The Best Private Schools in East Islip, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in East Islip. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Knox School
Independent College Preparatory School
The Knox School is a prestigious independent day and boarding school serving East Islip and the greater Long Island area. As Long Island's oldest independent school, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with International Baccalaureate options. The school features a 40-acre waterfront campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, innovation centers, art studios, and athletic complexes. Knox emphasizes personalized learning with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, robotics, and performing arts programs.
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St. Anthony's High School
Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn
St. Anthony's High School is a highly-rated Catholic college preparatory school serving students from East Islip and throughout Long Island. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, business, and humanities. The 52-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, extensive athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. St. Anthony's is known for its strong community spirit, competitive athletic programs, and commitment to Franciscan values. The school maintains a 98% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Rockville Centre
St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving East Islip and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The 32-acre campus features modern science labs, technology centers, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers over 60 clubs and 25 athletic teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in East Islip, New York
What are the primary private high school options available to families residing in East Islip, New York?
East Islip itself is home to a limited number of private schools, but families in this Suffolk County community have access to several highly-regarded institutions in the immediate surrounding area. The most prominent options include St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip (co-ed Catholic), The Knox School in St. James (co-ed, college-prep, day & boarding), and St. Anthony's High School in South Huntington (co-ed Franciscan Catholic). These schools draw students from across Long Island, including East Islip, and each offers a distinct educational philosophy, from faith-based to independent college preparatory.
How does tuition for private high schools near East Islip, NY, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State?
Tuition for the top private schools near East Islip typically ranges from approximately $12,000 to over $20,000 per year for day students, with boarding adding significantly more at The Knox School. Beyond standard financial aid and merit scholarships offered directly by the schools, New York State residents should explore two key programs. The first is New York's Child Safety Fund (Educational Tax Credit), which can provide tuition assistance for families meeting certain income thresholds. The second is the availability of 529 plan funds, which can now be used for up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary for K-12 tuition under federal and New York State law.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from East Islip, NY?
Each school near East Islip offers distinct specializations. St. Anthony's High School is renowned for its exceptional athletics program, consistently ranking among the top in New York State. The Knox School emphasizes a global perspective with its boarding program, advanced STEM initiatives, and a renowned equestrian program. St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with notable programs in media arts and a variety of Advanced Placement courses. For East Islip families, this means access to specialized tracks in STEM, competitive sports, arts, and international education without needing to commute to New York City.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like St. Anthony's or The Knox School for an East Islip student?
The process for East Islip students is highly structured and begins early. For 9th-grade entry, families should start researching in the spring of 7th grade. Open houses are typically held in the fall of 8th grade (September-November). Application deadlines are usually in early December, with required components including standardized tests like the HSPT or ISEE, transcripts, recommendations, and a personal interview. Admissions decisions are often released in February. It's crucial for East Islip applicants to note that these schools are regional draws, making the process competitive; early engagement and preparation for entrance exams are strongly advised.
For an East Islip family considering the local public high school, what are the key arguments for choosing a private school like St. John the Baptist or The Knox School?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific program offerings, and community. East Islip's public high school provides a solid education, but private options offer distinct alternatives. Families seeking a faith-based education with integrated moral values might choose St. John the Baptist or St. Anthony's. Those looking for very small class sizes, a tight-knit community, or specialized programs like equestrian or advanced independent study might find The Knox School a better fit. Additionally, private schools in this region often boast higher college matriculation rates to top-tier universities and may offer more consistent extracurricular opportunities due to dedicated funding. The trade-off involves a significant financial commitment and, potentially, a longer daily commute for the student.
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