Rye Country Day School Photo #8 - Students emerge from RCDS with strength of character, ready to engage in continuous learning, to show kindness and empathy, to adapt and thrive within a changing global context, to contribute meaningfully to their communities large and small, and to find joy and fulfillment in life.

Rye Country Day School

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Rye Country Day School Photo #1 - Rye Country Day School was founded in 1869. The School is a coed, college preparatory school serving students in Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12.
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Rye Country Day School Photo #1 - Rye Country Day School was founded in 1869. The School is a coed, college preparatory school serving students in Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12.
Rye Country Day School Photo #2 - Approximately 86% of Upper School students participate in at least one team sport. In just the past 25 years, our outstanding Wildcats have amassed a total of 108 championships.
Rye Country Day School Photo #3 - The purpose of an RCDS education is to provide students with the experiences they need to uncover their maximum potential so that they can contribute most meaningfully to the world.From 20182023, the top college matriculation choices were:Cornell University (33)University of Pennsylvania (21)Georgetown University (18)University of Chicago (17)Yale University (16)
Rye Country Day School Photo #4 - At RCDS, we know that students learn best when they are engaged and active, when they feel they belong, and when they are challenged just the right amount. Lower School students (Pre-K - Grade 4) partner with expert teachers in active learning, which engages their natural curiosity and develops a strong academic foundation.
Rye Country Day School Photo #5 - The Middle School years (Grades 5 - 8) are full of joy and transformation grounded by a strong sense of community and belonging. Surrounded by teachers who care deeply for them, students are understood and supported, and their intellectual and emotional needs are addressed.
Rye Country Day School Photo #6 - The RCDS Upper School (Grades 9 - 12) is a place where students discover, develop, and refine their interests in remarkable ways. By design, the student body is large enough that the School is able to provide a broad range of opportunities, but small enough that the only limiting factor for student participation is time.
Rye Country Day School Photo #7 - The Cohen Center for the Creative Arts, a 23,000-square-foot space, which includes digital studios for photography and videography; art studios for ceramics, sculpture, painting, and drawing; the RCDS Makerspace; and an experimental, state-of-the-art black box theater with seating for 160.
Rye Country Day School Photo #8 - The Edward B. Dunn Performing Arts Center, which includes music rooms, a dance studio, and a 450-seat theater auditorium where multiple productions are staged.
Rye Country Day School Photo #9 - Students emerge from RCDS with strength of character, ready to engage in continuous learning, to show kindness and empathy, to adapt and thrive within a changing global context, to contribute meaningfully to their communities large and small, and to find joy and fulfillment in life.
Rye Country Day School students are engaged, passionate learners. The School values and teaches kindness, critical thinking, understanding, strength of character, active citizenship, and service.
A co-educational, college preparatory school for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, RCDS provides an innovative and excellent education.
The challenging curriculum, delivered by dedicated teachers in small classes, stimulates individuals to achieve their maximum potential through meaningful academic, athletic, and creative experiences in a nurturing, diverse, and inclusive environment.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 957 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $52,250
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 10 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Rye Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1869
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
957 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Rye Country Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
140 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
25 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language & Culture, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French Language & Culture, Latin, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C, Psychology, Spanish Language & Culture, Spanish Literature & Culture, Statistics, Studio Art, US History
Average SAT score
1427
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 15 / Jan. 10 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 4: $45,750 Grades 5-8: $48,500 Grades 9-12 - $52,250
% on Financial Aid
16%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$41,200
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Courtney Doucette
Admissions Associate
Morgan Fuerst
Endowment Size
$74.3 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
72 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
3D Printing Club, Asian American Pacific Islander Club, Aviation Club, Beads Club, Boys' Peer Mentoring, Ceramics Club, Chemistry Club, Chess Club, Classics Club, Code Like a Girl, Debate Club, Environmental Club, Fashion Club, Finance Club, Garden Club, Gender Sexuality Alliance, Girls' Peer Mentoring, Haraya, Jewish Culture Club, Latin American Club, Literary Magazine, Martial Arts, Math Club, Media Club, Minecraft Club, Model Congress, Model UN, Newspaper, Operation Smile Club, Outdoors Club, Peer Leaders, Peer Tutoring, Philosophy Club, Ping Pong Club, Political Forum Club, Red Cross Club, Robotics Club, Science News, Spanish Club, Spirit Club, Stock Market Club, Strategic Games Club, Student Government, Students of Color Mentoring, Theater Club, Tour Guides, Video Game Design, Women in Engineering, Women in STEM, Yarn Works, Yearbook, Yoga Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Acapella Group, Annual International Choir Trip, Arts' Student Association, Cedar Street Dance Company, Drama Club, Festival Chorus, Focal Point Photography Publication, Middle School Chamber Music, Middle School Musical, New York Alliance Film Festival, New York State Music Association Festivals, Private Music Lessons, Upper School Musical, Upper School One Acts, Upper School Play, Upper School Student Choreography Showcase

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball clinic, Flag Football, Soccer Clinic, Squash Clinic

School Notes

Rye Country Day School is a co-educational, college preparatory school for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Dedicated to providing an excellent education using both traditional and innovative approaches, RCDS offers a challenging program that stimulates individuals to achieve their maximum potential through academic, athletic, creative, and social endeavors. The School is actively committed to diversity and inclusion. Since its founding, RCDS has been guided by the motto "Not for Self, but for Service," stressing the core belief in the potential of each student to have a positive, lasting impact.

RCDS students emerge from RCDS with strength of character, ready to engage in continuous learning, to show kindness and empathy, to adapt and thrive within a changing global context, to contribute meaningfully to their communities large and small, and to find joy and fulfillment in life.
  • Character:RCDS students cultivate strength of character through the development of social and emotional intelligences, strong and positive moral compasses, and passionate and principled actions.
  • Knowledge:RCDS students acquire and use knowledge in complex and meaningful ways. They transfer and apply their understandings beyond disciplines to address novel, real-world questions.
  • Skills:RCDS students practice skills and habits essential for wellness and success in college, in work, and in life, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.
  • Citizenship:RCDS students make a positive difference in the world as aware, engaged, and purpose-driven citizens.
Core Values:
R - RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY
C COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL & ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
D DIVERSITY WITHIN AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
S SERVICE

Recent Matriculation:
RCDS students are guided through a college process that leads them to be accepted into and flourish in the college or university that is right for them.In the last five years, the top college matriculation choices were (number of matriculating students noted in parentheses):
Cornell University (31)
University of Pennsylvania (28)
Harvard University (18)
New York University (16)
Northwestern University (16)
University of Chicago (16)
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Rye Country Day School cost?
Rye Country Day School's tuition is approximately $52,250 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Rye Country Day School?
The acceptance rate of Rye Country Day School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 79%. Rye Country Day School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
Does Rye Country Day School offer a summer program?
Yes, Rye Country Day School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Rye Country Day School offer?
Rye Country Day School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Rye Country Day School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is Rye Country Day School's ranking?
When is the application deadline for Rye Country Day School?
The application deadline for Rye Country Day School is Dec. 15 / Jan. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 / Jan. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

5  
We are thrilled by our experience so far at RCDS. While it took a few months to get "our feet wet", we have found the families, staff and administration to be warm and welcoming. RCDS is moving in a very positive direction and it seems working hard to become a visionary school that will meet the needs of the next generation.
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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 957 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $52,250
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 10 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Westchester County, NY is $22,773 for elementary schools and $29,157 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Westchester County, NY is 75% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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