The Best Private Schools in Old Westbury, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Old Westbury. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Green Vale School
Independent
The Green Vale School is one of Long Island's premier independent day schools, serving students from age 2 through 8th grade. Located adjacent to Old Westbury, the school has been providing exceptional education since 1923. The 28-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Green Vale offers a challenging curriculum with advanced mathematics and science programs, along with comprehensive arts and athletics. The school emphasizes character education and community service while preparing students for top secondary schools. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains a strong sense of community with active parent involvement.
Programs:
Portledge School
Independent
Portledge School is a prestigious coeducational independent school located just minutes from Old Westbury. Founded in 1965, the school serves students from nursery through 12th grade on a beautiful 63-acre campus. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing rigorous academic preparation. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and global citizenship while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention. Portledge is known for its strong college placement record and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, robotics, and visual arts.
Programs:
Friends Academy
Independent Quaker School
Friends Academy is a historic Quaker independent school serving students from age 3 through 12th grade. Founded in 1876, the school combines academic excellence with Quaker values of community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution. The 65-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science centers, arts facilities, and athletic complexes. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines and emphasizes critical thinking and ethical leadership. Friends Academy is known for its strong college preparatory program, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The school maintains a diverse student body and emphasizes global awareness and environmental sustainability in its educational approach.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Old Westbury, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Old Westbury, New York, and what are their educational philosophies?
Old Westbury, NY, is home to and surrounded by several prestigious private schools. The most prominent include Portledge School (Pre-K-12, college-prep with a focus on global citizenship and a 65-acre campus), The Green Vale School (Nursery-8th grade, emphasizing foundational skills and character in a nurturing environment), and Friends Academy (Pre-K-12, a Quaker institution valuing community, service, and intellectual exploration). While these are the most notable, the broader North Shore of Long Island offers additional options. Each has a distinct philosophy, so visiting and understanding their core values is crucial for finding the best fit for your child in the Old Westbury area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Old Westbury, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at top Old Westbury-area private schools is significant, reflecting the high cost of living and operation in New York. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000-$55,000 for upper schools and $30,000-$45,000 for lower and middle schools. All the major schools (Portledge, Green Vale, Friends Academy) have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's essential to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Additionally, New York State offers programs like the Child Care Facilitated Enrollment Project for qualifying families with younger children, and some schools may accept payments through 529 plans for K-12 expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Old Westbury that leverage their Long Island location?
Private schools in the Old Westbury area utilize their proximity to New York City and diverse local ecosystems for enriched learning. For example, Portledge School has a renowned marine science program that leverages its location near Long Island Sound. Friends Academy integrates Quaker testimonies with urban studies trips into Manhattan. The Green Vale School emphasizes environmental stewardship with on-campus gardens and nature trails. Many schools also have strong partnerships with local universities, tech firms, and cultural institutions on Long Island, providing unique research, internship, and arts opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Old Westbury, New York?
The process for Old Westbury-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall 2025, parents should initiate research in Spring/Summer 2024. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically September-November 2024), submitting applications by January 2025 (often with standardized testing like the ISEE or SSAT for older grades), and completing student visits/interviews by February. Admission decisions are released in March 2025. For younger grades, especially nursery and pre-K, demand is extremely high, and applying the year before is standard. Engaging with the admissions office early to express interest is highly recommended due to the competitive nature of schools like Friends Academy and Green Vale.
For families residing in Old Westbury, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (North Shore Schools) to the area's private schools?
Old Westbury is part of the highly-regarded North Shore Central School District, making the decision nuanced. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often have 12-15 students vs. public's 20-25), **Specialized Programs** (private schools may offer unique language immersion or specific pedagogies, while North Shore offers strong IB and AP tracks), **Campus & Facilities** (private schools often have expansive, self-contained campuses), and **Community Culture** (private schools can offer a specific religious or value-based environment). The North Shore district is consistently top-ranked in New York, so many families choose it for its academic rigor and zero tuition cost. The choice often comes down to a desire for a specific educational philosophy, smaller environment, or particular extracurricular focus that a private institution provides.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities