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 Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- Grades: 5-12
- Enrollment: 397 students
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 13 / Jan. 25 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
School Of The Holy Child ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 5-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1904
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a
Student Body
Total Students
397 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Students are required to wear a uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 13 / Jan. 25 / rolling
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
Admissions Director
Jacqueline Ciaccia '06
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced, Art, Cappella, Dance, Film, Foundations, Introduction, Madrigals, Music, Sculpture, Senior, String, Wind
Advanced, Art, Cappella, Dance, Film, Foundations, Introduction, Madrigals, Music, Sculpture, Senior, String, 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.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
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: Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
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 ).
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The nearest high school and elementary school to School Of The Holy Child is The Windward School (1.0 miles away)
The nearest preschool is German International School New York (1.6 miles away)
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School 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.
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.
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.
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.
5 10/10/2014
Small school was able to modify my academic program to accomodate my learning style.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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