Reasonably Priced Private/Catholic Schools (New Rochelle, Scarsdale: home, neighborhood, school districts)

[DIVAMOMMY]

If public school is not an option and 40K in tuition is also not an option, am I out of luck? Are there any reasonably priced (less than 20K) private/catholic schools in Westchester or even Connecticut? I am looking for K-8. I have one boy and one girl.

[TAK8]

I belive there are many options, but you will want one reasonably close to your home. If you specify your town, you'll likely have at least two to choose from that are accessible, but I don't know that any are so much better that you would want to bus long distances at that age. (Iona Grammar in New Rochelle is very good, though, as I understand from several friends who went there; boys only.)

[DIVAMOMMY]

I havent chosen a town yet. If there are good private/catholic schools out there that we could afford, we could take schools out of the equation and that would make our decision about where to live very different

[sdcity]

here is the link for iona grammar tuition.

Admissions

[New Yawker]

Originally Posted by DIVAMOMMY

I havent chosen a town yet. If there are good private/catholic schools out there that we could afford, we could take schools out of the equation and that would make our decision about where to live very different

Catholic grammar schools are very reasonable. For example, Sacred Heart in Hartsdale is currently $4900 for one child (Catholic), while the non-Catholic rate is $6500. (Because Catholic families are also expected to contribute to the parish, etc.) You get an additional discount if you have more than one child attending.

Catholic schools are an excellent, affordable alternative to pricey school districts or super-expensive private schools. PM me if you want more information. (I've talked on this forum about my experience in Catholic school at length.)

[Forest_Hills_Daddy]

There are some near your target neighborhood in New Rochelle - Holy Name of Jesus and Sts. John and Paul in Larchmont:

Welcome to: Holy Name of Jesus Church and School

Saints John & Paul School - Homepage

Ursuline School for girls admits students beginning 6th grade:

The Ursuline School - Home Page

[DIVAMOMMY]

Thanks. Are these competitive schools?

[Forest_Hills_Daddy]

/\/\


Catholic parochial schools don't do standardized tests so there's no way to compare test scores vs. state standards. In the city, the parochail schools would tell you how their graduates fare in the TACHS and how many go to selective public high schools (ie Stuy, Townsend harris, etc.) and Catholic high schools (ie, Regis, Dominican Academy, etc.). You could probably use that as a proxy for "competitiveness" so this is something you must ask them as you visit these schools. Ask also about services such as after school, clubs, etc. For example, Sts. John & Paul in Larchmont has a TACHS prep course.

[DIVAMOMMY]

Thanks Forest_Hills_Daddy!

I noticed you have a lot to add to these discussions regarding education. What is your take on this issue? Do you feel that private schools are worth the 40K in tuition? If that is not an option, what do you feel is the alternative? Are public schools really that bad unless you are in Scarsdale, Chappaqua or Bronxville? Can parental involvement and extras make up for the deficit in public school education? Thanks for your opinion

[bg7]

"Are public schools really that bad unless you are in Scarsdale, Chappaqua or Bronxville? Can parental involvement and extras make up for the deficit in public school education? "

Yea, awful, they are "that bad". You really have to be in one of those three, otherwise Westchester public schools are a wash. Its a mystery how any of the other school districts keep going, I'm surprised Cuomo hasn't shut 'em down.