The Best Private Schools in Merrick, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Merrick. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chaminade High School
Marianist Province of the United States
Chaminade High School is a prestigious Catholic all-boys college preparatory school serving the Merrick area and broader Long Island community. Founded by the Marianists, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. The 80-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong community values and academic excellence, Chaminade consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities nationwide.
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Holy Trinity Diocesan High School
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Holy Trinity Diocesan High School serves students from Merrick and surrounding Nassau County communities with a comprehensive college preparatory education. The school offers a diverse curriculum including 18 AP courses, specialized STEM programs, and robust arts education. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. With a strong emphasis on spiritual development and academic achievement, Holy Trinity provides a supportive environment that prepares students for college success and lifelong learning.
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St. Mary's High School
Diocese of Rockville Centre
St. Mary's High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving the Merrick area and North Shore of Long Island. The school offers a challenging academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, specialized STEM tracks, and comprehensive arts programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science and computer labs, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. St. Mary's emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, creating well-rounded students prepared for competitive colleges and future careers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Merrick, New York
What are the primary private high school options available for families residing in Merrick, NY, and what are their key characteristics?
While Merrick itself is primarily served by the public Merrick School District, families seeking private, faith-based high schools have several notable options in the immediate surrounding area of Nassau County. The most prominent are Chaminade High School (Mineola, all-boys, Catholic), Holy Trinity Diocesan High School (Hicksville, co-ed, Catholic), and St. Mary's High School (Manhasset, co-ed, Catholic). These schools are accessible via car or district-provided transportation for Merrick residents. They are known for strong college preparatory academics, extensive extracurricular activities, and values-based education. It's important to note that Merrick does not host its own large private day schools; the local private options are typically smaller elementary/middle programs or these regional high schools.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Merrick, NY, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the Catholic high schools serving Merrick families generally ranges from approximately $12,000 to $19,000 per year for the 2024-2025 academic year, with variations based on the specific school and parish affiliation. Chaminade is often at the higher end of this range. New York State offers several financial aid opportunities, including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible college-bound students, but more impactful for K-12 is the New York State Enhanced STAR property tax exemption, which can help offset costs. Crucially, all the mentioned diocesan schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for registered, contributing parishioners. Parents should apply for aid directly through the school and organizations like FACTS Management.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for competitive private high schools like Chaminade or Holy Trinity for a student from Merrick?
The process for these schools is highly structured and begins in the fall of a student's 8th grade year. Key steps include: 1) Attending Open Houses (typically September-October). 2) Registering for and taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT), usually administered in November or December. This standardized test is a critical component of the application. 3) Submitting an application, academic records, and teacher recommendations by a December/January deadline. 4) Some schools may require an interview. Acceptance notifications and financial aid awards are typically communicated in February. Merrick families must plan ahead, as demand for these schools often exceeds available seats, and performance on the HSPT is a significant factor.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at private high schools near Merrick compare to the highly-rated public Merrick School District?
Merrick is served by the exceptional Merrick School District (part of Bellmore-Merrick CHSD), with Calhoun and Mepham High Schools consistently ranked among the top public schools in New York. The choice often comes down to educational environment and specialization. The private options offer a distinct faith-based component, often smaller average class sizes, and a focused college-prep curriculum that may include required theology courses. Public schools in Merrick provide a broader range of elective courses, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, and may have larger, more diverse athletic and arts programs due to their size. The private schools counter with strong tradition-specific programs (e.g., Chaminade's robotics or Holy Trinity's arts) and a close-knit community feel. Both pathways yield strong college matriculation results.
Are there any unique transportation considerations for Merrick students attending private schools in Nassau County?
Yes, transportation is a key logistical factor. Under New York State law, the Merrick Union Free School District is required to provide transportation to private schools within a 15-mile radius, as they do for their public schools. This means Merrick will typically provide busing to schools like Chaminade, Holy Trinity, and St. Mary's. However, parents must adhere to strict deadlines (often in the spring prior to the school year, around April 1st) to submit a transportation request form to the Merrick district office. Failure to meet this deadline can result in the loss of busing services for the year. Routes and pick-up/drop-off times are set by the public district and may involve longer commute times compared to a local public school route.
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