The 2022 Private School Guide! | New Canaan & Darien Moms

Choosing the right school for our children is a big decision and we know that it can feel overwhelming.

As you consider the learning environment, teaching style and school philosophies that best suit your child, we hope this guide is helpful in your search. New Canaan, Darien & Rowayton, Greenwich and Stamford Moms have come together to give you information and resources all in one place.

The 2022 Private School Guide is a list of schools in the Connecticut and New York areas that includes what each school offers and when to attend an Open House so that you can ask questions and take an in person or virtual look.

Scroll down to take a look!

Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy

Imagine a school where the students are happy, where passionate teachers make learning exciting each day and where creativity thrives. At Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, students are inspired to think, to analyze and to question. In an atmosphere that celebrates learning, friendship, the joy of Jewish life and an abiding connection with Israel, our children and young adults thrive. Imbued with Torah teachings and values, self-confidence and leadership skills blossom. If you are looking for a school with a personalized approach to education in which students are encouraged and supported to be and become their very best, we invite you to explore what our school has to offer.

Pre-K through 12
Bonnie Marcus, Director of Admissions | [email protected]
www.bcha-ct.org/

Brunswick School

Brunswick School is increasingly dedicated to building in all of their students the habits that will nourish and fortify them for the rest of their lives.
For nearly 120 years, Brunswick has been defined and distinguished by its commitment “Courage, Honor, Truth.” At the same time, they never cease to balance that work with a truly forward-thinking reimagination of lives in a challenging and ever-changing world.

With an average class size of 12, Brunswick enjoys a vast amount of space in Greenwich, CT – the Upper, Middle and Lower/Pre Schools are spread out among 162 acres on three campuses.

Pre-K through 12
Visit the website here for more information!
Open House – November 6

Catholic Academy of Stamford

The Catholic Academy of Stamford is a fully accredited Pre-K through 8th grade school providing academic excellence, personalized learning and faith based education in a nurturing environment to Stamford and our surrounding community. Parent Testimonials here

Catholic Academy of Stamford has limited available seats in limited grades.

Pre-K – Grade 8
(203) 322-6505 | [email protected]
Visit the website here for more information

Watch our Video here

The Cedar School

The Cedar School is a co-ed day school serving high school students, grades 9-12, with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. 

With small class sizes and an academically rigorous college-preparatory program, The Cedar School engages students with specialized instruction and a multisensory curriculum to ensure our students learn all day, every day. 

In addition to core academics, The Cedar School offers electives such as art, photography, psychology, and computer science in addition to experiential learning opportunities such as the annual internship program. The curriculum is designed to enable students to become independent learners and effective self-advocates. 

Located in Greenwich, CT, Cedar serves the greater Fairfield, Westchester, and New York area. 

Grades 9-12
203-808-5005 | [email protected]
www.thecedarschool.org

The Children’s School

Imagination Takes Flight at The Children’s School

Tomorrow’s creators, makers and innovators are with us today—at home, at school and on the playground. That is why The Children’s School provides a learning environment that invites children to explore their imagination and creativity freely.

Every day students fan out in our spacious, light-filled classrooms where they can choose from among many good paths to learning. They immerse themselves in open-ended materials that encourage them to test their hunches, and explore art mediums such as paint, clay, collage, construction and pencil drawing that encourage the non-linear thinking, experimentation and risk-taking so crucial to creative expression. Our sophisticated music program takes them on an enthralling journey that begins with the discovery of their own voices—children’s first instrument—and progresses so that they can eventually read and write music too.

It is a powerful experience for a child to imagine something and then make it tangible. Delight and joy—I created this!—nourish confidence and stoke the engine of independent thought. Students say: “Let’s try this!”; “Why didn’t this work the way I expected?”; “What happens if I change this musical note?”; and “Is there a pattern in my painting?” There are no right or wrong answers in these explorations, only the beauty of children creating, modifying and improving ideas born of their imagination.

Come Visit – We hope you will attend an Open House to learn about our mission and best practices as well as the School’s innovative, individualized programs. Please call 203.329.8815 to schedule a private tour, or to RSVP for an Open House Friday, November 4 or Friday December 9, from 5 to 7 pm.

Ages 3 to 8
www.childrensschool.org

Open Houses
September 23, 5-7 PM
November 4, 5-7 PM
December 9 5-7 PM
RSVP 203.329.8815 | Jamie DeNatale | [email protected]

Eagle Hill School

Eagle Hill is an independent, co-educational day and five-day boarding school for students ages 5-15 with language-based learning differences. At Eagle Hill, your child’s learning experience will be completely personalized. Each child is carefully evaluated and, based on the specific nature of his or her learning difference, a customized educational program is developed. This individualized, skills-based program is taught by a highly credentialed faculty, uses personalized learning strategies, and is grounded in the latest research in educating students who learn differently.

The program is designed for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, executive function disorder, auditory processing disorder, ADHD and other language-based learning differences.

5 -15 years old
Eagle Hill School – Learning. Transformed.
 (203) 622-9240 | eaglehillschool.org/admissions
Jennifer L. Shirazi| Director of Enrollment | 203-622-9240 x664 | [email protected]
Open House Dates: Click Here

EF Academy International High School

EF Academy is an international high school, offering day and boarding options for grades 9-12. Students live and learn with peers from 60+ nationalities and are offered pathways in the US High School Diploma and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programs. Through diversified instruction, we empower the next generation of Global Changemakers.

Grade 9-12
Donna Rosenberg, Admissions Coordinator
[email protected] | 626-507-9223

The French-American School of New York (FASNY)

Founded in 1980 as a one-classroom preschool, the French-American School of New York (FASNY) has offered the best in bilingual education for local families and expatriate students for more than forty years. In those 40+ years, FASNY has evolved to become an international and bilingual N-12 day school educating more than 700 students on three campuses in Mamaroneck and Larchmont, New York.

It is the only school in the New York metropolitan area accredited to offer both the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and the French baccalaureate and now offers an International Program for grades 1-8 with no previous French required.

Virtual Open Houses
Pre and Lower School – November 30, 6pm
Middle and High School – November 29, 6pm
914-250-0401 | [email protected]
Or Click here for admission and more information

Greens Farms Academy

At Greens Farms Academy (GFA) we empower students to do the hard, thrilling, essential work of shaping their own world, of building their own future. Our over 700 PreK–12 students come from 23 towns in Fairfield and Westchester counties and form an inclusive community that plays on 64 interscholastic athletic teams, participates in a robust service-learning program, and aspires to live by our school’s motto, “Each for All.” GFA cultivates curiosity and prepares students for an evolving world. And, this shifting reality is a challenge our school and community are fortunately well-positioned to tackle. Since 1925, Greens Farms Academy has graduated thousands of compassionate, enterprising, broad-minded women and men – people with the courage and vision to build a better tomorrow.

Admission Info: Open House and admission info can be found at www.gfacademy.org/admission or see below:

October 13: PreK-4 Open House, 9:30am – 11am (adults only, please)

October 23: Grades 5-12 Open House, 1pm – 3pm

October 23: PreK & K GFA Explore Day, 9:30am -10:30am

December 7: PreK-4 Open House, 830am-10am (adults only, please)

Regular Coffee and Conversation in-person information sessions take prospective families through GFA, topic by topic, and are offered throughout the fall. Visit the website for the full schedule. 

Pre-K – Grade 12
(203) 256-7514
[email protected]
gfacademy.org

Greenwich Academy

A leader in all-girls education, Greenwich Academy is an independent college preparatory day school for students in grades pre-K through 12. Our rigorous academic program empowers students to be creative, inquisitive, and resourceful in every aspect of their learning under the guidance of a dedicated and talented faculty. Underpinning everything we do is a firm commitment to helping girls develop compassion, moral courage, and resilience, as embodied in our motto: Toward the Building of Character.

Rich co-curricular offerings enhance everyday learning at GA. Whether she’s writing for our award-winning literary magazine, working to cultivate new antibiotics, attending a conference on Kingian Non-Violence, or fashioning a costume for a musical production, a GA girl has the opportunity to identify her interests and explore them fully. The fine and performing arts are popular at every level, as are community service and social justice commitments. We are also proud of the strength of our athletic program, as well as the fact that girls of all skill levels can participate.

In GA’s Upper School, the Coordinate Program with our brother school, Brunswick, enables GA students to enroll in classes on both campuses and gives them access to a total of over 200 courses between the schools.

Pre-K – Grade 12
(203) 625-8990
[email protected]
Open House on Sunday, October 16

Greenwich Country Day School

The Mission of Greenwich Country Day School is to enable all children in their care to discover and to develop what is finest in themselves—to achieve the highest standards in their studies, in their play, and in their character.

Greenwich Country Day School is a co-educational, college preparatory, independent school for nursery through 12th grade. The purposeful mission of academic excellence and character development is as relevant today as it was at the school’s founding in 1926. GCDS’s curriculum builds a solid background in the sciences and humanities while challenging students to develop critical knowledge and skills through inquiry, exploration, interdisciplinary studies, and real-world application, preparing them for a rapidly changing world.\

Important lessons are learned not only in the classroom, but also on the playing fields, in the art room, on stage, and through extracurricular activities, such as the chess team, robotics club, and student publications. An extensive community service program and numerous leadership opportunities teach students to turn their initiative and generosity into meaningful action. GCDS graduates are known as exceptionally well-prepared for success in higher education—and in life.

Nursery – Grade 12
Contact the Admissions Office at (203) 863-5610 or [email protected]
Nursery – Grade 8 Open House | Sunday, October 23, 2022 | 1:00 p.m.| Old Church Road Campus
Grades 9-12 Open House | Tuesday, November 1, 2022 | 6:30 p.m.| Stanwich Road Campus

Greenwich Catholic

Greenwich Catholic School is unlike any other school in Fairfield and Westchester County.

We do more than educate your child. We help mold them into strong, confident leaders who think critically, act compassionately, and are prepared to be responsible global citizens.

Each child at Greenwich Catholic is known, cared for, and supported by every member of our strong community.

With unrivaled academics and athletics, comparatively low tuition, and a solid track record of getting our graduates into their first choice high school, Greenwich Catholic sets each student up for success.

We are a co-educational day school in Greenwich, Connecticut, where students in PreK 3 through Grade 8 learn and thrive. Westchester towns near the Connecticut border provide bussing to GCS. Please contact us for more information.

RSVP for our Fall Open House on October 2nd at 1PM

Or visit GCSCT Website to learn more about our school.

PreK 3 through Grade 8
RSVP for our Fall Open House on October 2nd at 1PM
Visit GCSCT Website to learn more about our school

Hackley School

At Hackley, students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 experience joy in the classroom and make life-long connections with each other and with our dedicated faculty. Robust extracurricular programming on our 285-acre campus and our 5-day boarding program create unique opportunities for each student to learn and grow beyond the boundaries of the school day. Hackley graduates have the knowledge and confidence to pursue their passions, and the drive to make a difference.

K through Grade 12
Learn more at: https://www.hackleyschool.org/admissions or by emailing us at [email protected]

Harvey School

Located on a beautiful 125-acre hilltop campus in Katonah, New York, The Harvey School provides a college-preparatory program that cultivates academic excellence, artistic exploration, athletic achievement, and service to others, with 5-day boarding in grades 9-12. There’s nothing more powerful than a student who believes they can make a difference.

Learn how your child can become their best self at Harvey, for students in grades 6-12 in Katonah, NY.

Grades 6 – Grade 12
[email protected]
Join us for The Harvey School Open House Sat. Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Hopkins School 

Set Your Curiosity Free. Hopkins School students are curious – they love to think and learn. Here each day, at the nation’s third oldest independent school, high-achieving students come to learn with an intellectual passion, challenging one another in a collective pursuit of excellence.

Small classes average just 12 students. There are more National Merit Scholar finalists than any other school in Connecticut, public or private. A team of professional and experienced College Counselors lead our very successful college process See our matriculation list

Hopkins students are gifted scholars, but they are also talented leaders, athletes, artists, entrepreneurs and more. Students of color comprise almost 50% percent of our diverse, inclusive Hopkins family. A dedicated faculty who are experts in their fields and love teaching and sharing their expertise with students.

Please join us at Hopkins School for a virtual academic experience and a campus tour!

  • Saturday, October 22nd-Academic Day-Department Chairs lead a lively webinar and curriculum introduction (virtual)
  • Sunday, October 23rd –Visit campus for a student-led tour, meet current parents and enjoy a walk around our 108 acre campus in New Haven.
  • Spaces are limited and reservations are required. Please register online at the Virtual Admission Center.

If you can’t join us in October, please contact us or visit the Virtual Admission Center for other times to visit and to apply to Hopkins.

Grades 7 – Grade 12
[email protected] 
www.hopkins.edu

  Call (203) 397-1001

Join Hopkins School for an upcoming Open House event

Iona Prep

For more than 100 years, Iona Preparatory has been education for higher expectations for the boys and young men of the metropolitan area. Nestled on 37 acres of suburban green in New Rochelle, N.Y., and spread across two collegiate-style campuses, Iona Prep is Westchester’s only all-boys, prekindergarten through 12th grade Catholic school.  Rigorous academics with three levels of study, a personalized and comprehensive school counseling and college advisement program, unique Christian service and leadership opportunities locally, nationally and internationally, championship athletics, and an array of activities provide students—starting as early as age 4—with the foundation for success in college and in life.

Contact Director of Admissions, Barbara Robertson P’05,’08
(914) 632-0714 | [email protected]

King School

King School unlocks the power of wonder and students PreK-12 become agents in their own learning. When students are exploring, questioning, making connections, — and teachers are creating these moments of discovery — students are truly learning. King graduates leave school full of possibility — ready to succeed and better prepared to better the world.

Pre-K – Grade 12
Visit www.kingschoolct.org or email [email protected]
Coffee and Conversation events happen monthly on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Hear from school leaders and tour the campus.
Open House on October 30 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

The Long Ridge School

With a unique focus on nursery and elementary education, The Long Ridge School is a warm, joyful environment where students excel through progressive, inquiry-based, personalized learning. When you visit our expansive, idyllic campus, you’ll find an inclusive community, where teachers, students, and parents of all backgrounds work together to guide children toward becoming compassionate global citizens.

Teachers at the Long Ridge School nurture each child’s strengths and interests—instilling confidence and leadership skills; fostering academic, social, and emotional development; and collaboratively building for each student the foundation for a fulfilling future.

Age 2 – Grade 5
(203) 322-7693 | [email protected]
Visit the website here for more information!
Email [email protected] or call (203) 322-7693 to set up an in-person Campus tour.

The Mead School

The Mead School is a private Pre-K – Grade 8 school in North Stamford that has been setting students up for success in high school and beyond since 1969. With intentionally small class sizes, rigorous academics with appropriate supports, and a focus on each student’s social and emotional well being, our 8th graders move up to high school with a solid knowledge of self and their passions that continue to feed a love of learning for years to come. Visit us at an upcoming event or take a private tour and see our campus in action.

Pre-K – Grade 8
www.meadschool.org | 203.428.4080

Register for an Upcoming Admissions Event HERE
October 6 @10AM on campus: Fall Open House for Pre-K – Grade 8
October 25 @7PM virtual event: Meet our Home Center Directors
October 27 @10AM on campus: Discovery Day for Pre-K and Kindergarten

New Canaan Country School

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Westchester and Fairfield counties. Graduates excel at top day, boarding and public secondary schools and go on to lead lives of impact and purpose.

Join NCCS for an All School Open House on Sunday, October 23, 1-3 p.m.

Pre-K – Grade 9
For information about upcoming admission offerings, please visit the website: https://www.countryschool.net/visit

Riverdale Country School

Since its founding in 1907, Riverdale Country School has been a center of academic excellence, great critical thinking, curiosity, open discourse, and innovation. It’s a playground for collective learning. 

Our students engage with a curriculum they can apply beyond their academic studies and enjoy numerous opportunities to experience the world beyond our campuses. Through a program of interdisciplinary learning, students develop keen skills of analysis and synthesis. 

We value the day-to-day experience of our students while also preparing them for the next phase of their educational journey. Our graduates attend liberal arts colleges and universities as well as engineering schools, and art, music, and theatre conservatories. 

A love of learning is evident in our small classes, libraries, labs, and makerspaces. Riverdale is a place where real joy comes from growing up in a welcoming and supportive community.

Prospective families are invited to attend one of our upcoming open house events to learn more about Riverdale Country School. 

For information about events and tours, visit riverdale.edu/admission now!

Sacred Heart Greenwich

Located on a beautiful 110-acre campus in Greenwich, Connecticut, Sacred Heart Greenwich is an all-girls’ Catholic, independent college-preparatory day school (Preschool – Grade 12) that offers a rigorous academic program that challenges students to take on a variety of leadership roles on campus and beyond.

Preschool – Grade 12
Please contact the Admissions Office for more information at
[email protected] or 203.532.3534

Upper School – October 20 | 5:30 PM
K-12 – October 29 | 9:00 AM
Barat Center – November 18 | 9:30 AM

Seven Acres Montessori 

About our program: As you make important decisions at this stage in your child’s development and education you will want to learn more about our program.  Experience the difference that IS Seven Acres Montessori . Our philosophy is based on individualized, whole-child learning with highly trained and experienced teachers.  The curriculum masterfully and cohesively inter-connects the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth and well-being of the whole child through project based, experiential learning in a small classroom setting and supportive environment designed to meet the specific needs of each student. Seven Acres Montessori is a non-profit school committed to educating children 14 months through eighth grade, accredited by both The Association Montessori Internationale and The Connecticut Association of Independent Schools.

Open House and Tour Info: Prospective families are invited to learn more about our program and Admissions, Before and After School Programs and Variable Tuition by registering for a Thursday morning Virtual Information Event HERE or emailing [email protected].

Website: www.sevenacresmontessori.org

Contact: Please contact Ashley Grob, Admission Director by email at [email protected].
You may also reach the Front Office at 203-834-0440 to get more information here.

St. Luke’s School

St Luke’s is a secular (non-religious) private school in New Canaan, CT, for grades 5-12. St. Luke’s mission is to provide an exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. Our engaging programs and diverse co-educational community inspire excellence, foster intellectual and ethical development, and prepare students to thrive at top colleges, universities, and beyond. 

Join us at one of our upcoming admissions events.

Grades 5 – 12
Connect with the Admissions Team!
[email protected]
203-801-4833
For more information visit the website here!

St. Aloysius 

St. Aloysius is a Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, co-educational Catholic school, now located in Stamford. We focus on educating the whole child, and provide a nurturing environment for our students to thrive academically. We teach and live the values of our faith and foster a commitment to serving others. Our school is truly a vibrant community of dedicated teachers, parents, and students. 

Grades K – 8
203-966-0786, ext. 110
[email protected]
For more information visit the website here!

The Unquowa School

The Unquowa School is an independent, co-educational, PreK – 8th Grade school located in Fairfield, CT. Founded in 1917, the school’s mission is “…to develop, educate, and prepare our family of children with an unafraid spirit to achieve their personal best in a changing world.” Our graduates move on to high school with a love of learning, strong character and a deep confidence in their power to understand and make a difference in the larger world.
Open House
Join us for a Take a Look Day on November 16th at 8:30am! Register at unquowa.org/visit-unquowa
Interested in learning more? Call us at 203-367-3151 or email at [email protected] Karen Williamson, Director of Admissions
 
981 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, CT 06825
WEBSITE: unquowa.org

Villa Maria School

For almost 50 years the Villa Maria School has been home to a smart and creative community of students who have otherwise struggled in traditional school settings.

Our students have been identified as having language processing disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities and/or executive functioning difficulties. Villa Maria is designed to be a small, understanding and safe place to do uncomfortable work.

We are dedicated to helping our students realize their full potential by encouraging meaningful relationships and promoting life-long learning through skill development.​

Kindergarten – Grade 9
(203) 322-5886 x104
[email protected]
Visit the website here for more information!

Whitby School

Located in Greenwich CT, Whitby is a co-educational independent school that provides educational continuity for children 18 months through Grade 8 in the Fairfield-Westchester area.

The premier Whitby Montessori Children’s House three-year program and the highly-recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) program in Grades 1 – 8 form the foundation that empowers Whitby students to think creatively and critically, preparing them as life-long learners and global citizens.

18 months – Grade 8
(203) 302-3900
[email protected]
Visit the website here for more information!

Early Childhood Exploration – October 6 | 9:30 AM
All School Open House – October 23 | 11:00 AM
Virtual All School Open House – November 16 | 9:30 AM
Personal Overview Session – By Appointment Only

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