#1 Best Independent Schools in New York
Allendale Columbia School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Smaller classes than 82% of independent schools in New York
Rochester, NY
A+Overall grade263 students4 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in New York
The highest-graded schools of this kind in New York. Top 50 of 122 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in New York
Lawrence Woodmere Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Woodmere
Woodmere, NY
A+Overall grade114 students3 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in New York
British International School of NY
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
New York, NY
A+Overall grade262 students5 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in New York
St. Ann's School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
99% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Brooklyn, NY
A+Overall grade1,050 students5 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in New York
Dwight School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
99% of graduates go to four-year colleges
New York, NY
A+Overall grade774 students5 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in New York
The Ideal School of Manhattan
Independent school · Grades K–12
Smaller classes than 96% of independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall grade174 students2 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in New York
The Storm King School
Independent school · Grades 8–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
A+Overall grade172 students6 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in New York
Ross School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
95% of graduates go to four-year colleges
East Hampton, NY
A+Overall grade286 students5 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in New York
The Allen-Stevenson School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 89% of independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall gradeAll boys385 students3 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in New York
The School at Columbia University
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 62% of independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall grade405 students5 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in New York
The Waldorf School of Garden City
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Garden City, NY
A+Overall grade238 students6 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in New York
Ef Academy International Boarding School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Thornwood, NY
A+Overall grade253 students6 students per teacher
#13 Best Independent Schools in New York
The Town School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 71% of independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall grade296 students5 students per teacher
#14 Best Independent Schools in New York
St. Davids School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 92% of independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall gradeAll boys405 students3 students per teacher
#15 Best Independent Schools in New York
The Brearley School
Independent school · Grades K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
New York, NY
A+Overall gradeAll girls781 students7 students per teacher
#16 Best Independent Schools in New York
Darrow School
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
New Lebanon, NY
A+Overall grade94 students4 students per teacher
#17 Best Independent Schools in New York
Corlears School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
Smaller classes than 94% of independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall grade77 students2 students per teacher
#18 Best Independent Schools in New York
Poly Prep Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Brooklyn
Brooklyn, NY
A+Overall grade1,122 students6 students per teacher
#19 Best Independent Schools in New York
York Prep School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
Smaller classes than 80% of independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall grade351 students4 students per teacher
#20 Best Independent Schools in New York
North Country School
Independent school · Grades 4–9
The only independent school in Lake Placid
Lake Placid, NY
A+Overall grade84 students4 students per teacher
#21 Best Independent Schools in New York
Dalton School
Independent school · Grades K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall grade1,330 students6 students per teacher
#22 Best Independent Schools in New York
The Harley School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Rochester
Rochester, NY
A+Overall grade453 students6 students per teacher
#23 Best Independent Schools in New York
Village Community School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Smaller classes than 61% of independent schools in New York
New York, NY
A+Overall grade304 students5 students per teacher
#24 Best Independent Schools in New York
Long Island School for the Gifted
Independent school · Grades K–9
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Huntington Station, NY
A+Overall grade133 students6 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.