The Best Private Schools in Floral Park, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Floral Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Buckley Country Day School
Independent
Buckley Country Day School is an independent co-educational day school serving students from nursery through eighth grade. Located just minutes from Floral Park, Buckley offers a challenging academic curriculum balanced with arts, athletics, and character education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Buckley emphasizes whole-child development and prepares students for success in competitive secondary schools.
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Kellenberg Memorial High School
Marianist Province of the United States
Kellenberg Memorial is a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory high school serving the Long Island area, including Floral Park students. Founded by the Marianist tradition, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 27 Advanced Placement courses and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The 36-acre campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong community values and academic excellence, Kellenberg consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities.
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Portledge School
Independent
Portledge School is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school serving students from pre-nursery through 12th grade. The school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses, providing diverse academic pathways. Situated on a beautiful 63-acre campus, Portledge features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. The school emphasizes global citizenship and offers extensive extracurricular programs including robotics, performing arts, and competitive athletics. Portledge serves families throughout Nassau County, including Floral Park residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Floral Park, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Floral Park, NY, and are they located within the village itself?
While Floral Park is a residential village, most of the top-tier private schools are located in nearby Nassau County communities, drawing many Floral Park families. Notable options include Kellenberg Memorial High School (a Catholic, co-ed college preparatory school in Uniondale), The Buckley Country Day School (a prestigious independent day school for nursery through 8th grade in North Hills), and Portledge School (an independent college prep school in Locust Valley for pre-K through 12th grade. Within Floral Park itself, you'll find parish-based elementary schools like Our Lady of Victory School. The proximity to these excellent schools in neighboring towns is a significant benefit for Floral Park residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Floral Park, NY area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in this region varies widely by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $7,000-$10,000 for local Catholic elementary schools to $40,000-$55,000 for elite independent day schools like Buckley and Portledge. Kellenberg Memorial High School's tuition is typically around $12,000-$14,000. Most independent schools offer robust need-based financial aid, and New York State has programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible college students and the Child Care Tax Credit for younger children. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid deadlines and application processes (often requiring the SSS/Clarity application).
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Floral Park, NY?
Schools in this area offer distinctive programs that leverage their resources and missions. Kellenberg Memorial is known for its extensive extracurricular "mod" program, with over 100 clubs and activities, and a strong emphasis on service and spiritual formation. The Buckley Country Day School highlights a "whole child" approach with signature programs in public speaking, science innovation labs, and world languages starting in pre-K. Portledge School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in addition to AP courses, a renowned robotics program, and a 63-acre campus with equestrian facilities. These specialized offerings provide Floral Park families with diverse educational pathways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Floral Park, NY?
The timeline for independent day schools (like Buckley and Portledge) is highly structured and begins very early. The process for fall entry typically starts 12-18 months in advance, with open houses in the fall, application deadlines between January and February, and admissions decisions released in March. Required steps often include a parent interview, student visit/assessment, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT). For Catholic schools like Kellenberg Memorial or local parish schools, the process may be more flexible but still benefits from early inquiry, often beginning in the prior fall with placement tests in the winter. We recommend Floral Park families begin research and tours no later than the fall of the year before desired enrollment.
For a family living in Floral Park, NY, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated public school district to private school options?
Floral Park is part of the Sewanhaka Central High School District (for high school) and the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District (for elementary), both of which are well-regarded. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often have significantly smaller ratios), **Educational Philosophy** (private schools offer specific religious or pedagogical approaches like Montessori or IB), **Transportation** (NYS law mandates public school districts provide transportation to private schools within certain distances, a major benefit for Floral Park families), and **Continuity** (some private options offer a seamless pre-K-12 pathway, while public education involves a transition between elementary and central high school districts). The decision often hinges on the value a family places on a specialized mission, community, and program versus the cost savings and community integration of the strong local public system.
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