2022 Best Schools in the New York City Area

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  74 reviews

Junior: My overall school experience has been very positive! The teachers(with 1 or 2 exceptions) and academics have been outstanding so far, and it seems like I can do whatever I put my mind to here. There are plenty of options for clubs, and plenty of motivated students who participate in them. When I first entered the school, I thought a lot of the students would be aloof trust-fund kids. However, for the majority of students, that thankfully doesn't hold true. My only 2 complaints are: 1)the math curriculum, which for me is too repetitive and not challenging enough; and 2)the behavior of the administration(especially during covid), which can be paternalistic at times.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,001

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: Brearley is a top notch, wonderful school! My 8-year-old daughter is thriving, happy and growing leaps and bounds every year. The Brearley community is warm, down to earth and diverse. The administration and the teachers will go above and beyond for your daughter and your family. While it has always been an academic powerhouse, it is also a school that encourages all of it's students to be creative and unique individuals, while learning to embrace Brearley's core values of "honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility and courage." We are lucky to be a part of the Brearley community.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 768

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  62 reviews

Alum: Riverdale is a great school, with a very welcoming community. Teachers are very friendly and can be very casual with students but still have the professionalism to lead classes well. Strong college resources, with a team dedicated only to college affairs and counseling, and maintaining the strong relationships Riverdale has with many top colleges across America. Strong in humanities classes, less so in STEM classes, but has a wide variety of topics to branch out and learn as Riverdale is not an AP or IB school. Rather they have their own honors system, but it is still applicable to college as they have strong connections with most colleges and Riverdale is well known for its academic rigor.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,219

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bronx, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  145 reviews

Alum: Horace Mann has developed to be more diverse, inclusive staff wise in recent years which makes the school experience much better. After recently graduating, I feel that HM has prepared me for the competitive nature of college and working. There are a few things that could have been improved when I was there (like a more diverse teaching staff, putting more focus on racial issues, etc.), but have since been focused and improved on!... Read 145 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,694

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  140 reviews

Senior: Regis is not just a place for academic excellence, but a place where learning go hand-in-hand with personal development and a drive to be impactful. Peers are highly motivated and inspiring, while the dedication of teachers is obvious. I had an amazing experience, and now looking back as a senior all the hard work, long commutes and late nights were absolutely worth it. Regis has a culture where we are all highly supportive of each other and happy for each other's success. While everyone is highly driven, there is little competition amongst classmates because we understand that helping others make us better individually and collectively. While Regis won't have the excess of resources other NYC schools, the admin, teachers and students make the very most of prudently chosen opportunities. The full scholarship model has given me much greater appreciation of socioeconomic diversity and friendships that many would miss in other settings.... Read 140 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 532

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  27 reviews

Parent: My son joined Collegiate last Year as a seventh grader. The school is wonderful and it accommodate my son perfectly. The school assigned French and Music teachers for my son for the entire year since he didn’t have French or bass instrument before, at the end of the year he didn’t just catch up with the other kids but he also became proficient in both subjects and we couldn’t ask for more. On the other hand, the school environment and the parents are welcoming. As a family of color our experience of the diversity, inclusion, and belongings was excellent and our son fit perfectly at Collegiate.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 651

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rye, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  97 reviews

Freshman: Rye Country Day School has helped me become a better person and has provided a great academical foundation for years to come. Though it can get stressful, with a lot of homework and extracurricular activities, RCDS is just awesome! The athletics are really good too and everyone is welcoming. There are many options for electives so you can pursue your interests. The food is pretty good too. It is a diverse community and a supportive environment!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 938

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  81 reviews

Senior: While yes, the academics are incredibly rigorous, and Dalton prepares us well for equally rigorous collegiate study, the methods with which certain students achieve in the high-school are often questionable, often downright immoral. 'Tutors' are rampant, brown-nosing is expected and encouraged, and the strict rules against cheating are often selectively enforced. Often success is directly correlated with socio-economic class, and what tier of donor you are. The fact is though, Dalton is almost certainly the least heinous offender of the aforementioned shady business within the private school circle, and the administration is at least attempting to reform itself. So if you are committed to sending your child to an elite/elitist NYC school, Dalton is probably your best option.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,322

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Basking Ridge, NJ•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  118 reviews

Parent: The Pingry School is a special school that serves the students ranging all the way from K-12, with its magical way of learning at its lower school campus while raising confident, and inquisitive middle schoolers to raising engaging, empathetic, driven high schoolers who truly want to change the world they live in. Its honor code is the secret sauce that binds every fabric in Pingry and its community of students, faculty, staff and parents. A school that is diverse like no other - we often remark - Pingry is the best possible confluence of cultures, people, and POVs. The credit goes to its Board of Trustees, Head of School, DEI&B team, Health and Wellness department, inspiring faculty and staff, and its admissions team that so meticulously create the best mosaic of students and their families to come together in perfect harmony! We are grateful for Pingry for everything it has been, is and will be!... Read 118 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,175

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  29 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 29 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 751

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  85 reviews

Parent: We love how nurturing Chapin has been for our daughter. She's finishing up third grade and absolutely adores the school, her teachers, and her classmates. She particularly appreciates library time and is eager to start using the middle school library next year. It's great having Carl Schurz park across the street, as the girls get many opportunities to play outside with their friends. The overall Chapin community is quite welcoming, and it's so nice to see how girls from all years know one another and say hi with a friendly smile when they see each other around the neighborhood. Chapin as a school has been very transparent, with regular detailed communications about whatever is going on. In particular, they've handled COVID with minimal disruption, with regular testing, tracing, and communications to the parent body. Suffice it to say, we love Chapin and are so pleased to have our daughter attending school there!... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 725

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Livingston, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  123 reviews

Middle School Student: As a student who goes to Newark Academy, there are many things about NA that you won’t find at any other school. This school has an amazing community where students and teachers are able to have a good relationship. The Equity and Inclusion team makes sure that you belong and that others understand you. The arts program is wonderful and has a variety of things for everyone. The academics go beyond the books and are very hands on. I would recommend this school to anyone in the area who cares about their child and wants them to have a good future!... Read 123 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 674

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  99 reviews

Parent: I have an education and developmental psychology background and my husband and I are blown away with the school. Both of my boys are in the nursery program and their growth, development and the unique and brilliant teaching methods are astounding. They teachers are extremely hands on, resourceful, provide weekly updates and pictures and videos and provide a harmonious balance between play based learning and age-appropriate academic rigor. We are very impressed with what the children are actively doing in the classroom and all of the interesting ways they are learning. We are so grateful to be part of this school!... Read 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,578

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Morristown, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  125 reviews

Sophomore: Love it! It is just the best. I am a current sophomore here and I cannot help but note how amazing the staff, students, and all people involved in Delbarton are!... Read 125 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lincroft, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  103 reviews

Senior: Choosing this high school was one of the best decisions of my life! From amazing teachers to peers that support and get along with each other, High Technology High School provided me with the best possible high school experience I could have asked for. The academics are rigorous but manageable, and the clubs provide great opportunities to meet and become friends with others who share your interests. The hour long lunch in the middle of every day is a perfect time to get some extra studying done as well as generally hanging out with friends. I have met so many great people by going to this school, and I believe that I changed for the better having gone here over my home high school. There are people from every walk of life and by going to this school I was able to learn so much, not just from academics but also from my fellow students.... Read 103 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 293

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Hackensack, NJ•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  529 reviews

Senior: Bergen County Academies is a school for intellectual and talented students with numerous opportunities and resources. The school has a wide variety of classes in all sorts of fields including different sciences, medicine, engineering, business, computer science, culinary, visual art, theatre as well as music. The school has highly trained and educated teachers as well as facilities more advanced than a normal high school. Students are given the opportunity to do high-level research starting in their freshman year and even have programs abroad where students can learn about other cultures, lifestyles and learn from mentors that are quite successful and well-known. Overall, Bergen County Academies is an excellent, rigorous school that provides its students with many opportunities and resources that give them an advantage moving forward in college.... Read 529 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,086

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 2, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  1,088 reviews

Senior: I enjoy the environment that Stuyvesant promotes especially with the students that particularly create the experience. The student agency allows for an interwoven network of clubs that host movie nights, guest appearances, and musical performances. Moreover, I feel as if the Tribeca area adds a lot to the Stuyvesant experience. Being, in the heartland of Manhattan, local delis, as well as Battery Park and the harbor makes for unique experiences. Clubs such as the Environmentalist Club takes advantage of this by breeding oysters and releasing them out into the sea. Not only that, but teachers play well into the Stuyvesant culture. Many, while unorthodox relate to students through popular media, music, modern events, and even video games. The staff as well continually show support for students with free water bottles and even allowing the entire student body to vote for where $2000 funding could go towards waterbottle refilling, printing, or charging stations!... Read 1,088 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,341

• Student-teacher ratio —

• Englewood, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  62 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 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 947

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 10, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  993 reviews

Senior: The best specialized high school! Bronx Science offers more than 20+ AP courses. The teachers and faculty are so supportive and compassionate. There are more than a hundred clubs, everything from baking to anime. We also have our own Holocaust Museum, our own observatory with a state of the art telescope. We produce the MOST Nobel Prize Winners out of any other high school in the USA. Our new Stanley Manne Institute has state of the art science laboratories, an animal research room, and much more! We have a HUGE, BEAUTIFUL campus fully complete with out door seating as well.... Read 993 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,983

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• New York, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: As a lifer at Marymount, I am very sad to see my daughter graduate! It has been a wonderful experience. Academically, my daughter received an excellent education allowing her to excel. She was admitted to many prestigious colleges with significant merit scholarships. But more importantly, Marymount played a large role in making my daughter the woman she is today. She is well rounded in academics, sports and cultural events, but she is also exceedingly polite, helpful and cooperative.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 739

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 31, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  744 reviews

Senior: I personally found my experience at Staten Island Technical HS to be one of the best decisions I made. You can really see that the teachers really do care about the students and would always help a student out if they are struggling. Many of the teachers I've had in the four years at this school also find ways to make learning more engaging by incorporating STEM into the coursework as this school is primarily STEM-focused. The students here are also studious and always respectful to each other. Together with the teachers, students, and staff members, the school environment is safe and ensures students are engaged. Teachers also teach students essential life skills, such as public speaking, personal finance, workplace communication, and many other skills that are extremely important as we start to go into the workforce. There are also a lot of student activities at this school. There are cultural events, many different clubs and sport teams, and special events by the students.... Read 744 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,334

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Tarrytown, NY•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  73 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 73 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 834

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Summit, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  60 reviews

Alum: I attended KPS from kindergarten through 12th grade, which was on the whole a highly positive experience. I did experience some difficulty fitting in as many peers came from extreme wealth, but by high school everyone was respectful and the sense of sisterhood was strong. For the most part, my teachers were engaging and dedicated to their jobs, with a few notable exceptions that were typically shown the door after a couple of years. While the college counselors are notorious for advocating against students applying to “reach” schools, the connections to universities around the country are undeniable and college placement is impressive. With all that said, I wouldn’t send my children here in the future. The curriculum has become increasingly politicized (e.g. European History was removed and replaced by Black Studies) and it seems that the emphasis on diversity and inclusion, while previously much needed, has now come to supersede quality of education in all other respects.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Brooklyn, NY•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: More than just a school: above all, a home. Fourteen floors of chaotically creative people, students, teachers and faculty alike. From the age of six I was taught to constantly question and challenge everything, that play rehearsals were more important than that physics test. I have learned to self motivate without competing with classmates and to treat every essay I write with the respect and eloquence of a novel. I have made puppets, written a twenty-page paper on the history of martial arts, and hypothesized whether sweet flavors are more commonly synesthetically assigned to major chords. Keep in mind that this environment in addition to being incredibly fruitful both creatively and academically, it can be perceived as a rose-colored, six-foot thick bubble, protecting its students from harsh realities beyond its walls. In my last year, I have come to see Saint Ann's for all of its flaws and strengths. Thank you!... Read 37 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,085

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• New York City Geographic District No. 25, NY•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  656 reviews

Junior: Overall, one of the best aspects of Townsend Harris is the way the curriculum prepares students for higher education. The rigorous expectations throughout all classes make us great contenders for top universities, through our full transcripts and learning skills. There are also many activities at Townsend, which is my favorite part about attending the school. As a rising senior, I can definitely say that the variety of options in extracurriculars is astounding, from sports, academic teams, arts productions, and many more! However, with the pros of a strong education also come the cons of stress. Most, if not all, students feel overworked or burnout at some point during each school year. Administration could be doing a better job at ensuring resources for mental health, which should be a given in schools with such a competitive environment. I will say that there are definitely improvements being made in resource accessibility for students, as well as transparency from administration.... Read 656 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,221

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1