Anonymous
05/27/2026 13:21
Subject: Curating our K list
Would add st Hilda’s and st Hugh’s
Cathedral seems to have good high school exmissions for a small class. This year they have 1 to collegiate for high school (pretty tough to get) and 2 to trinity
Cathedral seems to have good high school exmissions for a small class. This year they have 1 to collegiate for high school (pretty tough to get) and 2 to trinity
Anonymous
05/27/2026 13:18
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.
Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.
that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.
I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?
the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.
for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.
Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.
Though to add on, it seems unlikely they would qualify for FA if they own property.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 13:17
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.
Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.
that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.
I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?
the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.
for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.
Grandparents resources obviously don’t determine aid but I’m sure if your grandparents pay your portion or gift your portion of tuition if you’re on FA, it draws a huge red flag for the office.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 12:52
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.
Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.
that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.
I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?
the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.
for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.
None of these schools are in their immediate neighborhood. I assume Riverdale might bus. The rest all involve a subway. I proposed these as they are very close to the subway so as painless as possible. I agree that's not what I would want to do but they bought where they did.
As far as renting in a zone goes, I know plenty of people who found ways to do it. Sign a lease for a few months which are the months when they will be asking questions. Get your name on a lease. I know some very morally upstanding people who have done this - once your kid is in a public elementary school, they get to stay. No questions asked. I personally don't love it. I know a family that had wealthy grandparents with an apartment in a good zone so used that for K, would routinely fib about where they lived to other parents (who didn't really care), then switched to private after K. Their actual apartment was just out of the zone, probably closer to the actual school than many in zone apartments. And their zoned school was still a good school.
Riverdale diverse and public school diverse are very different animals. Even rich public school diverse is a lot more diverse than Riverdale diverse. Not even close. I don't judge. But don't go saying we love diversity then send your kid to elementary school at Riverdale. Riverdale diverse is more diverse than a lot of other schools in America where there isn't a minority for 75 miles.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 12:50
Subject: Curating our K list
Question for the OP, how is living in Hamilton Heights? Have always been tempted by prices on a brownstone but don't know anyone in the neighborhood and their thoughts on how family friendly it is. We also have a car that we use often in the city so could help with transportation. Thanks!
Anonymous
05/27/2026 12:33
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.
Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.
Renting an additional property just to go to an UWS public school is not appealing to us.
Interesting...I guess its a matter of opinion...we have friends at Riverdale and they find the lower school to be diverse. We will just have to observe for ourselves in the Fall.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 12:28
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.
Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 12:27
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.
Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.
that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.
I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?
the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.
for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.
New York is a different beast when it comes to who qualifies for FA.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 12:18
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.
Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.
that's kind of a treck each day - how do you propose the kids get to and from school? Nanny takes both on the subway? Not easy.
I wonder if schools consider grandparents resources in determining aid?
the spirit of aid is to get kids without means into private schools.
for example, it's not so 2 teachers (who teach for the love of teaching and not $$) with wealthy parents can attend private school.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 11:35
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Let's just say you wouldn't be the only one who is not in zone at those schools. Though one of the great parts of going to them is that most of the kids are nearby so can hang out after school, etc. But again, you wouldn't be the only one. And if diversity is one of your primary goals, they are a lot better than private. They get harassed for not being "diverse" because they are a lot more white than most other NYC publics. But the irony is that compared to the huge number of NYC public schools that are 90+% hispanic and/or black, they are actually very "diverse." Racial and socioeconomic diversity (though the vast majority of families are UMC) and families from all over the globe.
Academically I think they are on par with most of the privates you suggested. Riverdale is excellent but that is a totally different option. But if you are practicing what you preach about diversity, then that is not it, as much as I'm sure they claim they are. I'm not a Hunter fan but it is hard to turn down, but as you seem to be well aware, you can't count on that as their process, despite their claims that it is highly scientific, has no logic to it.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 11:29
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Bank Street?
We have a friend who teaches here...it's a bit too left of center for us. Nice people though!
Anonymous
05/27/2026 11:26
Subject: Curating our K list
Anonymous wrote:Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
We own a home where we are. Seems like a lot of work for an "equal" outcome- unless you're saying these public schools are better than our current list.
Anonymous
05/27/2026 11:22
Subject: Curating our K list
Bank Street?
Anonymous
05/27/2026 11:21
Subject: Curating our K list
Can you find an address to use or rent short term on the UWS? Plenty of good publics right off the 1 train. 166, 9, 87, 199 (going from north to south). Assuming Mamdani doesn't screw things up, but I think the class size changes could be a net positive if you can get a seat.
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
Throwing it out there as it is geographically desirable but I will defer to others as to whether it is good or not (please be gentle if I am totally off base!): St. Hilda & St. Hugh's?
Anonymous
05/27/2026 11:09
Subject: Curating our K list
We are putting together a list of schools to tour for our DS entering K. Academics & Diversity are our top priorities. Not looking for a pressure cooker in LL, but fine for Upper. Grandparents can pay in full, but we likely qualify for FA. Open to private & public. Home in Hamilton Heights so schools below 57th, not ideal. DD is 2, so right behind.
DS List
Hunter (lol)
Riverdale
The School at Columbia
Cathedral School of St. John
DD List
same as above + Hewitt
What schools are we missing that fit this vibe?
DS List
Hunter (lol)
Riverdale
The School at Columbia
Cathedral School of St. John
DD List
same as above + Hewitt
What schools are we missing that fit this vibe?