The Best Private Schools in Hicksville, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hicksville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Portledge School
Independent School
Portledge School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving students from Pre-Nursery through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Hicksville, the school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses. The 63-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and innovation labs. The school emphasizes global citizenship and character development while maintaining exceptional college placement records. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, robotics, and extensive arts programs.
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The Academy of Saint Mary
Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Academy of Saint Mary is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by faith-based education, with strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and moral development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, library, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and features comprehensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong sense of community.
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Holy Child Academy
Society of the Holy Child Jesus
Holy Child Academy is an independent Catholic school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school combines rigorous academic preparation with character development rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and STEM education with specialized instruction in science, technology, and mathematics. The beautiful campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong community atmosphere and offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service initiatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hicksville, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available in Hicksville, NY, and how do they differ?
Hicksville, NY, offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily centered in and around the community. You'll find faith-based institutions like The Academy of Saint Mary (Catholic) and Holy Child Academy (independent Catholic), which integrate religious education with a college-prep curriculum. There are also prestigious independent schools like the Portledge School in nearby Locust Valley, which offers a rigorous, non-sectarian education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on arts, athletics, and global citizenship. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, campus setting, and tuition structure, with independent schools typically having the highest tuition but also substantial financial aid programs.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Hicksville, NY, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are common?
Tuition for private schools in the Hicksville area is generally at or above the New York State average due to the higher cost of living in Nassau County. For example, K-8 parochial schools like The Academy of Saint Mary may have annual tuition in the $8,000-$12,000 range, while a top-tier independent school like Portledge School can exceed $40,000 annually for upper grades. However, these schools often have robust financial aid programs funded by endowments and fundraising. Common aid includes need-based grants, merit scholarships for middle and high school students, and parish subsidies for active members of affiliated churches. New York State also offers programs like the STEM Scholarship for non-public school students, which some local families utilize.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Hicksville residents?
Private schools accessible to Hicksville families often provide specialized programs that leverage their resources and philosophies. Portledge School, for instance, features a renowned STEAM program, competitive robotics teams, and a distinctive "Portledge Pond" outdoor environmental learning space. The Academy of Saint Mary emphasizes a values-based curriculum with strong community service components. Furthermore, given Hicksville's diverse population and proximity to New York City, many schools incorporate language immersion options (like Spanish or Mandarin) and robust arts programs, including theater and music, that connect students to cultural institutions in the metropolitan area. Transportation services often provided by the schools or districts make these programs accessible to Hicksville residents.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Hicksville, NY, area?
The enrollment process for Hicksville-area private schools is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. For schools like Portledge and Holy Child Academy, the main application deadline for the following academic year is typically in January, with notifications sent in March. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and for older students, standardized test scores (like the ISEE or SSAT). A family interview and student visit or assessment day are almost always required. For Catholic schools like The Academy of Saint Mary, priority is often given to parish members and siblings of current students, so connecting with the parish early is crucial. We recommend starting research and tours in the fall, 15-18 months before desired entry.
How do transportation and daily logistics for private school students from Hicksville typically work?
Transportation for Hicksville private school students is a key logistical consideration. New York State mandates that public school districts provide transportation to private schools within a 15-mile radius, and the Hicksville School District generally complies with this law. This means eligible students can receive busing to and from their private school, though pickup times and routes are set by the public district. For schools outside the radius or for specialized schedules, parents often form carpools or utilize paid private bus services offered by some schools. The proximity to major highways like the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Northern State Parkway also makes many schools in Nassau and western Suffolk counties accessible by car, though parents should factor in significant commute times during peak hours.
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