A family that inquired about Staten Island initially considered giving up after seeing the tuition for private schools. However, after learning about financial aid programs, they began to reconsider. They were unaware that the listed tuition amount could differ from the actual amount they would have to pay.

The private school that consistently stands out in the area is Staten Island Academy. It is a college preparatory school with a 14-acre campus that serves 334 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The tuition is $21,900 per year. The acceptance rate is 30 percent, significantly lower than the national average of 76 percent, making it a selective school. Looking at the career paths of graduates, 32.26 percent attend top 25 colleges, 6.45 percent go to top 50 colleges, and 3.23 percent enroll in Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, or MIT. Like many independent private schools, this school operates a financial aid system based on family income, and it is necessary to contact the admissions office directly to confirm the exact amount of aid and eligibility criteria. Financial aid applications usually require income documentation to be submitted alongside the regular admission application, so it is advisable to allow ample time for this process.

On the public school side, Staten Island Technical High School is a favorable option. Based on the 2024-25 school year, it ranks 12th among 1,234 high schools in New York State for academic performance. However, this school is a specialized high school that requires passing a separate entrance exam, which may be a burden due to the need for preparation. If your child is in early elementary school, P.S. 35 Clove Valley School is also worth considering. It received a perfect score of 10 from GreatSchools and ranks 85th among 2,395 elementary schools in New York State. It is consistently recognized as one of the top elementary schools in Staten Island.

The fifth item to check is the academic calendar. Most private schools, including Staten Island Academy, begin accepting applications in the fall of the previous year and close in winter. The new school year starts in September, so families moving from Korea mid-semester should coordinate the timing of their transfer in advance.

Once you have confirmed the school locations, the next step is to check the local real estate market. As of the first half of this year, the median sale price in Staten Island is around $734,000. For single-family homes, the median is $785,000, while for condos, it is $485,000, showing significant variation depending on the type of housing. It is also worth noting that recent inventory has decreased by about 29 percent compared to a year ago, helping to maintain stable prices. This information is based on data from PropertyShark and DeFalco Realty.

Families coming from other states should also check New York City property taxes and commuting conditions. Staten Island requires a ferry ride to Manhattan, resulting in longer commute times compared to other boroughs. If you only consider the school and housing prices, you may overlook the commuting burden.

Some families may want to rent first. Staten Island has the highest proportion of single-family homes among the five boroughs of New York City, so there are more rental options in the form of houses rather than apartments. If approaching from an investment perspective, it is worth noting that rental demand has increased due to recent inventory shortages. However, since commuting conditions affect rental demand in the area, it is advisable to also consider the distance to the ferry terminal. Before making a final decision on a school, it is better to visit the campus in person, as the atmosphere may feel different from what the website statistics suggest.

In summary, the items to check include the listed tuition amount and the actual amount after financial aid, admission difficulty, local real estate prices, and commuting conditions. Since school districts and admission criteria can change annually, it is advisable to confirm directly with the school's admissions office before applying. The requirements for financial aid applications and income documentation may vary slightly by school, so creating a checklist in advance can make preparation much easier. This is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before any actual contracts or applications.