The Best Private Schools in Shoreham, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shoreham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Stony Brook School
Independent Christian College Preparatory School
The Stony Brook School is a prestigious independent Christian college preparatory school serving the North Shore of Long Island, including Shoreham. With a century-long tradition of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous curriculum including 21 AP courses, comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The 55-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Known for its character education and strong college placement record, the school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention.
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Portledge School
Independent College Preparatory School
Portledge School is a highly-regarded independent school serving families across Long Island, including the Shoreham area. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The 63-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Portledge emphasizes global citizenship, innovation, and character development while maintaining strong athletic programs and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school's college placement record is exceptional, with graduates attending top-tier universities.
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Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School (LuHi) is a respected Christian college preparatory school serving students from across Long Island, including Shoreham families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 18 AP courses, strong STEM initiatives, competitive athletics programs, and vibrant arts offerings. The 32-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performance spaces. LuHi is known for its supportive community, strong values-based education, and excellent college counseling program that prepares students for top universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shoreham, New York
Are there any private schools physically located within the village of Shoreham, NY, or do families typically look to neighboring towns?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the village boundaries of Shoreham itself. Families in Shoreham typically consider prestigious independent day schools in nearby communities on the North Shore of Long Island. Top options within a reasonable commute include The Stony Brook School (in Stony Brook), Portledge School (in Locust Valley), and Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School (in Brookville). The Shoreham-Wading River Central School District is the local public option, leading many private school-seeking parents to factor in daily transportation logistics.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Shoreham, NY, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Shoreham is significantly above the New York State private school average, reflecting their reputation, facilities, and location in an affluent area. For the 2024-25 academic year, high school tuition at these schools often ranges from approximately $45,000 to over $55,000. However, all these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as substantial grants (not loans) can make attendance feasible. New York State also offers programs like the Child Care Tax Credit for qualifying expenses.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs draw Shoreham families to private schools like Stony Brook, Portledge, and Long Island Lutheran?
Each school offers distinct specializations that appeal to Shoreham families seeking specific opportunities. The Stony Brook School, with a Christian foundation, is renowned for its rigorous STEM curriculum and ethical leadership focus. Portledge School emphasizes a global perspective, exceptional arts programs, and competitive athletics, including a renowned ice hockey program. Long Island Lutheran (LuHi) is a national powerhouse in athletics, particularly basketball, while also offering strong college-prep academics and a faith-based environment. These specialized offerings are a primary reason families choose them over the local public curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving the Shoreham, NY, area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, prospective families should start researching schools in the spring or summer prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., start in Spring 2024 for Fall 2025). Key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), and scheduling student interviews and visits during the winter. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades, adhering to this timeline is crucial for Shoreham applicants.
For a family living in Shoreham, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated Shoreham-Wading River public schools and a private independent school?
This decision often hinges on educational philosophy, individual student needs, and community environment. The Shoreham-Wading River Central School District is consistently top-rated in New York, offering a strong, tuition-free education with the convenience of a local community. Families may opt for private schools for reasons such as: a desire for a specific religious or values-based education (Christian foundation at Stony Brook or LuHi), seeking more specialized academic tracks or smaller class sizes, wanting access to different extracurricular niches (e.g., elite athletics, specific arts), or preferring a more geographically diverse student body drawn from across Long Island. The commute and financial investment are significant factors to weigh against these potential benefits.
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