The Best Private Schools in Smithtown, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Smithtown. 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
Located just minutes from Smithtown in East Setauket, The Laurel Hill School is a premier Montessori private school serving families throughout the Smithtown area. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3 through 12, with a focus on individualized learning and holistic development. The campus features beautiful classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and specialized programs in arts, music, and foreign languages. Known for its exceptional teacher-student ratios and progressive educational approach.
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St. Patrick School
Diocese of Rockville Centre Catholic Schools
St. Patrick School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Smithtown for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on academic excellence and moral development. Features include advanced STEM programs, individualized learning approaches, and extensive extracurricular activities including music, arts, and athletics. The school maintains small class sizes and has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings for its dedicated faculty and nurturing environment.
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The Long Island School for the Gifted
Independent Gifted Education
Serving gifted students from Smithtown and across Long Island, this specialized private school offers an accelerated curriculum for intellectually gifted children in grades K-9. The school features advanced coursework in mathematics, sciences, and humanities, with particular strength in STEM education and creative arts. Small class sizes, expert faculty trained in gifted education, and a challenging curriculum make this a top choice for academically advanced students. The school maintains strong transportation options for Smithtown families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Smithtown, New York
What are the main types of private schools available in Smithtown, NY, and how do they differ?
Smithtown, NY, offers a few distinct types of private schools catering to different educational philosophies and student needs. You'll find parochial schools like St. Patrick School, which provides a Catholic, faith-based education with a standard academic curriculum. Independent day schools, such as The Laurel Hill School, typically offer a secular, college-preparatory program with a focus on whole-child development. There are also specialized institutions like The Long Island School for the Gifted, which is designed specifically for academically gifted students with an accelerated curriculum. This variety allows Smithtown parents to choose an environment that closely aligns with their child's learning style and family values.
How does tuition for private schools in Smithtown, NY, compare to the broader Long Island and New York State averages?
Tuition for private schools in Smithtown is generally in line with or slightly below the high averages for Long Island and New York State. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition at local schools like St. Patrick School often ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 annually. Independent schools like The Laurel Hill School may range from $20,000 to $30,000+ for upper grades. While still a significant investment, these figures can be somewhat lower than premier private schools in nearby Nassau County or New York City. It's important to note that most Smithtown-area private schools offer need-based financial aid, and New York State has programs like the Child Safety Fund (voucher program for non-public school safety equipment) and potential education tax credits that can provide some financial relief.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Smithtown, NY?
The enrollment process for Smithtown private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools, especially the more selective ones like The Laurel Hill School and The Long Island School for the Gifted, have application deadlines between December and February for the following fall. The process usually involves submitting an application, school records, teacher recommendations, and often a student assessment or visit day. For parochial schools like St. Patrick, there may be additional requirements regarding parish affiliation. Open houses typically occur in the fall (October-November). Given the competitive nature of Long Island's educational landscape, Smithtown parents are advised to start researching and visiting schools at least 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular programs offered by private schools in Smithtown that leverage the local community?
Yes, several Smithtown private schools integrate the local environment into their programs. Given Smithtown's history and location, some schools incorporate local ecology through partnerships with the Smithtown Historical Society or field studies along the Nissequogue River. The proximity to Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Lab provides unique opportunities for science partnerships and advanced research projects, particularly beneficial for a school like The Long Island School for the Gifted. Furthermore, many schools participate in athletic leagues specific to Suffolk County private and parochial schools, fostering local rivalries and community spirit. These local connections provide enriched learning experiences beyond the standard curriculum.
For a family moving to the area, how do the top-rated Smithtown public schools influence the decision to choose a private school?
This is a key consideration, as the Smithtown Central School District is consistently highly rated on Long Island. Many families choose private schools not due to poor public options, but for specific alignments. The decision often comes down to seeking a particular educational approach (e.g., gifted acceleration, religious foundation, or smaller class sizes) that even a top public district cannot provide as individually. For instance, a family might opt for The Long Island School for the Gifted to access a peer group and pace not available in a heterogeneous public classroom, or choose St. Patrick School for its values-based education. The strong public system means Smithtown's private schools are often chosen for "fit" rather than necessity, making them highly mission-focused communities.
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