The Best Private Schools in Roslyn, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Roslyn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Portledge School
Independent
The Portledge School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Roslyn in Locust Valley, this academically rigorous institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Portledge emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a diverse student body and strong community values. The school's robust extracurricular program includes championship athletic teams, extensive arts offerings, and community service opportunities.
Programs:
The Green Vale School
Independent
The Green Vale School is a highly respected independent day school serving students from age 2 through 8th grade. Located in nearby Old Westbury, this established institution has served families from Roslyn and surrounding communities for nearly a century. Green Vale offers a balanced educational approach combining strong academics with character development and social-emotional learning. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, music rooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students for success in top secondary schools. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, visual and performing arts, and various clubs.
Programs:
Friends Academy
Independent
Friends Academy is one of Long Island's most prestigious independent schools, serving students from age 3 through 12th grade. Founded on Quaker principles, this historic institution provides an exceptional education that balances academic rigor with character development and community values. The school's college preparatory curriculum challenges students intellectually while fostering social responsibility and ethical leadership. Friends Academy features outstanding facilities including modern science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from championship sports teams to extensive arts programs. Many graduates attend top-tier colleges and universities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Roslyn, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Roslyn, NY, and what are their key educational philosophies?
Roslyn, NY, is centrally located within a cluster of prestigious private schools on Long Island's North Shore. The most prominent include The Portledge School (Pre-K-12) in Locust Valley, known for its college-prep curriculum and strong arts/athletics; The Green Vale School (Pre-K-8) in Old Westbury, emphasizing foundational skills and character in a traditional setting; and Friends Academy (Pre-K-12) in Locust Valley, a Quaker institution focused on academic excellence, service, and community. While not in Roslyn proper, these schools are the primary private options for Roslyn residents, offering distinct philosophies from progressive to traditional, all within a short commute.
How does tuition for top private schools near Roslyn, NY, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Roslyn is among the highest in New York State, reflecting their facilities, faculty, and low student-teacher ratios. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $40,000-$55,000 for upper schools and $30,000-$45,000 for lower schools. All three major schools—Portledge, Green Vale, and Friends Academy—have substantial financial aid endowments and offer need-based assistance to qualified families. It's critical to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. New York State also offers tax-advantaged 529 plan options for K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Roslyn-area private schools offer that leverage their Long Island location?
Schools in the Roslyn vicinity utilize their proximity to New York City and diverse coastal environments for enriched learning. The Portledge School features a renowned marine science program utilizing local waterways and a robotics program competing nationally. Friends Academy emphasizes ethical leadership and global studies, with partnerships in NYC for arts and internships. The Green Vale School offers extensive outdoor education and environmental stewardship on its expansive campus. All schools have robust athletic conferences and easy access to cultural institutions in NYC, integrating these resources into their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Roslyn, NY, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The admission process for schools like Portledge, Green Vale, and Friends Academy is highly structured and competitive. The timeline generally begins 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (Spring/Fall prior), submitting applications by early January (often with standardized testing like the ISEE or SSAT for older grades), student visits/interviews (Winter), and notification in March. For Pre-K and Kindergarten entry, especially at Green Vale, planning and application are often necessary two years in advance due to high demand from Roslyn and neighboring communities.
For Roslyn residents, what are the major considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Roslyn Public School District and a local private school?
This is a significant decision for Roslyn families. The Roslyn Public School District is consistently top-ranked in New York, offering excellent academics, resources, and diversity at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Quaker values at Friends Academy), smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students vs. public's 20-25), or specialized programs not available publicly. The trade-off is the substantial financial commitment. Many families also consider the K-12 continuity at private schools versus the transition to Roslyn High School, and the community aspect of a localized public district versus a geographically wider private school community.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities