A Guide to the Best Bronx Private Schools: 2019-20

Bronx private schools represent some of the best educational facilities in the City. With sprawling campuses, huge sporting fields and picturesque views over Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx schools combine the resources of New York City with the calm of the suburbs. They offer unique opportunities and extra-curriculars in technology, humanities and leadership. So how can you pick just one? To help you out, we’ve narrowed down a list of the best Bronx private schools. We’ve included all your need-to-know information, including location, grade levels, religious affiliations and descriptions directly from the schools.

Looking for more New York City private school options? Check out A Comprehensive Guide to New York City’s Best Private Schools

Here Are the Best Bronx Private Schools:

Ethical Culture Fieldston School, one of several Bronx private schools

Academy of Mount St. Ursula – Morrisania
Grades 9-12
330 Bedford Park Blvd.
Philosophy: Academic 

Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “The Academy of Mount St. Ursula is a Catholic high school, conducted in the Ursuline tradition, that serves college-bound women of diverse cultures through its programs in Academics, Arts and Service. By instilling a love of learning and a broader global view, in a safe and nurturing environment, we strive to empower young women for leadership in society.”
Noteworthy: “We encourage all our young women for leadership in society by providing them with activities such as participation in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and through their active involvement in their academic and Serviam activities.”

Cardinal Spellman, one of several Bronx private schools

Aquinas High School– Belmont

Grades: 4-7
685 East 182 Street
Philosophy: Academic
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “Aquinas High School is a community of faith and learning rooted in the Catholic tradition and committed to excellence in the education of young women – mind and heart, body and spirit. We believe that each person is called to lifelong learning, spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically and to the responsible exercise of citizenship. And each person is uniquely created by God, and each one’s dignity is to be respected and reverenced. 
Noteworthy: “Educating and inspiring young women for a lifetime of faith, learning, and compassionate action for a more just world.”

Cardinal Hayes High School– Concourse Village

Grades: 9-12
685 East 182 Street
Philosophy: Academic
Religious Affiliation: Catholic

In Their Own Words: “The Mission of Cardinal Hayes High School, a community-based in Roman Catholic values, is to inspire diverse young men of the New York City metropolitan area to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. We will accomplish this goal by encouraging students’ spiritual and intellectual growth through a rigorous college preparatory program of academics, extra-curricular activities, and personal discipline.”
Noteworthy: “We believe an effective education develops the whole person spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. Every student has unique talents that can be developed to their fullest potential.”

Cardinal Spellman High School – Edenwald
Grades 9-12
One Cardinal Spellman Place
Philosophy: College Prep 

Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “Our mission is to promote a culture of aspiration that encourages superior academic performance, leadership, and service. We strive to make our program available to all qualified students. We emphasize personal development and we foster a commitment to others that empowers our diverse student population to become leaders who make a difference in our community, nation, and world.”
Noteworthy: “Preparing each student for college acceptance and achievement is a priority of the entire program at Cardinal Spellman High School. Each of our teachers and administrators works diligently and enthusiastically to achieve this goal for each of our students. Many of our graduates are not only accepted into college, they are awarded scholarships!

 

Academy of Mount St Ursula, one of several Bronx Private Schools

Ethical Culture Fieldston School – Fieldston
Grades Pre-K-12
3901 Fieldston Road 
Philosophy: Progressive
Religious Affiliation: None
In Their Own Words: “With an enduring commitment to excellence in progressive education, we inspire a diverse and joyful community of passionate learners, critical thinkers, and ethical individuals who aim to make the world more humane and just.”
Noteworthy: “Ethics class is an integrated part of classroom life, and the ethics teacher works closely with classroom teachers to make ethical thinking and discussions a part of children’s daily routines and everyday life.”

Fordham Preparatory School – Fordham
Grades 9-12
2691 Southern Blvd.
Philosophy: Academic
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “Fordham Preparatory School is a Catholic, all-male, Jesuit, college preparatory school. Fordham Prep stresses the development of excellence in the whole person: intellectual, religious, social, emotional, and physical. At the heart of Jesuit education is the rigorous study of the humanities and the sciences, reflecting the conviction that the study of great ideas is inextricably linked to the formation of character. Our program of studies encompasses more than the acquisition of knowledge; it fosters academic discipline and encourages reflection in the pursuit of excellence.”
Noteworthy: “Fordham Prep offers an Individualized Honors Program based on the idea that each boy is unique in the gifts that have been bestowed upon him. Fordham Prep offers regular, advanced, honors, and AP level courses. Each boy is invited to create a schedule that challenges and motivates him.”

Horace Mann, one of several Bronx private schools

Horace Mann School – Fieldston
Grades Nursery-12
231 West 246th Street 
Philosophy: Academic
Religious Affiliation: None
In Their Own Words: “We want to create in students an enthusiasm for and an interest in learning. In the lower division, that enthusiasm and interest is tangible not only in the classrooms, but also in the hallways, library, arts and technology center, and on the playing fields.”
Noteworthy: “In 1965, Horace Mann established the John Dorr Nature Laboratory in Washington, CT, with a gift of 83 acres. The Laboratory now encompasses 275 acres of fields, streams, and ponds in which students can explore nature and engage in outdoor pursuits. Dorr’s resident four-person faculty instructs students in environmental science, conservation, and outdoor living.”

Riverdale Country School

Mount St Michael Academy– Wakefield

Grades 6-12
4300 Murdock Avenue
Philosophy: Academic
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “We provide a rigorous, value-centered, college preparatory education to a family and brotherhood of young men, fostering each student’s unique potential for personal excellence, and striving to help our diverse students grow in maturity as healthy, well-rounded, service-oriented leaders.”
Noteworthy: “Respect, Integrity, Perseverance, Professional Behavior, and Accountability are the five core values that guide the Mount Saint Michael Academy community. These values are prominently displayed throughout our campus to demonstrate our commitment to the success of our students.”

Riverdale Country School – Fieldston
Grades Pre-K-12
1 Spaulding Lane (Lower School)
5250 Fieldston Road (Middle and Upper School)
Philosophy: Progressive
Religious Affiliation: None
In Their Own Words: “At Riverdale, we rely on a powerful model based on guiding principles in three key areas: mind, character, and community. Within each category, we strive to create ambitious programs that benefit the entire community.”
Noteworthy: “At the Lower School, some of the ways we hope to achieve our goals are through the Students of Color Society (SOCS) and the Parents of Color (POC), which work to support families of color and to address important topics with the larger community.”

 

SAR High School

Saint Barnabas High School– Woodlawn Heights

Grades 9-12
425 East 240th Street
Philosophy: Academic 

Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “The Saint Barnabas family works in the spirit of charity to develop the whole person through enriching courses and activities, effective communication, mutual respect, and openness to new ideas.”
Noteworthy: “With a challenging curriculum, an array of extra-curricular activities and an emphasis on service our goal is to embrace global diversity and educate our young women to develop both the confidence and the recognition that they have the potential to do and the power to be Christian leaders who will change the world.”

St. Raymond Academy for Boys– Parkchester

Grades 9-12
2151 St. Raymond Ave.
Philosophy: Academic 

Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “Our school is a unique faith-centered community that integrates thinking and believing in ways that encourage intellectual growth, nurture faith and inspire action.”
Noteworthy: “Faith, Scholarship, Service and Community are therefore hallmarks of a St. Raymond education and make our school a truly unique environment where young men are prepared to become responsible, well-educated, faith-filled leaders in our world.

St. Raymond for Girls– Parkchester

Grades 9-12
1725 Castle Hill Avenue
Philosophy: Academic 

Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “ It is a community of educators, students, parents, and staff. Although we identify ourselves as a parish school, we draw our students from a variety of neighborhoods in New York City. As disciples of the gospel, we recognize our obligation to guide our students to an appreciation of learning that will not only enable them to realize their God-given potential but will prepare them, as responsible members of the world community, to make their unique contribution to society.”
Noteworthy: “We seek to develop an appreciation of our Christian tradition and an awareness of our American heritage, recognizing at the same time the variety of cultures and traditions, which have contributed to that heritage.

Salanter Akiba Riverdale High School – Riverdale
Grades 9-12
503 West 259th St.
Philosophy: Progressive 

Religious Affiliation: Jewish
In Their Own Words: “SAR HS is a coeducational community of learners in which all members of the school, students and faculty alike, interact in ways that reflect respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Torah and Mitzvot. All students are empowered to make meaningful choices in their learning and in the life of the school that help them grow as decision makers and responsible citizens. The success of this community relies on the shared practice of a common set of principles, or habits of mind, that continually inform our thinking and behavior.”
Noteworthy: “Through curricular integration, technology-related classes, and a plethora of co-curricular offerings, technology plays a key role in learning at SAR. As a school committed to meeting the unique needs of each student, our technology helps nurture a personalized, student-centered, learning environment in which creativity, collaboration, and communication are hallmarks of the student experience.”

Preston High School

Preston High School – Throgs Neck
Grades 9-12
2780 Schurz Ave.
Philosophy: Academic 

Religious Affiliation: Catholic
In Their Own Words: “Preston High School is an all-girls private Catholic college preparatory school rooted in the virtues of dignity, honor, respect and compassion. Through a broad and challenging curriculum, a diverse, faith-centered community and a commitment to Christian service, Preston High School empowers young women by providing them with the skills needed to become compassionate leaders for change in their world.”
Noteworthy: “Service to others is at the heart of our mission. With this in mind, we have woven service into the life of the school. Freshmen are required to provide a minimum of 20 hours of service to their families. Sophomores provide a minimum of 20 hours of service to the school, and Juniors must provide a minimum of 40 hours of service to the larger community outside the school.”

 

 

Relevant Directory Listings

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Cathedral High School

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A Catholic College Preparatory school in the heart of Manhattan, welcoming young woman of all faiths and cultures. The school is a community of students, teachers, staff, parents and alumnae committed to achieving excellence in education.</span></p>

Garden School

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A coed, fully-accredited, independent school in Jackson Heights offering an excellent and affordable Nursery–Grade 12 education. Small classes allow for a personalized approach.</span></p>

Little Thinkers Montessori

<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-9a98e501-7fff-fad4-efd7-d3e426e785a9"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the school year, LTM  preschool curriculum is individualized, multi-aged, and thoughtfully guided to match each student’s needs.  </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Children learn through the academic and experiential process, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, and influenced by the culturally diverse atmosphere of Brooklyn.  The primary goal of LTM’s Montessori program is to use the “whole-child” approach to help each child reach their full potential in all areas of life. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LTM also offers an after school program for students in preK through 5th grade.  </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please contact the school to learn more about the programs offered.</span></span></p> <p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Offering a Summer Program with full or half day sessions running for 7 weeks.  Activities include, Gardening, Science, Art, Yoga, Music, Dance and outside play with extended care available. </span></p>