The Best Private Schools in Port Washington, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Port Washington. 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 School
The Green Vale School is a premier independent day school serving families from Port Washington and surrounding North Shore communities. With nearly a century of educational excellence, Green Vale offers a rigorous academic program from preschool through 8th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its exceptional faculty and personalized attention, Green Vale prepares students for top secondary schools while fostering intellectual curiosity, ethical development, and leadership skills.
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St. Peter of Alcantara School
Catholic Schools of Long Island
St. Peter of Alcantara School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school serving Port Washington for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values with strong emphasis on core subjects, STEM education, and character development. Features include small class sizes, dedicated faculty, modern technology integration, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains strong community ties and consistently receives high marks for academic preparation and supportive learning environment.
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The Buckley Country Day School
Independent School
Buckley Country Day School is a distinguished independent school serving Port Washington and neighboring communities on Long Island's North Shore. Founded in 1928, Buckley provides a comprehensive educational experience from nursery through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence through a balanced curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive literacy, science exploration, and extensive arts programming. With beautiful campus facilities and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, Buckley consistently earns high parent satisfaction ratings and prepares students for success in competitive secondary schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Port Washington, New York
What are the primary private school options available within Port Washington, NY, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Port Washington, NY, is home to several distinguished private schools, each with a distinct approach. **St. Peter of Alcantara School** is a Catholic parish school offering a faith-based, structured curriculum from Pre-K through 8th grade. **The Green Vale School**, located just over the border in Old Westbury but serving many Port Washington families, is a prestigious, non-sectarian independent school for nursery through 8th grade, known for its progressive education and strong emphasis on character development. **The Buckley Country Day School**, also in nearby Roslyn, is another leading independent option (Nursery-8) with a traditional academic foundation and a renowned arts program. While only St. Peter's is physically within Port Washington's boundaries, The Green Vale and Buckley are integral parts of the local private school landscape due to proximity and community ties.
How does tuition for private schools in the Port Washington, NY, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New York State?
Tuition in the Port Washington area reflects the high cost of living and the caliber of schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000-$12,000 annually at St. Peter of Alcantara to over $40,000 at The Green Vale and Buckley Country Day for the upper grades. Beyond standard financial aid and merit scholarships offered directly by schools, New York State residents should explore the **NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)** which is not applicable for K-12, but importantly, investigate potential eligibility for the **NYS Child and Dependent Care Credit** for childcare costs for younger students. Many local schools also participate in need-based financial aid programs like **FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition)** and **SSS (School and Student Services)**.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Port Washington area that leverage its coastal location?
Port Washington's identity as a peninsula on the Long Island Sound is woven into several school programs. The Green Vale School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with curricula that can incorporate local marine ecosystems. Many schools, including Buckley, have robust sailing and crew teams that utilize the nearby Manhasset Bay and Hempstead Harbor. St. Peter's and others often organize field trips to the **Port Washington Water Pollution Control District's educational facility** or the **Science Museum of Long Island** in nearby Sands Point. This coastal context provides a living laboratory for science classes and unique athletic opportunities not commonly found in landlocked districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Port Washington, NY, families?
The timeline for independent day schools like Green Vale and Buckley is highly structured and begins very early. The process typically starts **12-18 months before desired entry**, with open house tours in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are often in early January for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, parent interviews, student visits/assessments, and teacher recommendations. For St. Peter of Alcantara, the process may be slightly less protracted but still requires advance planning, especially for non-parishioners. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, Port Washington parents are advised to begin research and attend open houses in the fall of the year *prior* to when they wish their child to enroll.
For families considering the choice, how do the private school options in Port Washington compare academically and culturally to the highly-rated Port Washington Union Free School District?
This is a key local consideration. The Port Washington public school district is consistently ranked among the top in New York State, offering exceptional programs, diversity, and resources. The choice often comes down to educational approach and environment. Private schools like Green Vale and Buckley offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), a more tailored curriculum, and a distinct community culture—whether progressive or traditional. They also provide a continuous education through 8th grade, whereas public school students transition to a large middle school. St. Peter's offers a values-based education in a smaller setting. For some families, the private option provides a specific pedagogical fit or a desired social environment, while the public system offers a world-class, tuition-free education with extensive extracurriculars. Many Port Washington families actively choose the public schools, making the local private school community a deliberate selection for a particular educational experience.
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