Inspiring Lifelong Learners in the HV: Montessori, Waldorf and Beyond

In the Hudson Valley, kids’ education often extends far beyond the classroom walls. Here, non-denominational private schools weave together academic rigor with creativity, great music programs, empathy-building, and deep respect for the natural world – with some of the learning even taking place on farms or in forests. From Montessori and Waldorf traditions to Quaker values, and from progressive formats to international boarding schools where day students can also thrive, these diverse programs help raise thoughtful, resilient children who become lifelong learners. Our region even boasts one of the nation’s first Buddhist schools for kids!

Below you can explore a treasure trove of independent and progressive schools where children can do everything from chase goats, learn Mandarin, and grow gardens, to solve problems in innovative ways.  All of these private schools offer scholarships or scaled tuition to ensure accessibility, while embodying the region’s spirit—where learning is hands-on, community-driven, guided within programs that provide a beautiful range of paths for growing curious, compassionate learners and thoughtful Earth stewards. Take a look below for the best special education schools near you.

Private Schools in the Hudson Valley

Acorn Waldorf School | Accord NY | @acornwaldorfschool

Acorn fosters creativity and resilience for 2-4 year-olds in a setting with a play-based Waldorf curriculum for young children that celebrates nature, daily rhythms, creativity, and connection. Seasonal festivals, hands-on arts, and a sensory-safe environment promote fine motor and social skills.

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Bloom & Berry School | New Paltz NY | @bloomandberryschool

This cozy nursery program for ages 2-4 is inspired by Waldorf education, emphasizing natural materials, rhythmic schedules, and outdoor play. The school nurtures early childhood development through holistic activities, including bread baking and seasonal crafts, in a home setting near Rosendale, NY.

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Green Meadow Waldorf School | Chestnut Ridge NY | @green_meadow_waldorf_school

Serving students from nursery through grade 12 (including parent–child classes), Green Meadow is one of the oldest Waldorf schools in the U.S., emphasizing creativity, ecological awareness, and interdisciplinary learning. Focusing on holistic growth through arts, nature, rhythm, and academics, it supports creativity and practical skills within a nurturing atmosphere.

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Dutchess Day School | Millbrook NY | @dutchessdayschool

Known for its child-centered, play-based early years program, strong academics, and 6:1 student-teacher ratio, the Dutchess Day School serves PK-8 and is known for its dedicated teachers, equity-focused community, and beautiful campus that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and social responsibility. 

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Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School | Ghent NY |  @hawthornevalley

The Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School includes preschool through 12th grade, and combines rigorous academics with arts and Waldorf social-emotional learning in a close-knit community. The school is highly regarded for its balance of intellectual, practical, and creative growth, through arts, farm science programs, and much more, all set on a thriving biodynamic farm campus.

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High Meadow School | Stone Ridge NY | @highmeadowschool

An independent progressive school for Pre‑K (Nursery 3s) through grade 8, High Meadow emphasizes open-ended play, project-based learning, academic rigor, nature immersion, arts, and civic engagement in a supportive community.

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Middle Way School | Saugerties NY | @middlewayschool

Middle Way is a Buddhist-inspired, inquiry-based school for ages 3–12 (Pre-K to grade 6), that pairs progressive academics with mindfulness in a small, nurturing community of about 100 students. Integrating wisdom, compassion, and inquiry-based education, it blends nature-based learning with inward contemplation to nurture intelligence, confidence, and altruism in a unique community.

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Mountain Laurel Waldorf School | New Paltz NY | @mountainlaurelschool

Mountain Laurel offers a Waldorf-based curriculum emphasizing balanced intellectual, artistic, and physical development from nursery through 8th grade with a renowned music program, incredible craft skills, and a supportive community. With small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1, Mountain Laurel provides a deeply supportive and creative learning environment for its approximately 140 students.

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Ms. Pema’s Garden | Rosendale NY | @ms.pemasgarden

Highlighting a nature-immersive program for ages approximately 3-5, Ms. Pema’s Garden emphasizes outdoor play and creative connection to the natural world through Waldorf-inspired education. Its focus on imagination, seasonal awareness, kindness, and open-ended wonder makes it a unique offering for early childhood.

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Oakwood Friends School |  Poughkeepsie NY | @oakwoodfriends

Serving grades 6–12, Oakwood Friends blends Quaker values, academic rigor, inclusivity, and service-learning in a serene, beautiful boarding-and-day campus. With small class sizes (average of 9 students), strong athletics, and a deeply rooted sense of community, Oakwood Friends prepares thoughtful, socially responsible graduates.

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Rhinebeck Montessori School | Rhinebeck + Kingston NY | @rms_preschool

Rhinebeck Montessori serves ages 3–5 (preschool and kindergarten) and nurtures independence and self-directed learning through hands-on learning and guidance. Its highly regarded “Montessori approach” fosters curiosity, confident exploration, and a thoughtful classroom culture.

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The Storm King School | Cornwall-on-Hudson NY | @thestormkingschool 

Founded in 1867 and highly ranked nationally, Storm King cultivates leadership, creativity, and global engagement through programs like a capstone research project and travel opportunities. An independent, coed boarding-and-day school serving grades 8 through postgraduate, Storm King offers strong college-prep academics, diverse athletics (18 varsity sports,) and an international student body on a scenic campus. .

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Woodstock Day School | Saugerties NY | @woodstockdayschool 

The Woodstock Day School offers a caring, holistic environment where academic excellence meets creative arts, media, and community engagement in a forward-thinking curriculum. The school’s emphasis on transformation, belonging, and lifelong learning nurtures each student’s unique voice from early childhood to graduation. Serving students from PreK through grade 12. 

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EXPLORE THE DIRECTORY for anything you’re looking for, whether you’re living, visiting, or working in the Hudson Valley!