School Of The Holy Child (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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About the School

The mission of School of the Holy Child is to develop "women of conscience and action." An all-girls, Catholic, independent, college-preparatory school for grades 5-12, the School is guided by the educational philosophy of Cornelia Connelly, the founder of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, and her dedication to "joy in teaching and joy in learning." Unlike most independent, public, or private schools, our faculty and staff work collaboratively with students and families to ensure each student is known, valued, and encouraged to achieve her highest potential, both academically and personally.
Holy Child graduates are confident, adaptable leaders prepared to think critically and creatively in a diverse, interconnected society.
Holy Child's 18-acre campus in Rye, New York, blends tradition and innovation-it features a striking Tudor mansion dating to 1930, as well as recently constructed academic facilities.
A commitment to "joy in teaching, joy in learning" lies at the heart of the Holy Child experience.
School of the Holy Child offers a dynamic, college-preparatory curriculum in the humanities, sciences, and arts, complemented by robust athletics, service, and global programs.
Within the supportive all-girls environment, students are encouraged to develop strong leadership skills, engage in intellectual exploration, and collaborate effectively with both teachers and peers.
The comprehensive curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, leadership, and personal growth while guiding each student to discover her unique talents and aspirations.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked NY School
Grades: 5-12
Enrollment: 397 students
Yearly Tuition: $41,250
Acceptance rate: 30%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 13 / Jan. 25 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

School Of The Holy Child ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades 5-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	School Of The Holy Child
5	10
6	30
7	39
8	43
9	74
10	72
11	65
12	64

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Year Founded

1904

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Awards

Blue Ribbon School

Student Body

Total Students

397 students

Student Body Type

All-girls

% Students of Color

20%

State avg.: 39%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

52 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

90%

Average Class Size

15 students

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Students are required to wear a uniform

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Dec. 13 / Jan. 25 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$41,250

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Middle School (grades 5-6): $33,000 Middle School (grades 7-8): $36,000 Upper School (grades 9-12): $41,250

% on Financial Aid

30%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$15,500

Acceptance Rate

30%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Jacqueline Ciaccia '06

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$50 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered

13 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

Track and FieldVolleyball

Winter Track

Colors

White, Navy Blue

School Mascot

Gryphon

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

13 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Arts and Music Programs:

AdvancedArt

CappellaDance

FilmFoundations

IntroductionMadrigals

MusicSculpture

SeniorString

Wind

School Notes

Every day at Holy Child, we inspire our girls to become leaders who will shape the future with integrity, courage, and vision. Through thoughtfully curated projects, opportunities, and experiences, we develop young women of conscience and action who will "meet the wants of the age."No matter when a girl arrives at Holy Child, we envision her graduation day as a celebration of leadership and personal growth. She will leave as the best version of herself-intellectual, courageous, confident, compassionate, and spiritual-ready to lead in whatever path she chooses. Holy Child challenges our girls to transform their emerging interests into purposeful pursuits that foster excellence and ignite lifelong passions. We create an environment that inspires "joy in teaching and joy in learning," a foundational approach rooted in the vision of our founder, Cornelia Connelly. Our individualized approach to scholarship nurtures independent thought while fostering meaningful collaboration, key qualities of effective leadership.
Upper School Philosophy: We cultivate leadership through experiential learning at Holy Child. Upper School students become global, creative thinkers by engaging in real-world experiences-whether visiting corporations, exploring cultural institutions, or participating in local and international service. These opportunities help our students grow as confident leaders both in and out of the classroom. Our dedicated faculty foster a supportive and collaborative environment where each student is known, valued, and encouraged to reach her potential. Challenging academics, personal attention, and opportunities beyond the classroom define the Holy Child experience, empowering students to discover their passions and lead with purpose. Students receive personalized guidance in course selection, graduation requirements, and college admissions. We encourage each student to pursue the most ambitious program in which she can thrive, with tailored schedules designed to build on individual strengths.
Middle School Philosophy:At the Middle School at Holy Child, we nurture curiosity, creativity, and leadership. Our students develop character, confidence, and compassion while becoming engaged local and global citizens. Inspired by our founder Cornelia Connelly's vision of "joy in teaching, joy in learning," we create an environment where students find joy in the learning process. Our program challenges students to achieve their personal best through a dynamic curriculum that includes language arts, social studies, foreign language, religion, science, math, technology, the arts, and hands-on projects. Whether building robots, exploring science labs, performing on stage, or engaging in service-learning, students grow as leaders through experiential learning and collaboration. We encourage students to embrace challenges and step outside their comfort zones, fostering independence and resilience. Through meaningful connections and shared experiences-both in the classroom and on trips-Holy Child girls grow into confident young leaders ready for the next stage of their journey.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Colleen R. Pettus, Head of School -
- Elaine G. McTemp, Olympic Swimmer -

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does School Of The Holy Child cost?

School Of The Holy Child's tuition is approximately $41,250 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of School Of The Holy Child?

The acceptance rate of School Of The Holy Child is 30%, which is lower than the national average of 76%. School Of The Holy Child's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.

Who are famous alumni from School Of The Holy Child?

School Of The Holy Child famous alumni include: Colleen R. Pettus, Head of School and Elaine G. McTemp, Olympic Swimmer.

What sports does School Of The Holy Child offer?

School Of The Holy Child offers 13 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. School Of The Holy Child is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.

What is School Of The Holy Child's ranking?

School Of The Holy Child ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.

When is the application deadline for School Of The Holy Child?

The application deadline for School Of The Holy Child is Dec. 13 / Jan. 25 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 13 / Jan. 25 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (10 reviews)

5 6/8/2020

Extremely well run. Teachers are tops. Focus is on learning, character development and kids identifying their strengths and passions. Feel glad and lucky we found this school for our daughter. She attended from 7th-12th and did super well with college admissions.

- Posted by Parent - Smarcian

5 5/19/2020

My daughter graduates 2020. SHC did a fantastic job of moving online - in our experience, that do everything well by which I mean, in the interest of the students' learning and development. My daughter has been at SHC since middle school. This Spring, she received admission to 6/8 schools she applied to, including 3 Ivies. The teachers are fantastic - engaged and caring. The facility is beautiful, and the administration is made up of sensible and caring individuals. The college counselors are TOPS.

- Posted by Parent - SDM

5 1/21/2017

I love being a Holy Child alumna. My love for science started and grew because of my rigorous yet balanced Holy Child education by teachers who really cared. Plus, I cherish my lifetime of many close friendships. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat, especially because of the unique programs being offered such as E.E. Ford program for engineering, architecture and design.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Gryphon

5 11/25/2016

My daughter has attended Holy Child since 5th grade. Since attending Holy Child, she has become an eager learner whose interests are encouraged. She has had amazing educational opportunities in the classroom and beyond, including trips that have sparked her intellectual curiosity. The faculty are very involved, really get to know the students, and understand how each girl best learns. She has become a fearless self-advocate because the environment is so supportive.

- Posted by Parent - Christin

5 10/10/2014

Small school was able to modify my academic program to accomodate my learning style.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - Tisi2

5 8/21/2014

The strong relationships formed with teachers, supportive and challenging academics and warm community were important elements for me as a student. They still continue to be highlights of a Holy Child education.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - ciacc

5 2/27/2013

Holy Child is a terrific school for my two daughters. We were drawn to the school initially because of the small class size where typical class size ranges from 10-15 girls. The students are encouraged to meet with their teachers outside of the classroom which prepares the students well for college. There is also a commitment to community service that is felt throughout the school. We are very happy that we chose Holy Child.

- Posted by Parent - willi

5 2/24/2013

My daughter attended Holy Child from 5th through 12th grade and enjoyed every moment. She had amazing teachers throughout her years at the school and has found herself to be amply prepared for the Ivy League university she currently attends. The all girls environment was invaluable in pushing her to participate in things outside her comfort zone.

- Posted by Parent - laura

5 2/21/2013

My daughter attended SHC from 6th grade through High School. She was more than prepared for her college experience at an Ivy League school both as a student and an athlete. SHC afforded her a challenging, thoughtful, insightful education, as well as an opportunity to excel in her sport.

- Posted by Parent - laser

5 2/14/2013

My daughter is currently a senior at Holy Child and she has had an amazing experience. The teachers are terrific - challenging, interesting, motivated. The global programs offered are unbelievable. She has competed on several athletic teams that have made it to the NYSAIS Finals. She is more than prepared for what lies ahead in college. The money we spent to send her here was more than worth it.

- Posted by Parent - nadin

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Westchester County, NY is $26,945 for elementary schools and $33,420 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Westchester County, NY is 78% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).