The Best Private Schools in Uniondale, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Uniondale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chaminade High School
Marianist Educational Associates
Chaminade High School is a highly acclaimed Catholic college-preparatory school for young men serving Uniondale and the surrounding region. The school offers an extensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, specialized STEM programs, and comprehensive honors tracks. Facilities include state-of-the-art science and technology centers, extensive athletic facilities, and modern academic buildings. The school is known for its strong academic performance, with graduates regularly attending Ivy League and top-tier colleges. The campus features multiple athletic fields, a swimming pool, and specialized learning spaces for various disciplines.
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The Waldorf School of Garden City
Waldorf Education
The Waldorf School of Garden City is a highly respected independent school offering education from early childhood through high school. Located just minutes from Uniondale, this school emphasizes holistic education with a strong focus on arts integration, critical thinking, and character development. The school features extensive facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Their curriculum includes foreign language instruction from early grades, robust music and arts programs, and a college preparatory high school program with 100% college acceptance rate.
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Sacred Heart Academy
Sisters of St. Joseph
Sacred Heart Academy is a prestigious Catholic college-preparatory school for young women serving the Uniondale area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with advanced placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and comprehensive arts education. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements at top-tier universities. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, community service initiatives, and numerous clubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Uniondale, New York
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Uniondale, NY, and how do they differ?
Uniondale, NY, is situated in a region with a diverse range of private school options. While Uniondale itself is home to some parochial schools, families often look to neighboring communities for specialized institutions. The top schools you'll consider include single-sex Catholic college-preparatory schools like Chaminade High School (boys) and Sacred Heart Academy (girls), both in nearby towns, which offer rigorous academics and strong faith-based communities. Alternatively, The Waldorf School of Garden City provides a unique, holistic arts-integrated education based on the Steiner philosophy. Uniondale parents also have access to independent non-sectarian schools and other religious-affiliated academies throughout Nassau County, requiring consideration of commute times and educational philosophy.
How does tuition for private schools in the Uniondale, NY, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Uniondale, NY, area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high schools like Chaminade and Sacred Heart Academy have tuitions ranging from approximately $12,000 to $15,000+ annually. Independent schools like The Waldorf School of Garden City often have higher tuition, potentially exceeding $30,000 for upper grades. It's crucial to factor in additional costs for uniforms, technology fees, and activities. Most private schools in New York offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need through applications like TADS or FACTS. Additionally, New York State offers the Child Safety Fund (formerly known as the Mandated Services Aid program) for certain non-public schools, and some families may utilize New York's 529 plan for K-12 tuition expenses.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools near Uniondale, such as Chaminade or Sacred Heart Academy?
The enrollment process for top-tier private high schools in the Uniondale area is highly structured and begins well in advance. For schools like Chaminade and Sacred Heart Academy, the process for 9th grade entry typically starts in the fall of a student's 8th grade year. Key steps include attending open houses (often in September-October), completing an application by a December or January deadline, taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT) or a school-specific entrance exam, submitting transcripts and teacher recommendations, and participating in an interview. Admissions decisions are usually released in February. For families in Uniondale, planning for this timeline is critical, as these schools draw applicants from across Long Island and spaces are competitive.
Are there private school options in the Uniondale area that specialize in supporting students with unique learning needs or talents?
Yes, the broader Nassau County region surrounding Uniondale offers several private schools with specialized programs. While the noted top schools are academically rigorous and college-preparatory in focus, parents seeking specific learning support should explore dedicated institutions like The Howard School in nearby Westbury for students with language-based learning differences. For artistic talents, many private schools in the area have strong arts departments, but families might also consider specialized arts academies elsewhere in Long Island. It's important for Uniondale parents to directly inquire about learning support services (like resource rooms or accommodations) at any school of interest, as offerings can vary even within college-prep environments.
For a family living in Uniondale, what are the key considerations when deciding between the Uniondale Union Free School District public schools and local private options?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to Uniondale. The Uniondale Union Free School District is a large, diverse public district offering a comprehensive K-12 education, advanced placement courses, and various extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific religious foundation (Catholic, etc.), a particular educational philosophy (like Waldorf), or a perceived smaller, more focused academic environment. Key practical considerations include the significant financial investment of private tuition versus property taxes funding public schools, daily commute logistics to schools outside the district, and alignment with a child's specific learning style. Many families in the area also consider the specialized magnet programs within Nassau BOCES as a public alternative to private specialization.
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