The Best Private Schools in Medford, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Medford. 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 highly regarded independent day school serving families from Medford and across Long Island. The school offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing students with globally-recognized educational credentials. Situated on a beautiful 62-acre campus, Portledge features state-of-the-art science and technology centers, athletic facilities including turf fields and tennis courts, and dedicated arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with a strong focus on community engagement and leadership development. Portledge graduates consistently gain admission to highly selective colleges and universities.
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St. Anthony's High School
Catholic Schools of Long Island
St. Anthony's High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Medford and surrounding Long Island communities. With an 85-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous curriculum featuring 24 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM programs. The campus spans 52 acres with state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, competitive robotics, and extensive community service opportunities.
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The Knox School
Independent School
The Knox School is Long Island's oldest independent co-educational college preparatory day and boarding school, serving students from Medford and the greater Suffolk County area. The school offers both traditional college preparatory curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs across its 48-acre waterfront campus. Notable features include specialized STEM laboratories, equestrian facilities with indoor and outdoor rings, and comprehensive arts programs. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, Knox provides personalized attention and maintains strong college placement records. The school's historic campus combines traditional architecture with modern academic facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Medford, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available in Medford, NY, and how do they differ?
Medford, NY, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily centered on college-preparatory and independent day schools. The notable schools include St. Anthony's High School (a Catholic, Franciscan co-ed school), The Knox School (a co-ed, college-prep day and boarding school), and the nearby Portledge School in Locust Valley (a prestigious independent day school drawing from the broader area). The key differences lie in their educational philosophies, religious affiliation (St. Anthony's), boarding availability (Knox), and campus culture. While St. Anthony's emphasizes a values-based education within a Catholic framework, The Knox School offers a more intimate setting with a global perspective through its boarding program. Parents in Medford often consider commute times to these campuses as a significant factor.
How does tuition for private schools in the Medford, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Medford area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Anthony's High School tuition is approximately $11,000-$12,000, The Knox School's day tuition ranges from approximately $40,000 to $50,000, and Portledge School's tuition is similarly in the upper $40,000s. These costs reflect the differences in resources, class sizes, and facilities. Financial aid is widely available, primarily based on demonstrated need. All three schools have dedicated financial aid offices and use systems like TADS or Clarity to assess applications. Additionally, New York State offers the "Child Safety Fund" or "Mandated Services Aid" for certain non-public schools, and some may participate in the NYS STEM Scholarship program. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Medford, NY, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Medford area capitalize on Long Island's coastal and suburban setting. The Knox School, with its waterfront campus on the North Shore, integrates marine science and sailing into its programs. St. Anthony's High School boasts a renowned athletics program (particularly football and basketball) that competes at the state level, leveraging the strong sports culture of Suffolk County. While not in Medford, Portledge School emphasizes environmental stewardship and utilizes its 63-acre campus for experiential learning. Many of these schools also have robust partnerships with local universities like Stony Brook University and Adelphi University for advanced research opportunities and dual-enrollment courses, giving Medford students a distinct academic edge.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like St. Anthony's or The Knox School for a Medford resident?
The process for Medford families is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. For fall entry, open houses typically run from September to November. Application deadlines for schools like St. Anthony's, Knox, and Portledge are usually in early January (e.g., January 15th). Required components almost always include a standardized test (such as the HSPT, SSAT, or ISEE), current transcripts, teacher recommendations, a student essay, and a family interview. Admissions decisions are released in March. Given the competitive nature, especially for schools drawing from all of Long Island and NYC, it is strongly advised for Medford applicants to visit campuses, attend shadow days, and ensure all materials are submitted well before deadlines.
For a family in Medford, what are the key considerations when choosing between the top-rated Medford area public schools (like Patchogue-Medford School District) and local private options?
The decision hinges on several Medford-specific factors. The Patchogue-Medford School District offers a robust, tuition-free education with diverse AP courses and extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like St. Anthony's, Knox, or Portledge often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy, smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students vs. 25+ in public), specialized programs (e.g., arts, STEM, or religious education), and a particular peer environment. For Medford families, commute is a major practical consideration—private options require daily transportation, whereas public schools provide busing. The financial commitment is substantial, so families must weigh the cost against the perceived value of unique opportunities, college matriculation records, and the alignment with their child's individual needs that the private schools advertise.
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