The Best Private Schools in Seaford, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Seaford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chaminade High School
Marianist Province of the United States
Chaminade High School is a prestigious all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving the Seaford area and broader Long Island community. Founded by the Society of Mary, the school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses. The 75-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Known for its strong tradition of academic excellence and character formation, Chaminade maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Kellenberg Memorial High School
Marianist Province of the United States
Kellenberg Memorial High School is a comprehensive Catholic co-educational institution serving Seaford and surrounding Nassau County communities. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with extensive AP course offerings, specialized academies in STEM and fine arts, and comprehensive athletic programs. The 63-acre campus features modern academic facilities, multiple athletic fields, and dedicated spaces for performing arts. Kellenberg emphasizes spiritual development alongside academic excellence, with a strong focus on community service and leadership development. The school maintains high college placement rates and offers robust extracurricular opportunities.
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Sacred Heart Academy
Sisters of St. Joseph
Sacred Heart Academy is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school serving Seaford and the wider Long Island area. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, the academy offers a comprehensive educational program emphasizing academic excellence, leadership development, and spiritual growth. The school features a rigorous curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, modern science and technology labs, and comprehensive arts and athletic facilities. Sacred Heart maintains a strong college placement record and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities including robotics, debate, performing arts, and competitive athletics. The school community emphasizes sisterhood and empowerment for young women.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Seaford, New York
What are the main private high school options for families in Seaford, NY, and are they single-gender or co-educational?
Seaford itself is primarily served by a few highly-regarded private high schools located in nearby communities on Long Island. The most prominent options include Chaminade High School (all-boys, Catholic, in Mineola), Kellenberg Memorial High School (co-educational, Catholic, in Uniondale), and Sacred Heart Academy (all-girls, Catholic, in Hempstead). While not within Seaford's immediate borders, these schools are standard destinations for Seaford families seeking private, faith-based secondary education. There are also various private elementary and middle schools throughout Nassau County that serve the broader area.
How does the tuition for top private high schools near Seaford, NY, compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the leading private high schools in the Nassau County area typically ranges from approximately $12,000 to $20,000 per year for the 2024-2025 academic year, with variations based on the school and grade level. For example, Chaminade and Kellenberg have tuition in this range, with financial aid and scholarships available based on demonstrated need. New York State offers programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible students attending private, in-state institutions, but this is generally for college. For K-12, aid is primarily school-based. Many Seaford families also utilize the New York 529 College Savings Plan, which can now be used for up to $10,000 per year in K-12 tuition expenses.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools serving Seaford, NY?
The private schools in the region are known for robust college preparatory programs and specific strengths. Chaminade High School has a renowned STEM program and robotics team. Kellenberg Memorial offers a unique "House System" for student mentorship and a wide array of clubs and athletics, often fielding competitive sports teams. Sacred Heart Academy is recognized for its strong science and humanities curricula, as well as leadership programs. All three schools emphasize community service, a core part of their Catholic identity. For families in Seaford, these programs provide alternatives to the offerings of the Seaford Union Free School District, often with a focus on classical education and character formation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools near Seaford, NY?
The process for the major Catholic high schools is centralized through the Diocese of Rockville Centre's Admissions Processing Service (APS). Families must register for the APS exam (typically the TACHS—Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools) in the fall of their child's 8th grade year. The exam is usually administered in November. Applications and school preferences are submitted around this time, with acceptance notifications sent out in early winter. Open houses are held in the fall, and attending these is crucial for Seaford families to evaluate commute times and school culture. It's highly recommended to start research and attend open houses a full year in advance, in the 7th grade.
For a family living in Seaford, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The Seaford Union Free School District is well-regarded, so the decision often comes down to specific family priorities. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Seaford public schools offer a standard, comprehensive public curriculum, while the nearby private options provide a faith-based education with mandatory theology classes and a focus on moral development. **Class Size:** Private schools may offer smaller average class sizes than Seaford's public secondary schools. **Cost:** Public schools are tax-funded, while private tuition is a direct, significant expense. **Logistics:** Attending a private school like Kellenberg or Chaminade involves a daily commute (10-25 minutes by car), whereas Seaford Middle and High School are within the community. **Extracurriculars:** Both sectors offer strong programs, but the private schools often have extensive athletic rivalries and niche clubs rooted in their long traditions.
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