At a Glance
A small Catholic elementary in Douglaston focused on the whole child
Best suited for
Catholic families or those seeking faith-based elementary education who value small classes, a multicultural community, and can handle a car-dependent commute in eastern Queens.
What stands out
- An 11.9:1 student-teacher ratio that keeps classes personal and lets teachers build real relationships with each student.
- A genuinely diverse student body where no single demographic dominates - more typical of Queens than of most NYC private schools.
- Whole-child programming that pairs core academics with STEM, art, music, Spanish, and technology enrichment.
- NCEA accreditation, signaling adherence to national standards for Catholic elementary education.
- Strong parent satisfaction, with reviews highlighting academic rigor and solid preparation for the next school.
Things to consider
- No subway within walking distance - commuting from Manhattan or western Queens will require a car or a long bus ride.
- Enrollment tops out at fifth grade, so families will face another transition for middle school.
- Tuition is listed as a range from $6,550 to $14,900; the admissions office can clarify what determines where a family lands.
- As a Catholic school, the day includes religious instruction and faith formation - this is part of the mission, not an optional extra.
- Total enrollment of 334 means fewer peer cohorts than a larger K-8, though it also means a tighter community.
Identity
Divine Wisdom is a Roman Catholic elementary school serving pre-K through fifth grade under a whole-child philosophy that addresses spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and academic growth. The school is accredited by the National Catholic Educational Association and operates as a coed parish-style academy rooted in Catholic educational tradition.
Community
No single demographic group makes up a majority here - White students account for about 47% of enrollment, followed by Black (22%), Hispanic (17%), and Asian (11%) students, which gives the school a genuinely multicultural feel uncommon in NYC private schools. The diversity index of 0.75 sits at the higher end of what you'll see in the private school market.
Neighborhood
Douglaston-Little Neck reads as one of the more residential, suburban-feeling corners of eastern Queens, with a median household income near $112,000 and roughly 54% of adult residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area is established and family-oriented, a setting where neighbors tend to know each other and multiple generations often live within a few blocks.
There are no subway stations within a 20-minute walk of the school, so most families will drive or rely on the local bus network for the commute.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Highly positive reviews praising academic rigor, welcoming community, dedicated teachers, and strong preparation for high school. A 4.96/5 rating with 25 reviews, with parents noting small class sizes, strong enrichment opportunities, and a positive learning environment.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Douglaston-Little Neck.
- What grades does DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY serve?
- DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY?
- DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY public, charter, or private?
- DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY is a private school.
- What neighborhood is DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY in?
- DIVINE WISDOM CATHOLIC ACADEMY is in Douglaston-Little Neck, Queens.