2023 Best Districts with Gifted and Talented Programs in New York

• Syosset, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  53 reviews

Alum: I attended the Syosset Central School District my entire childhood, from start to finish. The district is incredibly well run and directed. The administration does a great job getting information out to the parents, students, and faculty, especially in cases of emergency and time-sensitive announcements. The diversity at Syosset is amazing and the best I have seen anywhere. All students are able to be exposed to various cultures and ethnicities.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 10

• Students 6,578

• Roslyn, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.63 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: As a current student at Roslyn High School, I have experienced first hand that teachers are always ready to help and see their students succeed, and form bonds with students to grasp an understanding of each students learning style. The vast variety of clubs and other extra curricular activities ensure that every student has multiple ways to express their interests, and make life long friends. There are many places in the school where one can feel comfortable and make themselves at home with doing homework and enjoying a meal of choice. The sports and art facilities are places where people can exercise and express themselves creatively with encouraging teachers and coaches to push students to their full potential. Being a student at Roslyn ensures that you can explore every opportunity to succeed in your career(s) outside of school.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,204

• Woodmere, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.56 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: I grew up in Hewlett and I am raising my daughter here. The academics are amazing. The community is welcoming and they do so many amazing events for families. Starting from FECC (early childhood center), which was warm and helped create an amazing foundation. Then onto the elementary schools, which teaches accountability along with social, emotional and academics. This district has it all! One last bit of information, your child can get credits for college once in the high school. This is an overlooked bonus but definitely great for kids and parents. This district has it all ! Family, excellent schools, close to private beach clubs and 35 minutes from Manhattan and Brooklyn. I highly recommend raising a family here... Read 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,938

• New Hyde Park, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  54 reviews

Alum: Herricks is a diverse environment with a staff of people who care greatly for their students. The curriculum of this school is competitive and fair, giving students an advantage for once they enter college and beyond. Attending this school has significantly prepared me the education and difficulties that I have faced in my undergraduate education. Additionally, it is thanks to the aid I received from the faculty at Herricks that has allowed me many opportunities. The relationships formed during my time at this school have significantly influenced my recent achievements. Without this school, I may not be in the position I am in today and for that I am grateful.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,039

• Dix Hills, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: Best school district in New York! My son has been attending it since 3 years, entire staff has been so helpful and considerated. Blessed to be part of this school district.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 7,604

• Rochester, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  45 reviews

Junior: It's a very academic school which is great because it offers so many amazing classes but on the other hand there is also enormous pressure placed on students to push themselves into the hardest classes to "look good for college", which can be viewed as both a good and bad thing. We also have free periods which are AMAZING! Basically the same as a study hall but you're not required to stay in a classroom and you can hang out in the hallway with friends and during some periods you can leave campus and go grab lunch or hang out outside. In the middle of the day instead of lunch we have FLEX which works the same as a free but you can go see teachers to study or catch up on school work which I've found really helpful. Overall the atmosphere is great and teachers really do care about their students which is awesome. You really do have to put in the work though, Brighton's curriculum is relentless but you have a great team behind you to help complete it. Athletics are amazing as well.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 3,417

• North Merrick, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  93 reviews

Junior: Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has been a very welcoming experience, full of academic opportunities as well as social activities such as sports, clubs, and volunteer activities. I regard it very highly in terms college readiness, as its curriculum is very demanding but rewarding in terms of skills and knowledge.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 5

• Students 5,234

• Briarcliff Manor, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: Briarcliff High School has been an excellent experience for me. The academics and teachers are top notch and it was easy to make friends. There's also a lot of school pride. I'll miss Briarcliff when I graduate. Let's go BEARS!... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,358

• Port Washington, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: The Port Washington Union Free School District has provided me with an all-accepting educational community for the past 12 years, and I have been fortunate enough to have such a strong support system working alongside me in my studies. Although more recently the athletic rankings may have been on a decline, the spirit/ camaraderie seen between the huge crowd of students/ staff who come out to supPORT has definitely not. Students are encouraged to take an active role in the school community, making new clubs and social media accounts for clubs/ teams, and entertainment events afterschool at Paul D. Schreiber High School. These include a musical and play, orchestrated by the exceptional theatre/ arts program, and an event entirely unique to Schreiber... Schreiber Slam. It is held to raise money for childhood cancer research after a student passed away due to brain cancer, and it features Schreiber teachers competing in stagged UFC style fighting matches.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 5,320

• Plainview, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  50 reviews

Sophomore: Plainview-Old Bethpage John F Kennedy High School is a fantastic highschool to send your kids too in every way! The kids here are friendly, most of the time, very very smart, and talented! The academics at POB are one of the very best in the state! I prefer POB over other highly rated districts like Jericho and Syosset because although POB is very academically competitive you still feel at ease attending the highschool! The staff and guidance counseler are super sweet! The food is good for high school food especially the wraps! Additionally, it is very obvious that safety is important to the district! I have never ever felt in danger when I am in school and that is one of my favorite things! POB is amazing!... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 5,011

• Stony Brook, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  30 reviews

Middle School Student: Three village Central school district is the best place to find what you love. There so many clubs for EVERYTHING, want to build machines? Join our amazing Science Olympiad team! Want to sing, act, and dance? Join our very talented drama club! Three village district is also very non tolerant with bullying so everyone feels super safe to be who they are in our schools. There isn't much I would want to change but there is one thing I think would make Three Village even better, a club where we learn how to start business for young entrepreneurs (although im a die hard fan of the Science Olympiad club.) Other adding another club, there isn't anything I would change. Three Village really is the best School district!... Read 30 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,637

• Lynbrook, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: Our overall experience in the Lynbrook UFSD has been super positive. Lynbrook is a blue ribbon school on the south shore of long island. The teachers , administrators, guidance faculty have always been caring and compassionate. They have a variety of clubs for students to join that allow every kind of student to be represented, from sports to science to LGBTQ. Overall the high school is a school with lots of town spirit and a place that prepares your child for the future.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 2,786

• Garden City, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  17 reviews

Alum: I graduated from the Garden City public school systems a few years ago, and I truly feel my experiences prepared me for a successful and well-rounded life. Each school, from 1st grade through high school, offered more than alternative options my parents had considered. I appreciated the encouragement of music, art, VOLUNTEERING, and sports elementary school enforced, the continuation of that and addition of language options in early middle school, and the vast amount of alternative subject matters that the high school offered (which the private schools could not compete with) paired with the excellent sports and music programs, and community service requirements. I could not be more thankful for my education.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,951

• Delmar, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  65 reviews

Alum: Even though my final two years was difficult with co-vid restrictions, I appreciated all the faculty and staff did for us to get through! It is a wonderful environment to succeed in.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,236

• East Amherst, NY•

• School District

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  74 reviews

Freshman: Williamsville Central Education System is a public school district in New York that includes Amherst, Cheektowaga, and Clarence in addition to the village of Williamsville. My experience with the district was great. They handled bullying and talked about Important world problems. Some of the teachers are the friendliest and actually make you wanna learn. Then, the clubs a seem like they’re unlimited since there is so much and if none of them is in your attention you and your friends can create your own. Overall, the Williamsville Central School District is a great public school district in Erie County.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 13

• Students 9,669

• Rochester, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  41 reviews

Sophomore: Penfield offers various academic pathways, including many APs, music classes, and extracurriculars. Academic rigor and fields of study are personalized for each student. The district has been awarded for musical access and achievement. The teachers are knowledgeable, supportive, helpful, and personable. Administration provides clear communication to parents and students via email and social media. Sports teams often qualify for states, and the campus is sightly and well maintained. But despite the school’s many great programs and outer appearance, it struggles in the diversity aspect. The majority of students are white, especially because of its suburban location. The school had to hold bias training because of racist comments and interactions. Administration attempts to create a sense of unity, but peer interactions can often infringe on these efforts. Overall, the school could improve student relationships, but it teaches valuable lessons and offers great opportunities... Read 41 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 6

• Students 4,506

• Northport, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: Northport- East Northport school district has given me so many opportunities to grow as a student and a person. I have been helped by teachers and coaches to start toy drives and fundraisers around my community. All throughout my 13 years in this school district, I have felt welcomed and safe. Having been grateful to grow up with the same friends and having the faculty watch each and every one of us grow as individuals is something I can never forget.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 9

• Students 4,865

• East Northport, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: Commack School District is an interesting place. It seems to have something for every student. It has a very strong academic program. Commack High School recently was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. Our students are high achievers and excel at all levels. Students are regularly receiving awards at academic competitions. However our District also supports students who have special needs or who wish to pursue careers in the trades. We have programs that allow students to travel off campus to study the specific trade careers they are interested in. Our schools also have many different types of extracurricular activities to become involved with that cover almost every interest a student can have. And we have a large number of sports teams which always perform well. I would like to see a greater diversity in our student body, as well as less competitiveness among the students as a result of the strength of our academics and sports.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,764

• Blauvelt, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: Absolutely LOVE the school district! Wonderful staff, wonderful teachers, wonderful community! If you get the chance to be part of the South Orangetown School district, you absolutely should.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,769

• Brooklyn, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: I attended Benjamin Banneker Academy from Freshman through Senior year. I had an excellent experience. The school provided several opportunities to students in terms of extracurricular activities. I was part of the soccer team and I was also involved in internship programs at Downstate Medical Center. The program was coordinated by Mrs. Moore who is one of the Science teachers. Having taken Honors and AP classes I believe I am quite ready for the next 4 years of college and beyond.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 40

• Students 20,458

• Massapequa, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  49 reviews

Senior: My school is a blue ribbon school. Massapequa is academically advanced, as the AP and high level courses are the majority of our students. I have gotten nothing but the best teachers here at MHs. The music program is taken very seriously and our sports are almost always at the top. Ive gotten to be who i am today because of the amazing staff and environment MHS provides.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 9

• Students 6,624

• Amherst, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed high school at Amherst. My time in high school has been different because of Covid. I didn't really get the experience that I had hoped for in the beginning. Many things were cancelled or delayed. We did not attend school regularly. Wearing masks to school was not fun either. I made the best of it. I missed being in school. I missed being with my friends. Last year, it was nice to finally go back. The school year started with masks, but that ended in March, which was wonderful. I have enjoyed learning, played sports and helped with the school play. I have met new friends along the way. I have encountered phenomenal teachers that have helped me become a better student. Amherst is a great school with a diverse student population. My only concern is that there is not enough diversity in the staff. I enjoy seeing people that look like me. That may have a common outlook that only we can share. One day when I become a teacher, I would love to teach here.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,989

• Victor, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: Victor Central Schools is a very competitive, academically fulfilling district with plenty of opportunity for extracurricular involvement. There are some limitations in the elective offerings at the High School level and the technology 1:1 is slow in developing. Otherwise this has been a rewarding district to grow up in.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 5

• Students 4,320

• Bayside, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: District 26 is amazing! They are super involved in the safety and acedemic success of the children. They are very diligent in listening and working with parents and their concerns.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 34

• Students 31,351

• Montrose, NY•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: Hen Hud offers a good amount of classes, and while we still don't have classes like AP Micro and Macro, we have plenty of other APs available. Hen Hud is really what you make of it; some kids don't go to college at all, and others go to ivies. The classes, teachers, and materials are available to each and every student. When students don't have access to a personal computer, they are given one to take home. The school is pretty considerate to everyone's needs. Also, it is a diverse school district in terms of race and socioeconomics. Our athletics are decent with one or two D1 commits each year, but no team is as good as the girl's volleyball team.... Read 23 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,218