The Best Private Schools in Williston Park, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Williston Park. 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 premier Catholic college-preparatory school for young men located just minutes from Williston Park. Founded by the Society of Mary (Marianists), the school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses. The 26-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Known for its strong community values and exceptional college placement record, Chaminade consistently ranks among the top private schools in Nassau County with a comprehensive extracurricular program encompassing athletics, arts, and service opportunities.
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Sacred Heart Academy
Sisters of St. Joseph
Sacred Heart Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college-preparatory school for young women serving the Williston Park area. The school offers a challenging academic environment with extensive Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. The campus features modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a strong emphasis on leadership development and community service, Sacred Heart maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has earned recognition for academic excellence and student achievement throughout Long Island.
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The Waldorf School of Garden City
Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
The Waldorf School of Garden City offers a unique, developmentally-appropriate education based on Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophy, serving families from Williston Park and surrounding communities. The school provides education from early childhood through high school with a curriculum that integrates academics, arts, and practical skills. The beautiful campus features dedicated spaces for music, art, movement, and outdoor education. Known for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility, the school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Graduates are well-prepared for college and recognized for their strong problem-solving abilities and ethical leadership.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Williston Park, New York
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Williston Park, NY, and are there any directly within the village?
While Williston Park itself is a residential village without a private school campus within its borders, it is centrally located in Nassau County with exceptional access to some of Long Island's most prestigious private institutions. The most notable nearby options include Chaminade High School (all-boys, Catholic, in Mineola), Sacred Heart Academy (all-girls, Catholic, in Hempstead), and The Waldorf School of Garden City (co-ed, independent, in Garden City). Many Williston Park families also consider other nearby schools like Holy Trinity Diocesan High School and various parish-based elementary schools. The village's location offers convenient access via major roads and the Long Island Rail Road.
How does the tuition for top private high schools near Williston Park, NY, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private high schools in the Williston Park area is significant, reflecting their facilities and programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Chaminade High School and Sacred Heart Academy have tuitions typically ranging between $12,000 and $15,000. The Waldorf School of Garden City, as an independent school, often has a higher tuition, which can exceed $30,000 for high school. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and the Catholic diocesan schools may also have parish subsidy programs for active members. New York State offers the "Child Safety Fund" (formerly the Mandated Services Aid program) which provides some reimbursement to qualifying non-public schools, potentially impacting tuition. It is crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions and financial aid office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Williston Park offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible from Williston Park offer distinct educational philosophies and specialized programs. Chaminade and Sacred Heart provide rigorous college-preparatory curricula with a strong foundation in Catholic values, often featuring extensive retreat programs, community service requirements, and renowned robotics or science teams. The Waldorf School of Garden City follows the Waldorf educational model, which emphasizes creative play, hands-on learning, and integrating arts into all academic subjects, with a focus on developmental stages rather than standardized testing. These schools often have more specialized courses, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and unique offerings like Sacred Heart's network of schools nationwide or Chaminade's extensive alumni network, which are not typically found in the Williston Park public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like Chaminade and Sacred Heart for a student from Williston Park?
The enrollment process for the top-tier Catholic high schools near Williston Park is highly structured and begins early in 8th grade. The key steps are: 1) **Open Houses**: Attend in the fall (September-October). 2) **Application Submission**: Deadlines are usually in early November. 3) **High School Placement Test (HSPT)**: This standardized exam is required for diocesan schools and is typically administered in November or December. 4) **Interviews/Student Visits**: Often conducted in January. 5) **Decision Notifications**: Acceptance letters and financial aid awards are mailed in February. It is imperative for Williston Park families to register for the HSPT through their chosen school and ensure all application materials, including recommendations and transcripts from the child's current school, are submitted well before deadlines.
For a family living in Williston Park, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school, particularly regarding transportation and community?
Williston Park families must plan for transportation, as private schools do not provide district busing for all students. However, under New York State law, the Williston Park Union Free School District (or your local public district) is required to provide transportation to private schools within a 15-mile radius if requested by certain deadlines (typically April 1st for the following fall). This often means a district-provided bus to schools like Chaminade or Holy Trinity. For schools beyond the radius or with different schedules, carpooling is very common. Community-wise, many Williston Park children feed into the same parish elementary schools, creating natural cohorts that move together to the same high schools, fostering a strong sense of familiarity. Choosing a school often involves aligning with your neighborhood's social networks and the daily commute to Hempstead, Mineola, or Garden City.
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