Best private schools in NYC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone! This has been such an informative thread as we’re applying to Kindergarten for our son. So thank you to everyone for keeping this thread going! The comment about thriving in a 2T school vs being one of many in a TT school really hit home - I don’t think the pressure cooker approach is necessarily the right one (depends on the kid of course).

I’d love to hear more general thoughts, positive and negative, aside from what tier they are as that’s not a guiding factor for me, on the following schools:

Collegiate
Browning
St. David’s
Allen-Stevenson
Buckley

Many, many thanks as we navigate this unfamiliar process!

Having done the K admissions process recently, I think a lot of this will come down to your own feeling on fit and not what someone can tell you. Various parents are going to resonate in different ways with each school.

As an alum of one of these schools, I don't place much stock in what graduates of these schools from 20+ years ago tell me about their experience. One thing that became clear in doing tours is that while the schools all have a deep sense of tradition and heritage, there's definitely been evolution in the last 10 years (as there should, no institution however hallowed stays static). And kids will have vastly different experiences even within a school that has a certain reputation. These are variables outside of the parents' control.

There has also been a notable retiring of several long-tenured admissions leaders and heads of school at many of these schools in the last few years -- and I can imagine the new guard is bringing in a different set of viewpoints too.

[Anonymous]

Having done the K admissions process recently, I think a lot of this will come down to your own feeling on fit and not what someone can tell you. Various parents are going to resonate in different ways with each school.

As an alum of one of these schools, I don't place much stock in what graduates of these schools from 20+ years ago tell me about their experience. One thing that became clear in doing tours is that while the schools all have a deep sense of tradition and heritage, there's definitely been evolution in the last 10 years (as there should, no institution however hallowed stays static). And kids will have vastly different experiences even within a school that has a certain reputation. These are variables outside of the parents' control.

There has also been a notable retiring of several long-tenured admissions leaders and heads of school at many of these schools in the last few years -- and I can imagine the new guard is bringing in a different set of viewpoints too.

Thank you for this very consider response, you are so right and it made me re-focus on how some of these schools emphasise continuous change and development whereas others seem to rest on their laurels. After touring, it is clear that they are all excellent schools, and understandably also all have (surprisingly different) imperfections. Much fewer imperfections (for our son) than the co-ed schools we visited.

I guess it comes down to the fact that, although we know we are our son’s most important advocates and love him more than anything (and maybe because of that), we are still making a decision for a 4 year old, and who’s to know who he’ll be in two years, let alone six or ten. So in the interest of collecting as much information as possible, even if it’s personal opinions or outdated views to see how the schools have evolved, I asked the question. But that question aside, I agree with you that what you said is paramount in this process.

[Anonymous]

for the poster above, what are some examples of surprises or imperfections that you've encountered in this process?

[Anonymous]

Hi! Having not gone to a single sex school myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how the schools I listed don’t reinforce gender stereotypes. I somehow thought that an all male environment might encourage a certain machoism and in the touring and application process, I didn’t get that feeling at all. St. David’s particularly impressed me in this matter. To the previous poster’s point, I think Buckley used to have a more macho (for lack of a better word) reputation, but I saw no evidence of that and felt that my son, who happens to very sweet, would thrive there.

For some of the schools mentioned above, but most of all the co-ed schools, I was less than thrilled by the confusion around technology and how to use it, particularly in the lower schools. One school gave a presentation where they showed a first grader drawing on an iPad. I think technology is a great tool, but especially with younger students its use should be very considered and measured (I want to stress that this is my opinion based on things I’ve read and I know there are different studies that suggest different things). Single sex schools, for the most part, seemed more intentional in their use of technology in the Lower School (and a few in the Upper Schools, although in one of the Upper Schools I noticed half the boys were on their phones during school hours).

By resting on their laurels, I was referring to some TT schools who presented themselves as “the best” (to give context, they were saying they don’t rely on the fact that they are “the best”). I didn’t really understand what measure they were using. Was it college acceptance rates? Was it SAT scores? Or was it, in my opinion more importantly, the mental and emotional health of the students?

And if my child was to get into a TT school, who am I to deny him that “opportunity” when they are 4? I was not an academic child and yet I became a super high-achieving adolescent. One can always think, “If that’s the case, they can move later.” But it’s been made clear that the most likely entry point to any of these schools is Kindergarten.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I have friends with kids at Buckley, and there is still a strong sports culture there. Not sure if that is what you meant by macho.

Regarding ipads, there will be technology involved in the classrooms at all the schools you listed. Truthfully, I would expect the differences to be negligible in that regard among the TT schools and the schools you listed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi! Having not gone to a single sex school myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how the schools I listed don’t reinforce gender stereotypes. I somehow thought that an all male environment might encourage a certain machoism and in the touring and application process, I didn’t get that feeling at all. St. David’s particularly impressed me in this matter. To the previous poster’s point, I think Buckley used to have a more macho (for lack of a better word) reputation, but I saw no evidence of that and felt that my son, who happens to very sweet, would thrive there.

I pause at the thought of paying ~$61K a year in tuition for an independent school that has the high school placement of a catholic school (~$10-15K a year in tuition).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi! Having not gone to a single sex school myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how the schools I listed don’t reinforce gender stereotypes. I somehow thought that an all male environment might encourage a certain machoism and in the touring and application process, I didn’t get that feeling at all. St. David’s particularly impressed me in this matter. To the previous poster’s point, I think Buckley used to have a more macho (for lack of a better word) reputation, but I saw no evidence of that and felt that my son, who happens to very sweet, would thrive there.

I pause at the thought of paying ~$61K a year in tuition for an independent school that has the high school placement of a catholic school (~$10-15K a year in tuition).

Agreed re St David's. If you are Catholic, why not consider St Ignatius Loyola instead?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi! Having not gone to a single sex school myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how the schools I listed don’t reinforce gender stereotypes. I somehow thought that an all male environment might encourage a certain machoism and in the touring and application process, I didn’t get that feeling at all. St. David’s particularly impressed me in this matter. To the previous poster’s point, I think Buckley used to have a more macho (for lack of a better word) reputation, but I saw no evidence of that and felt that my son, who happens to very sweet, would thrive there.

For some of the schools mentioned above, but most of all the co-ed schools, I was less than thrilled by the confusion around technology and how to use it, particularly in the lower schools. One school gave a presentation where they showed a first grader drawing on an iPad. I think technology is a great tool, but especially with younger students its use should be very considered and measured (I want to stress that this is my opinion based on things I’ve read and I know there are different studies that suggest different things). Single sex schools, for the most part, seemed more intentional in their use of technology in the Lower School (and a few in the Upper Schools, although in one of the Upper Schools I noticed half the boys were on their phones during school hours).

By resting on their laurels, I was referring to some TT schools who presented themselves as “the best” (to give context, they were saying they don’t rely on the fact that they are “the best”). I didn’t really understand what measure they were using. Was it college acceptance rates? Was it SAT scores? Or was it, in my opinion more importantly, the mental and emotional health of the students?

And if my child was to get into a TT school, who am I to deny him that “opportunity” when they are 4? I was not an academic child and yet I became a super high-achieving adolescent. One can always think, “If that’s the case, they can move later.” But it’s been made clear that the most likely entry point to any of these schools is Kindergarten.

Thanks for your insight. What did you think of Collegiate? Also, if you looked at HM, Riverdale, Trinity or Dalton, which one seemed the most tech heavy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi! Having not gone to a single sex school myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how the schools I listed don’t reinforce gender stereotypes. I somehow thought that an all male environment might encourage a certain machoism and in the touring and application process, I didn’t get that feeling at all. St. David’s particularly impressed me in this matter. To the previous poster’s point, I think Buckley used to have a more macho (for lack of a better word) reputation, but I saw no evidence of that and felt that my son, who happens to very sweet, would thrive there.

I pause at the thought of paying ~$61K a year in tuition for an independent school that has the high school placement of a catholic school (~$10-15K a year in tuition).

We're at Saint David's and can add a little color. Exmissions have admittedly varied a lot from year to year, but if you look over time, the average is what you'd expect from a top k-8, with over half of boys heading to very selective high schools. Most boys' sisters are at Convent of the Sacred Heart followed by Spence/Chapin if that helps. The school does have a couple attributes that probably don't help exmissions, but I'd consider them positives. They don't aggressively counsel out, and they place A LOT of emphasis on character. They won't admit intolerable families, even if they have exmissions-boosting high school legacy. I'd also say the school is unlike your typical catholic school. Only half of the boys are actually catholic, and they don't try tell them what to believe. There is definitely exposure to, and learning about, religion, but we're not catholic and find this acceptable.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any insight into the downtown schools? So many seem very progressive, but I’m not sure whether to prioritize staying where we are and going to a local public for elementary, commuting uptown, or trying one of the downtown privates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi! Having not gone to a single sex school myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how the schools I listed don’t reinforce gender stereotypes. I somehow thought that an all male environment might encourage a certain machoism and in the touring and application process, I didn’t get that feeling at all. St. David’s particularly impressed me in this matter. To the previous poster’s point, I think Buckley used to have a more macho (for lack of a better word) reputation, but I saw no evidence of that and felt that my son, who happens to very sweet, would thrive there.

For some of the schools mentioned above, but most of all the co-ed schools, I was less than thrilled by the confusion around technology and how to use it, particularly in the lower schools. One school gave a presentation where they showed a first grader drawing on an iPad. I think technology is a great tool, but especially with younger students its use should be very considered and measured (I want to stress that this is my opinion based on things I’ve read and I know there are different studies that suggest different things). Single sex schools, for the most part, seemed more intentional in their use of technology in the Lower School (and a few in the Upper Schools, although in one of the Upper Schools I noticed half the boys were on their phones during school hours).

By resting on their laurels, I was referring to some TT schools who presented themselves as “the best” (to give context, they were saying they don’t rely on the fact that they are “the best”). I didn’t really understand what measure they were using. Was it college acceptance rates? Was it SAT scores? Or was it, in my opinion more importantly, the mental and emotional health of the students?

And if my child was to get into a TT school, who am I to deny him that “opportunity” when they are 4? I was not an academic child and yet I became a super high-achieving adolescent. One can always think, “If that’s the case, they can move later.” But it’s been made clear that the most likely entry point to any of these schools is Kindergarten.

Thanks for your insight. What did you think of Collegiate? Also, if you looked at HM, Riverdale, Trinity or Dalton, which one seemed the most tech heavy?

I found that Trinity was the most tech heavy (I was told someone there tried to float the Wait until 8th idea to the parent body and were met with little enthusiasm), Dalton next. Riverdale seemed more balanced, I was very impressed and know happy families there. Don’t know about HM as it wasn’t on our list.

Regarding St. David’s (and this is just based on a tour and an event) - the religious aspect struck us as more spiritual, and it seemed impressively strong on athletics, languages and visual art. Buckley, to the previous poster’s point, did indeed seem very sporty, but I don’t think that’s what I meant by machoism - and that’s on me for not being able to articulate what I’m thinking.

But if anyone has opinions on Collegiate, Browning and Allen Stevenson, I’d love to hear them too. I loved them all but they were different to each other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any insight into the downtown schools? So many seem very progressive, but I’m not sure whether to prioritize staying where we are and going to a local public for elementary, commuting uptown, or trying one of the downtown privates.

I have friends who are loving their experience at Grace Church and Friends Seminary.

[Anonymous]

Question for those who have done the K application process:

DC is a K applicant for an NYC school. The admissions team wants to visit their preschool and observe the child in a real classroom setting. How common is this?

DC has already done their school visit (playdate).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question for those who have done the K application process:

DC is a K applicant for an NYC school. The admissions team wants to visit their preschool and observe the child in a real classroom setting. How common is this?

DC has already done their school visit (playdate).

Common/normal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question for those who have done the K application process:

DC is a K applicant for an NYC school. The admissions team wants to visit their preschool and observe the child in a real classroom setting. How common is this?

DC has already done their school visit (playdate).

Very, very common.