The Best Private Schools in Hewlett, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hewlett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County
Solomon Schechter Day Schools
Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County is a highly-regarded Jewish day school serving the Five Towns area including Hewlett. The school offers a rigorous dual curriculum combining comprehensive secular studies with Jewish education. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive individualized attention. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and art studios. Extracurricular programs include robotics, debate, sports, and performing arts. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's strong academic outcomes and supportive community environment.
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Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR)
HAFTR
HAFTR is a premier Orthodox Jewish day school serving Hewlett and the broader Five Towns community. The school provides an exceptional education with strong emphasis on both secular and religious studies. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive college preparatory support. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology centers, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a strong track record of college admissions to top-tier universities and is known for its dedicated faculty and supportive parent community.
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Lawrence Woodmere Academy
Lawrence Woodmere Academy
Lawrence Woodmere Academy is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school serving Hewlett and surrounding communities. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in the Five Towns area, LWA offers a globally-recognized curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a diverse student body. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and successful college placements, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hewlett, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Hewlett, NY, and how do they differ?
Hewlett, NY, offers a distinct mix of private schools catering to different educational philosophies and community needs. The top options include prestigious independent schools like Lawrence Woodmere Academy, which provides a secular, college-preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade. The area is also known for its strong Jewish day schools, such as the Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County (a Conservative Jewish institution) and the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) (an Orthodox Jewish institution). These schools integrate rigorous general studies with comprehensive Jewish learning. This diversity means parents in Hewlett can choose based on academic rigor, religious affiliation, and community values.
How does tuition for private schools in Hewlett, NY, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Hewlett's private schools is generally at or above the New York State average for private education, reflecting the area's high cost of living and the schools' extensive resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $40,000 annually, depending on the grade level and school. All major schools, including Lawrence Woodmere Academy, Schechter, and HAFTR, offer need-based financial aid and scholarship programs. Additionally, New York State programs like the STEM Scholarship and the Child Safety Fund (for security enhancements) may provide some relief. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools in Hewlett, and are there considerations for siblings or local residents?
The enrollment process for Hewlett private schools is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, the application cycle typically opens in September, with tours and open houses in the fall, application deadlines between December and February, and decisions released in March. Schools like Lawrence Woodmere Academy may require standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT) and interviews. A significant local consideration is that schools like Schechter and HAFTR often give priority to children from within their respective Jewish denominations and to siblings of current students. Hewlett residents are advised to engage with their preferred schools at least 18 months in advance, especially for competitive entry grades like pre-K and 9th grade.
Beyond religious education, what unique academic or extracurricular programs do Hewlett's private schools offer that leverage their Long Island location?
Hewlett's private schools capitalize on their proximity to New York City and the resources of Long Island. Lawrence Woodmere Academy emphasizes entrepreneurship, visual and performing arts, and advanced STEM labs, with easy access to cultural institutions and universities for enrichment. The Jewish day schools offer unique Hebrew language immersion and Israel study programs, alongside strong general studies. Many schools also utilize Long Island's environmental resources for science programs. A notable feature is the emphasis on community service and leadership, with partnerships in the broader Five Towns and NYC areas, providing students with real-world learning opportunities not always available in a standard public school curriculum.
For a family considering both, what are the key differences between the Hewlett-Woodmere Public School District and the private schools in Hewlett, NY?
The Hewlett-Woodmere Public School District is highly rated, offering a strong, tuition-free education with diverse AP courses and extracurriculars. The key differences lie in class size, specialization, and community. Private schools in Hewlett, such as Lawrence Woodmere Academy, typically have much smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students) allowing for personalized attention. The Jewish day schools provide a dual curriculum (secular and religious) and a close-knit faith-based community, which the public system does not. Furthermore, private schools often have more flexibility in curriculum innovation and may offer more niche arts or technology programs. The choice often comes down to a family's desire for a specific religious/cultural environment, individualized education, and willingness to invest in tuition versus utilizing the excellent, but larger-scale, public option.
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