At a Glance
A Franciscan-Spired Education Where Academic Rigor Meets Heart
Families seeking a nurturing, values-based education in a tight-knit community. Works well for parents who want strong academics paired with character development, and who appreciate the warmth of Franciscan tradition without rigidity. A good fit for families who value the UES neighborhood and want a more affordable Manhattan private school option — especially those with younger children who would benefit from violin and fencing programs not typically found in elementary schools.
- Franciscan-inspired Catholic education with emphasis on service and respect
- Blue Ribbon academic standards from the U.S. Department of Education
- Relatively affordable Manhattan private school tuition ($5,800–$13,900)
- Robotics program for early STEM exposure
- Violin instruction starting in early grades — not common at this level
- Fencing program — distinctive offering for elementary students
- Middle States accredited
- Rolling admissions after December 1 deadline means spots may fill early — don't wait
- Smaller scale than some UES competitors — fewer extracurricular options
- Catholic identity is central — families should be comfortable with religious foundation
- Grades only go through 5th grade — families need a middle school plan
- Tuition range is wide — actual cost depends on grade and potentially financial aid
This is a Catholic school with Franciscan roots — meaning the philosophy leans toward gentleness, service, and respect for each individual child. The 'whole child' approach isn't just marketing here; it shows up in how teachers balance academic expectations with social-emotional growth. It's not a rigid or overly formal Catholic school — the Franciscan influence creates something warmer and more inclusive.
Parents consistently describe a strong sense of community here — families know each other, teachers are dedicated and caring, and the atmosphere feels welcoming rather than competitive. The school has a Blue Ribbon academic designation, which signals high standards, but the vibe remains nurturing rather than high-pressure.
St. Stephen of Hungary sits in the heart of the Upper East Side-Yorkville, a neighborhood known for its family-friendly atmosphere, access to Central Park, and concentration of private schools. The area has a Family Density score of 100/100 — meaning it's one of the most family-dense neighborhoods in the city.
Highly walkable and transit-accessible, with easy access to the 4/5/6 trains. The neighborhood is stroller-friendly with plenty of nearby parks and family amenities.
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
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.
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