When high school admissions season arrives, the parents' chat groups in our neighborhood get quite heated.

The debate over public versus private schools seems never-ending. A friend of mine said, "The tuition for New York private high schools is at the college level," and that is indeed true.

However, the curriculum and college acceptance rates at prestigious private high schools in the U.S. are clearly on another level, so if your financial situation allows and your child is interested, it's worth serious consideration.

The first of the most famous private high schools in Brooklyn is Poly Prep Country Day School.

Located in the Bay Ridge area, it is a comprehensive school that serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Founded in 1854, it has a long history and is synonymous with premium private education in Brooklyn.

The annual tuition is reported to be around $50,000.

It has a solid college preparatory curriculum, excellent AP courses, leadership programs, and sports facilities.

Graduates have a high rate of admission to major U.S. universities, including Ivy League schools.

The competition for admission is quite intense, with applications for 9th grade starting in the fall of 8th grade, followed by interviews and assessments.

A friend's child attends here and says the homework load is significant, but the school community is very positive. Parental involvement is also quite active.

The second is Saint Ann's School. It is located on Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights, making its location top-notch.

It offers views of the Manhattan Bridge as well. Founded in 1965, this school is known for its unique educational philosophy that values both the arts and academics equally.

It is also known for using narrative evaluations instead of report cards, which is said to suit creative children well. The annual tuition ranges from about $55,000 to $60,000, which is on the higher end for New York private schools. Many graduates have excelled in the fields of arts, music, and literature.

The school atmosphere is relatively free and creative, making it a good fit for families who want their children to experience things outside of a standardized curriculum. Admission is based on ISEE or SSAT test scores and interviews.

The third is Brooklyn Friends School. Located in Downtown Brooklyn, it has good access to public transportation. This school is based on Quaker educational traditions, emphasizing community spirit and social responsibility. It operates from kindergarten through 12th grade and has about 800 students.

The annual tuition is around $45,000 to $50,000.

It has a strong educational culture around diversity and inclusion, allowing students from various backgrounds to mingle. The small class sizes enable personalized instruction, and there are positive reviews about the close relationships with teachers. If you prefer a relatively less competitive atmosphere among the three schools, it's worth considering. Although it is a private school, they also offer financial aid programs, so it's recommended to inquire directly with the school.

If you are considering applying to private high schools, it's best to start preparing for the SSAT or ISEE in 7th grade or at the latest, early 8th grade.

Open houses for each school usually take place between October and November, and application deadlines are often between December and January. If you want financial aid, you can apply through NAIS's School and Student Services (SSS). Although tuition is high, there are schools with quite generous financial aid, so don't give up from the start just because of the cost.