At a Glance
A Franciscan-rooted Catholic elementary school where the whole-child promise still drives the day.
Best suited for
Catholic or faith-oriented families — especially those priced out of the larger Upper East Side private schools — who want a nurturing, character-focused elementary experience in a tight-knit community.
What stands out
- Franciscan heritage sets it apart from typical parish schools — a quieter, more community-oriented Catholic identity than the larger diocesan names.
- Tuition of $5,800–$13,900 is markedly lower than most Upper East Side private options, making it a genuine value play for the neighborhood.
- An unusually eclectic program mix for a Catholic elementary: robotics, violin, choir, fine arts, and fencing.
- Middle States accreditation adds a layer of academic accountability beyond the faith-based mission.
- Rolling admissions after the December 1 deadline give late movers a real shot at a seat.
Things to consider
- The wide tuition spread almost certainly reflects parishioner vs. non-parishioner rates — confirm the bracket you'd fall into before applying.
- The school tops out at 5th grade, so families need a middle school plan by 6th grade.
- Catholic identity is central to the daily experience; even non-Catholic families should be comfortable with a faith-based environment.
- Smaller enrollment means specialty programs like fencing may run only when staffing and interest align — confirm current offerings before weighing them heavily.
Identity
A Catholic elementary school rooted in the Franciscan tradition, educating the whole child — mind, body, and spirit — from PreK through 5th grade. The school is coeducational and parish-based, founded by a community with deep Hungarian and Central European heritage on the Upper East Side.
Community
As a parish-based Catholic school in a relatively affluent Upper East Side pocket, the student body likely reflects a mix of local Catholic families and others drawn by the tuition, programs, and community feel. Specific demographic composition isn't published by the school.
Neighborhood
The school sits in Yorkville, a quiet residential stretch of the Upper East Side with a long-standing Catholic and Central European heritage that mirrors the parish's roots. The surrounding census tract is comfortably middle- and upper-middle-class, with a median household income around $136,925 and roughly 77% of adults holding a bachelor's degree.
The 86 St Q stop is about a 6-minute walk, the 86 St 4/5/6 about 10 minutes, and the 72 St Q about 11 minutes — solid Upper East Side options for drop-off and pickup.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Strong sense of community, dedicated and caring teachers, nurturing environment, robust curriculum, emphasis on character development and social skills. Parents praise the Blue Ribbon academic standards and welcoming atmosphere where children thrive and form lasting friendships.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Upper East Side-Yorkville.
- What grades does ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL serve?
- ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL?
- ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL in?
- ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY SCHOOL is in Upper East Side-Yorkville, Manhattan.