for everyone whether it is sports or the arts (which have become much more prominent in student life).
Read 72 Reviews

• A+

• 487 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio