The Best Private Schools in Roslyn Heights, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Roslyn Heights. 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 a prestigious co-educational independent school serving students from age 2 through eighth grade. Located just minutes from Roslyn Heights in Old Brookville, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and preparing students for top secondary schools. With a strong focus on both academic excellence and personal growth, Green Vale maintains a reputation as one of Long Island's premier private schools.
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Friends Academy
Independent Quaker School
Friends Academy is a renowned Quaker independent school serving students from age 3 through 12th grade. Located in nearby Locust Valley, the school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character education rooted in Quaker values. The 65-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology centers, arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. The college preparatory curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement. Friends Academy graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities, with the school maintaining a strong tradition of academic achievement and personal development.
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Portledge School
Independent
Portledge School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-nursery through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 minutes from Roslyn Heights, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience with the International Baccalaureate program in the Upper School. The 63-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic fields, and arts facilities. Portledge emphasizes global citizenship, academic rigor, and character development. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Roslyn Heights, New York
What are the primary private school options serving families in Roslyn Heights, NY, and what are their key educational philosophies?
Roslyn Heights is centrally located within a cluster of prestigious private schools on Long Island's North Shore. The most prominent include The Green Vale School (Nursery-Grade 8), known for its traditional, rigorous academic foundation and strong sense of community; Portledge School (Nursery-Grade 12) in nearby Locust Valley, offering a college-preparatory curriculum with robust arts, athletics, and an International Baccalaureate (IB) program; and Friends Academy (Pre-K-Grade 12) in Locust Valley, a Quaker institution emphasizing values-based education, community service, and intellectual inquiry. While not in Roslyn Heights proper, these schools are primary destinations for local families due to proximity and reputation, with many providing private bus transportation.
How does tuition for top private schools near Roslyn Heights, NY, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading schools in the Roslyn Heights area is among the highest in New York State, reflecting operational costs, faculty salaries, and extensive facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $40,000-$50,000 for lower schools and $50,000-$60,000 for upper schools. All three major schools—Green Vale, Portledge, and Friends Academy—have significant financial aid budgets based on demonstrated need. They use systems like the School and Student Service (SSS) to assess family contributions. It's crucial to apply for aid concurrently with admissions, as funds are limited. New York State also offers some tax-advantaged 529 plan options for K-12 private school expenses.
What is the competitive landscape for admissions to private schools near Roslyn Heights, and when should we begin the process?
Admissions to the top-tier private schools serving Roslyn Heights are highly competitive, often with multiple applicants for each seat. The process typically begins 12-18 months before desired enrollment. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, families should attend open houses in the fall (September-November), submit applications by December or January, and complete student assessments/visits in January or February. Decisions are usually released in March. For schools like Friends Academy and Portledge, which go through 12th grade, entry at middle and upper school levels is dependent on limited space. Building a relationship with the admissions office and understanding each school's specific values is key in this competitive market.
Beyond academics, what unique programs or opportunities do Roslyn Heights-area private schools offer that leverage their Long Island location?
Schools in this region capitalize on their unique setting. Many have strong environmental science and sustainability programs, with access to local estuaries, forests, and the Long Island Sound for fieldwork. Portledge School, for instance, has a waterfront campus and a renowned sailing team. The area's rich history and proximity to New York City also enhance programs: frequent museum trips, partnerships with cultural institutions, and speaker series featuring leaders from nearby business and academic hubs. Furthermore, the athletic conferences (like the IPPSAL and NYSAIS) provide high-level competition with other elite independent schools across Long Island and NYC.
For Roslyn Heights residents, what are the main considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Roslyn Public School District and a leading private school?
This is a significant decision for local families. The Roslyn Union Free School District is consistently top-ranked in New York, offering exceptional academics, facilities, and extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school like Green Vale, Portledge, or Friends Academy often hinges on specific educational philosophies (e.g., Quaker values, IB curriculum), smaller class sizes with more individualized attention, and distinct campus cultures. Private schools may also offer more specialized arts or language immersion programs from an earlier age. The trade-off involves substantial financial investment and, for some schools, a longer commute. Many families consider the continuity of a Pre-K-12 private pathway versus transitioning from Roslyn's public elementary to a private high school for specific programs.
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