The Best Private Schools in Ronkonkoma, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ronkonkoma. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Laurel Hill School
Independent Private School
The Laurel Hill School provides exceptional private education from early childhood through eighth grade, serving families throughout Suffolk County including Ronkonkoma. The school combines Montessori principles with rigorous academic standards, featuring specialized STEAM laboratories, foreign language instruction from age 3, and comprehensive arts programs. The 10-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dedicated art and music studios. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school emphasizes individualized instruction and character development. Graduates consistently gain admission to top regional high schools and demonstrate strong academic preparedness.
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St. Anthony's High School
Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre
St. Anthony's High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Ronkonkoma area and broader Long Island community. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school offers a rigorous academic program featuring 24 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM initiatives. The 36-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs, robotics teams, and community service initiatives. The school maintains strong college counseling with graduates regularly attending top-tier universities.
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The Knox School
Independent Private School
The Knox School is Long Island's oldest established private school, serving day students from Ronkonkoma and boarding students from around the world. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses, with small class sizes averaging 10 students per teacher. The 48-acre waterfront campus features modern academic buildings, riding stables, athletic facilities, and arts studios. Unique programs include a competitive equestrian team, marine science studies, and comprehensive college counseling. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and has a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ronkonkoma, New York
What are the primary private school options available in Ronkonkoma, NY, and what educational levels do they serve?
Ronkonkoma, NY, is home to several notable private schools, each serving different grade levels. St. Anthony's High School is a prominent Catholic, co-educational high school (grades 9-12) known for its strong college preparatory curriculum and athletics. The Knox School, located just north in St. James, is a prestigious Pre-K through 12 independent day and boarding school with a focus on individualized learning and a global perspective. The Laurel Hill School in nearby Setauket is a highly regarded private school for grades Pre-K through 8, emphasizing a nurturing environment and academic excellence. For families in Ronkonkoma, these schools provide core options, with many other private and parochial schools accessible within a short drive in Suffolk County.
How does tuition for private schools in the Ronkonkoma, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Ronkonkoma area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at St. Anthony's is approximately $11,000-$13,000, while independent schools like The Knox School can range from $30,000 to $50,000+ for day students, with boarding costs higher. Elementary and middle schools like Laurel Hill generally range from $15,000 to $25,000 annually. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and New York State has programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible college-bound high school students. Additionally, many Long Island private schools participate in diocesan or school-specific scholarship funds. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition figures and to discuss personalized financial planning.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ronkonkoma, NY, offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Ronkonkoma vicinity often provide specialized programs that may be less common in public districts. For instance, The Knox School offers a distinctive "Knox 360" program focusing on leadership, innovation, and global citizenship, along with advanced arts and equestrian programs. St. Anthony's High School boasts a renowned engineering program, extensive AP course offerings, and a dominant athletic program in the Catholic league. These schools typically feature smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. Furthermore, their independent curricula allow for thematic, project-based learning and religious or values-based education (where applicable), which are key differentiators from the Ronkonkoma public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Ronkonkoma, NY, families?
The enrollment process for private schools on Long Island, including those serving Ronkonkoma, is highly structured and often begins a full year in advance. Most schools open applications in September for the following fall. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting an application by January deadlines, providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, and completing student assessments or interviews. For competitive schools like The Knox School and St. Anthony's, early application is strongly advised. Notification of acceptance and financial aid awards usually goes out in March, with enrollment contracts due in April. We recommend starting your research and school visits in the fall of the year prior to desired entry.
For a family living in Ronkonkoma, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school?
A major practical consideration for Ronkonkoma residents is transportation, as most private schools do not provide district busing. Parents are typically responsible for drop-off and pick-up, though some schools facilitate carpool networks. However, under New York State law, your local public school district (likely Connetquot or Sachem) may be required to provide transportation to private schools within a 15-mile radius; you must apply for this service by April 1st for the following school year. Community-wise, choosing a Ronkonkoma-area private school often means your child's peer group will be drawn from across Suffolk County, which can broaden their social network. It's important to consider the daily commute time to schools like The Knox School in St. James and factor in involvement in after-school activities and events when making your decision.
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