The Homestead School opened in September, 1978, to provide a rich academic and practical education within an exceptional rural setting.
Non-discriminatory, non-sectarian, Montessori School which offers its students a warm, relaxed nursery program, kindergarten, primary grades and middle school based on the Montessori approach to education.
The Homestead School provides each child with a choice of constructive academic and social experiences of suitable challenge to his level.
The school's handcrafted, manipulative materials offer the child a concrete approach to sequenced programs in math and numbers, language, science, geography, social studies, daily living skills, sensorial training, and large muscle activities.
Attractive and designed for individual use, the learning materials allow each child the chance to take on tasks repeatedly until mastery.
As a result, the child develops independence, self-discipline, and the ability to work with concentration on solving problems.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-9
- Enrollment: 240 students
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 22 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Homestead School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-9
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1978
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
240 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
12%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
22 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
% on Financial Aid
15%
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Peter Comstock
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
School Notes
- The Homestead School opened in September, 1978, to provide a rich academic and practical education within an exceptional rural setting. Non-discriminatory, non-sectarian, and associated with the American Montessori Society, the School offers its students a warm, relaxed nursery program, kindergarten, and primary grades based on the Montessori approach to education. The Homestead School provides each child with a choice of constructive academic and social experiences of suitable challenge to his level. The school's handcrafted, manipulative materials offer the child a concrete approach to sequenced programs in math and numbers, language, science, geography, social studies, daily living skills, sensorial training, and large muscle activities. Attractive and designed for individual use, the learning materials allow each child the chance to take on tasks repeatedly until mastery. As a result, the child develops independence, self-discipline, and the ability to work with concentration on solving problems.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of The Homestead School?
The acceptance rate of The Homestead School is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 79%.
What sports does The Homestead School offer?
The Homestead School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Flag Football, Soccer and Track and Field.
What is The Homestead School's ranking?
The Homestead School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for The Homestead School?
The application deadline for The Homestead School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 8/12/2018
The Homestead was the most wonderful school that I had ever been to. The teachers were amazing and we would always go outside and into the woods for lunch. In the winter our teachers would always encourage us to go outside and sled, but I would always stay inside because I would rather read a book. There wouldn`t be any desks, instead there were tables and you could walk all around the classroom, it was definitely not a traditional school. Everyone in the classroom would eventually become a second family to you, since you would have all of you classes in the same classroom. I went to the Homestead from Pre-k to 6th grade and I still haven`t found a better school than this one.
5 5/17/2016
I can't say enough wonderful things about the Homestead School. I have a son in first grade and another little one on their way to preschool next year. The directors are friendly, understanding, and involved. Every one of my boy's teachers have been phenomenal. The Montessori method is such a wonderful way for kids to learn. My son loves to be challenged and I know he is each and every day. Besides the excellent academic environment, the students participate in art, Spanish, fiber arts, and drama. The kids are also encouraged to play outside several times each day even when it is cold. My son comes home with his adventurous sled riding stories and couldn't be happier. He tells people all of the time that "he loves school" and he "goes to the best school in the world". I just can't say enough wonderful things about the Homestead.
5 5/17/2016
Homestead is truly a one-of-a-kind school. You sense this as soon as you step onto the gorgeous 85-acre property and meet the founders, who are the among the loveliest people I''ve ever met. When my husband and I first toured, I thought to myself, "Wow, I want to go to school here!" Every time I step on the campus I am amazed by how peaceful and cheerful it is, and how engaged all of the children are. Being a Montessori, the guiding principle at the school is that discovery is at the heart of learning, and Homestead offers the kids there so many incredible opportunities to do this on their own, in nature, with their friends. The teachers know every child's strengths and needs very individually, and help the kids learn to manage their own learning. My daughter is currently finishing first grade and her reading progress this year has been incredible. She is a passionate researcher and loves the natural environment, so Homestead is really the perfect place for her. If you want your child to have more individual attention in a caring, creative, holistic environment, than you can't do any better than Homestead!
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