The 10 Best Private Schools on Long Island’s North Shore
The 10 Best Private Schools on Long Island’s North Shore
Gold Coast Legacy: Elite Education in NYC’s Storied Suburb
Long Island’s legendary **North Shore**, often called the “Gold Coast,” is synonymous with historic estates, old-world affluence, and a collection of prestigious private schools.
While distinct from the Hamptons’ coastal vibe, the North Shore offers families a blend of **traditional prep school values, expansive campuses, and strong academic programs**, all within commuting distance of Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
Schools here often occupy former Gilded Age mansions, lending them an air of history and grandeur. The educational focus tends towards rigorous college preparation, character development, and often, strong athletic traditions. Serving communities like Oyster Bay, Locust Valley, and Roslyn, these institutions are pillars of Long Island society and key feeders to Ivy League and other top-tier universities.
“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle
| Region/Category | Primary Vibe & Focus |
|---|---|
| NYC Elite Education Landscape (Master Guide) | The Comprehensive Overview |
| The 10 Best Private Schools in NYC | The Overall Elite View |
| The Best Private Schools in The Hamptons | Exclusive South Fork Schools |
| The Best Private Schools in Westchester | The NY “Country Day” Elites |
| Guide to NYC Private School Tiers | Decoding the “Types” of Schools |
Strategic Tips for North Shore Admissions
- “Gold Coast” Tradition: Many schools emphasize their history and traditions, often fostering a more formal or structured environment compared to Brooklyn’s progressive schools.
- Campus & Community: Like Westchester, expect large, beautiful campuses with significant athletic facilities. These schools often serve as community hubs in their respective towns.
- Boarding vs. Day: While most are day schools, the North Shore is also near prestigious boarding schools, and some local schools (like Portledge) have strong ties or act as feeders.
- Public School Excellence: The North Shore boasts some of the nation’s top public school districts (e.g., Jericho, Great Neck, Manhasset). The choice between top public and top private is a key consideration for families.
The North Shore X-Factor: Legacy and Location. These schools benefit from both a rich history tied to Long Island’s Gilded Age and their strategic location offering a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to Manhattan’s opportunities. The alumni networks are often deeply entrenched in both LI and NYC power structures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do North Shore schools compare to Hamptons schools?
The North Shore generally has more traditional, established K-12 prep schools with a stronger focus on Ivy League placement, reflecting its history as a year-round affluent suburb. Hamptons schools, while excellent, are fewer and often have a more progressive or arts/global focus (like Ross).
Are these schools difficult to get into?
Yes, the top North Shore schools like Friends Academy and Portledge School are highly selective, with competitive admissions processes similar to top schools in Westchester or NYC.
What is the commute like to NYC?
Most North Shore towns offer convenient access to Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), typically a 40-60 minute ride to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, making them popular choices for commuting parents.
Ranking: The 10 Best Private Schools on Long Island’s North Shore
Focusing on the most prestigious and academically rigorous K-12 and feeder schools.
1. Friends Academy (Locust Valley)
Highlight: A prestigious co-ed Quaker school (Nursery-12) known for its rigorous academics, strong values, and beautiful campus.
Justification: Friends Academy is widely considered the top independent day school on the North Shore. It blends demanding academics with Quaker principles of community, integrity, and service, resulting in outstanding college placements.
Address: 270 Duck Pond Rd, Locust Valley, NY 11560
Phone: (516) 676-0393
Website: friendsacademy.org
2. Portledge School (Locust Valley)
Highlight: A dynamic co-ed independent school (Nursery-12) known for its strong academics, global focus, and impressive campus facilities.
Justification: Portledge offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with an emphasis on experiential learning and global citizenship. It competes directly with Friends Academy for top students.
Address: 355 Duck Pond Rd, Locust Valley, NY 11560
Phone: (516) 750-3100
Website: portledge.org
3. Buckley Country Day School (Roslyn)
Highlight: A premier co-ed independent school (Toddler-Grade 8) known for its strong foundational academics and character development. Feeder school.
Justification: Buckley Country Day provides an exceptional early and middle school education, preparing students for success at elite boarding schools and top local high schools. (Not affiliated with The Buckley School in Manhattan).
Address: 2 I U Willets Rd, Roslyn, NY 11576
Phone: (516) 627-1910
Website: buckleycountryday.com
4. The Green Vale School (Old Brookville)
Highlight: Another top-tier independent school (Pre-Nursery-Grade 8) focused on foundational excellence and feeding top secondary schools.
Justification: Green Vale offers a rigorous, traditional curriculum combined with strong arts and athletics. It has a long history of placing graduates into leading boarding and day high schools.
Address: 250 Valentine’s Ln, Old Brookville, NY 11545
Phone: (516) 621-2420
Website: greenvaleschool.org
5. Chaminade High School (Mineola)
Highlight: An elite all-boys Catholic (Marianist) high school known for its intense academics, strong faith formation, and powerful alumni network.
Justification: Chaminade is one of the most respected Catholic high schools in the state. Its demanding program and emphasis on character (“The Chaminade Man”) produce exceptional results.
Address: 340 Jackson Ave, Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 742-5555
Website: chaminade-hs.org
6. Kellenberg Memorial High School (Uniondale)
Highlight: A large, co-ed Catholic (Marianist) school (grades 6-12 via Latin School division) known for its discipline, faith, and comprehensive program.
Justification: Run by the same Marianist order as Chaminade, Kellenberg offers a highly structured, faith-centered education with strong academics and extensive extracurriculars. Includes middle school grades.
Address: 1400 Glenn Curtiss Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553
Phone: (516) 292-0200
Website: kellenberg.org
7. Schechter School of Long Island (Williston Park/Jericho)
Highlight: The leading K-12 Conservative Jewish Day School on Long Island, with separate campuses for lower and upper grades.
Justification: Schechter LI provides a top-tier dual curriculum (General and Judaic Studies) fostering academic excellence alongside strong Jewish identity and values.
Address: 65 Powerhouse Rd, Williston Park, NY 11596 (Lower) / 1 Barbara Ln, Jericho, NY 11753 (Upper)
Phone: (516) 746-1100 (Lower) / (516) 935-1441 (Upper)
Website: schechterli.org
8. Waldorf School of Garden City (Garden City)
Highlight: A unique Nursery-12 school following the Waldorf educational philosophy, emphasizing creativity, arts, and holistic development.
Justification: For families seeking an alternative, arts-integrated approach, the Waldorf School offers a distinct, time-tested educational model focused on nurturing the whole child.
Address: 225 Cambridge Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 742-3434
Website: waldorfgarden.org
9. St. Mary’s High School (Manhasset)
Highlight: A co-ed Catholic college preparatory high school with a strong academic and athletic tradition.
Justification: St. Mary’s provides a rigorous, faith-based education preparing students for competitive colleges. It serves as a key Catholic high school option for the Manhasset area. (Also has Elementary school).
Address: 51 Clapham Ave, Manhasset, NY 11030
Phone: (516) 627-2711
Website: saintmaryshs.org
10. Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School (Brookville)
Highlight: A Christian co-ed school (grades 6-12) known for its strong academics, diversity, and nationally ranked basketball program.
Justification: LuHi offers a faith-based college prep education with impressive academic and athletic results, attracting students from across Long Island and beyond.
Address: 131 Brookville Rd, Brookville, NY 11545
Phone: (516) 626-1700
Website: longislandlutheran.org
Check Out Our Other Education Guides
- Navigating NYC’s Elite Education Landscape
- The Best Private Schools in The Hamptons
- The 10 Best Private Schools in NYC
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