The Best Preschools on Long Island
Back to school is a busy time, but for Long Island parents who are also caring for very young children, it can be even more hectic when they’re not in preschool. Enrolling young children in preschool is incredibly beneficial for their early social, cognitive, and emotional development in so many ways, but it’s also a plus for busy parents who work or need more time to check off the endless items on their to-do list. It’s a win-win, especially since it prepares them for “big kid school” when the time comes.
If you’re thinking about enrolling your little one in early childhood educational adventures, consider the following excellent preschool programs on Long Island.
A work of the heart
3 Greenhills Rd, Huntington Station
631-673-7373
[email protected]
A Work of Heart is a dedicated child care provider in Huntington that provides a nurturing and developmentally focused environment for children. With over 20 years of experience, A Work of Heart is committed to promoting the growth and well-being of each child through compassionate care and a curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. Recently expanded space has created an environment where children thrive and parents can work with peace of mind. A Work of Heart offers preschool, summer camp, and full-time child care for children from infancy through early childhood. Their programs immerse children in learning opportunities in literacy, science, math, music, movement, and culture. Children emerge with a confidence that comes from an affirming and respectful atmosphere.
Buckley Country Day School
2 IU Willetsweg, Roslyn
516-627-1910
[email protected]
Buckley Country Day School is an inclusive, diverse environment that nurtures the whole child and lays the foundation for success in high school, college, and beyond. Buckley accepts students beginning in the Pre-Nursery program as young as two and admits students through grade seven. The school’s mission, Opening The Eyes And Awakening The Mind, is central to the curriculum, which aims to inspire and prepare students for a life of discovery in a caring, positive environment. Buckley sets itself apart from other independent schools by fostering a deep appreciation for learning and developing students who are committed to making the world a better place through thoughtful inquiry, critical thinking, and community engagement.
Montessori school in the countryside
354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck
516-466-8422
Countryside Montessori School believes in creating a peaceful atmosphere where respect for each other, the community and the environment is a daily occurrence. The school offers children ages 18 months to 6 years a balanced and enriched curriculum with traditional subjects, art and music. They are located on an estate-like setting with an outdoor playground and nature walks. The classrooms are fully equipped and spacious. The school has two preschool and two elementary classes. The preschool is for children ages 18 months to 3 years. The elementary school is for children ages 3 to 6 and includes preschool, pre-K and kindergarten. The elementary school curriculum is a three-year cycle. After-school programs are offered throughout the school year. Proudly serving Great Neck, Manhasset, NY and the surrounding community.
Friends Academy
270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley
516-676-0393
[email protected]
Since 1876, Friends Academy has set the standard for academic excellence on Long Island. Friends is an exceptional K-12 (kindergarten-12th grade) coeducational school that combines outstanding academics with timeless Quaker values. They prepare students for college and a meaningful life. Friends Academy has been ranked the #1 K-12 private school and the #1 College Prep private HS in Nassau County for 4 years in a row. Visit Friends by RSVPing for a fall open house or calling for a private tour. Learn about their dynamic academic curriculum, meet their teachers and students, and explore their beautiful 160-acre campus.
The Green Vale School
250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville
516-621-2420
[email protected]
Green Vale School is Long Island’s premier private school for Pre-Nursery through 8th grade. Green Vale’s Early Childhood program creates a friendly and welcoming environment with a strong emphasis on the development of the whole child during their formative years. In addition to a vibrant and varied academic curriculum, young learners are exposed to a rich breadth of specials including ample outdoor recess, technology, science, Spanish, movement, music, art, physical education and more. The 100-acre campus becomes their learning playground.
Long Island School for the Gifted
165 Pidgeon Hill Rd, South Huntington
631-423-3557
[email protected]
Is your child intellectual, artistic, creative, and curious? Do they often get bored in school despite their passion for specific subjects? Perhaps they need like-minded peers, acceleration, and opportunities that match their extraordinary task time. Does your child have a keen sense of justice and recall facts with unusual accuracy? If so, your child may be gifted. Discover a school that will nurture their unique abilities and help them thrive. For over 40 years, The Long Island School For The Gifted has provided an accelerated experience for gifted children in kindergarten through ninth grade, in a nurturing environment where they are both intellectually challenged and socially comfortable. LISG helps gifted students develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need for life.
Portledge School
355 Duck Pond Road Locust Valley
516-750-3202
[email protected]
Portledge School is where academic excellence and emotional intelligence come together to inspire the next generation of thinkers with the confidence, skills, and values to thrive in an ever-changing world. The Early Childhood program focuses on curiosity and discovery, where the youngest learners ask big questions as they begin to build a foundation of true academic curiosity. They are an inclusive community where every student has a voice, adults model a love of learning, and education goes beyond the academic, allowing each student to develop a sense of who they are and who they want to be.
New York Family