The Best Private Schools in Farmingdale, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmingdale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Kilian Parish School
Catholic Schools of Long Island
St. Kilian Parish School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school located directly in Farmingdale. The school serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based community. Notable for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs and competitive sports. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has been serving the Farmingdale community for over six decades with a proven track record of preparing students for top-tier high schools.
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Holy Family School
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Located just minutes from Farmingdale in Hicksville, Holy Family School serves families throughout central Nassau County with an exceptional Catholic education program. The school offers Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong focus on academic rigor and character development. Features include state-of-the-art technology integration, comprehensive music and arts programs, and a well-established advanced literacy curriculum. The school is particularly noted for its welcoming community atmosphere and high parent satisfaction, with many Farmingdale families choosing this school for its academic excellence and values-based education.
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Schechter School of Long Island
Solomon Schechter Day School Network
Schechter School of Long Island is a premier Jewish day school serving students from nursery through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Farmingdale and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous dual-curriculum that combines exceptional secular education with comprehensive Jewish studies. Known for its strong academic program, innovative STEM enrichment, and outstanding arts and athletics programs. The school features small class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and a track record of preparing students for success in top high schools. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmingdale, New York
What are the primary private school options available within Farmingdale, NY, and what are their educational affiliations?
Farmingdale, NY, offers a few key private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. St. Kilian Parish School and Holy Family School are both Catholic elementary schools offering a faith-based education. The Schechter School of Long Island, while located in Williston Park, serves many families in the Farmingdale area and is a Jewish day school offering a dual curriculum of general and Judaic studies. There are also several well-regarded private schools in nearby towns within Nassau County that Farmingdale residents often consider. The availability is more limited within the immediate village boundaries, so expanding your search to surrounding communities is common.
How does tuition for private schools in the Farmingdale, NY, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State?
Tuition in the Farmingdale area varies by school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Catholic schools like St. Kilian and Holy Family typically have tuition ranging from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 per year for parishioners. Independent schools like Schechter School of Long Island have higher tuition, often exceeding $20,000 annually. New York State offers specific financial aid opportunities, such as the **STEM Scholarship Program** for nonpublic school students in grades 9-12 and the **Mandated Services Aid** reimbursement to schools. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs. Parents should also investigate the **New York State Child and Dependent Care Credit**, which can help offset education costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Farmingdale vicinity offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Farmingdale often offer specialized programs that may not be as readily available in the public district. For example, the Schechter School of Long Island provides a robust Hebrew language immersion and a deep integration of Jewish culture and values. The Catholic schools emphasize character education within a faith framework and often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. Some schools in the broader area offer unique STEM labs, international baccalaureate (IB) programs, or distinctive arts partnerships. The Farmingdale public schools are strong, so private options typically differentiate themselves through religious education, specific pedagogical approaches (like Montessori or Reggio Emilia in nearby schools), or particular community values.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Kilian or Holy Family in Farmingdale, NY?
The enrollment process for private schools in Farmingdale generally begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. For Catholic schools like St. Kilian and Holy Family, priority is often given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. The process typically involves submitting an application (often by January or February), providing birth and baptismal certificates, school records, and sometimes attending a family interview or student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the autumn. It's crucial to contact the school's admissions office directly, as deadlines can vary, and some grades (particularly pre-K and kindergarten) fill up quickly. Waiting lists are common for popular entry points.
For parents in Farmingdale, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated Farmingdale Public School District and a local private school?
The decision between the Farmingdale Public School District (part of the Farmingdale Union Free School District) and a private school often hinges on several factors. The public district is highly rated, offers a wide array of AP courses, sports, and extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school in the area usually involves a desire for a specific religious education (Catholic or Jewish), a potentially smaller school environment, or a particular educational philosophy. Practical considerations include the cost of tuition, transportation (Nassau County does not provide busing for most private school students in the same way as for public), and the daily commute to a school that may be outside the village. Many families value the community and tradition offered by the local parish or temple schools.
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