Northwood School Photo - Aerial view of Northwood School's campus setting in Adirondack Park. Lake Placid, Mirror Lake, and Mackenzie Mountain just beyond.

Best Essex County Private Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 private schools serving 619 students in Essex County, NY (there are 14 public schools, serving 3,498 public students). 15% of all K-12 students in Essex County, NY are educated in private schools (compared to the NY state average of 15%).
The top ranked private schools in Essex County, NY include Adirondack Christian School, Northwood School, and St. Marys.
The average acceptance rate is 63%, which is lower than the New York private school average acceptance rate of 74%.
43% of private schools in Essex County, NY are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Baptist).

Top Ranked Essex County Private Schools (2025-26)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Adirondack Christian School
(Baptist)
6065 Nys Route 86
Wilmington, NY 12997
(518) 946-2487
Gr: PK-12 | 91 students Avg. class size: 10 students Tuition listed
Northwood School
Northwood School Photo - First-hand learning is emphasized in all Northwood courses. Here students visit nearby Fort Ticonderoga.
92 Northwood Rd
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-3357
Gr: 9-12 | 185 students Avg. class size: 10 students Sports: 20 | Extracurrculars: 11 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Marys
St. Marys Photo - Play Ground
(Catholic)
64 Amherst Ave
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
(518) 585-7433
Gr: PK-8 | 75 students Avg. class size: 15 students
Lakeside School At Black Kettle Farm
Alternative School
6 Leaning Rd
Essex, NY 12936
(518) 963-7385
Gr: K-3 | 17 students Tuition listed
Mountain Lake Academy
All-boys | Special Education School
386 River Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-4300
Gr: 8-12 | 38 students
North Country School
North Country School Photo
4382 Cascade Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-9329
Gr: 4-9 | 86 students Avg. class size: 8 students Sports: 17 | Extracurrculars: 16 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Agnes Parochial School
(Catholic)
2322 Saranac Ave
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-3771
Gr: PK-3 | 122 students
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Essex County, New York

Essex County Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
821 Mirror Lake Drive
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 523-3460
Gr: 8-12 | 84 students Tuition listed

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in Essex County, NY?
The top ranked private schools in Essex County, NY include Adirondack Christian School, Northwood School, and St. Marys.
How many private schools are located in Essex County?
7 private schools are located in Essex County.
How diverse are private schools in Essex County?
Essex County private schools are approximately 24% minority students, which is lower than the New York private school average of 40%.
What percentage of students in Essex County go to private school?
15% of all K-12 students in Essex County are educated in private schools (compared to the NY state average of 15%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Essex County?
43% of private schools in Essex County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Baptist).
Which private schools in Essex County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Essex County include: Mountain Lake Academy vs. Northwood School, Northwood School vs. Mountain Lake Academy

Recent Articles

What Private School Alumni Say a Decade Later
What Private School Alumni Say a Decade Later
Ten years after graduation, private school alumni reflect on advantages, regrets, career impact, and life lessons—unearthing truths families need to know.
Can Private School Help with College Admissions?
Can Private School Help with College Admissions?
Explore how private schools influence college admissions—advantages, limitations, and what families should expect.
Inside the Daily Life of a Private School Student
Inside the Daily Life of a Private School Student
Discover what daily life is like for private school students in 2025, from classes and athletics to dining, dorms, and extracurriculars.