2022 Best Schools in Nassau County

Friends Academy

• Private School
• LOCUST VALLEY, NY
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.42 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: We have a rising Kindergartener, who finished his first year at Friends in Pre-K. As a parent, and an educational professional, I personally could not have designed a better experience for my son, especially during the COVID-related shut down. We initially chose Friends for our son because we wanted more for him; we wanted him to learn through experience, to develop thoughts of his own and more importantly to be part of a community that subscribed to similar values as ours. Our son’s first year was FANTASTIC! Notably, while everyone was scrambling to figure things out when the State shut down, our son was being educated and supported in a way that was developmentally appropriate, fun and responsive. The transition to virtual school was so seamless, that it seemed like it was planned for (it might have been). More importantly, the teachers were open and responsive to feedback, and continued to tweak the new modality regularly. We are looking forward to many more years at Friends!...Read 90 Reviews

• grade A+

• 706 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Jericho Senior High School

• Jericho Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 4.06 out of 5  167 reviews

Senior: After moving to the Jericho district from another country, I've been welcomed by the student body and faculties. A few of the newly arrived foreign students who came along with me had received sufficient English support, including extra time on tests etc. One of the first things I noticed about the school is the safe environment, where no fights or big incidents have ever happened over the school years. Nonetheless, I was surprised by the academic integrity here and how students are serious about receiving quality education and planning their future in colleges. Competiveness does appear generally, which can be a major stress factor for some students. The school district also has a great amount of resources that are provided to students, including field trips, various clubs, and even foreign country trips. However, students need to be prepared for outside challenges as they might have been sheltered in this "Jericho bubble". Overall Jericho is a great district for students to grow in...Read 167 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,164 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Great Neck South High School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 4.17 out of 5  254 reviews

Senior: I am a student at this school and I’m proud to graduate soon from here! The school offers many different extracurricular activities that create communities and many different courses that challenge students! This school encourages students to push themselves to their highest and that, in turn, prepares them for the future!...Read 254 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,250 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Syosset Senior High School

• Syosset Central School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 4.01 out of 5  347 reviews

Senior: Syosset High School helped me grow as a student. Before moving to Syosset, I had many difficulties as a student, and Syosset gave me the resources necessary to help me improve in my writing and speaking skills. Even though I am soon leaving Syosset, I hope to see changes like an increase in diversity and inclusivity within the school. While every school has its flaws, Syosset High School tries to work on them to fix them so I do not doubt that they will improve in the following years to come. Ideas to improve Syosset High School continuously float around the building which shows the immense courage and hard work the administrators have. The long-lasting friends that I have made in Syosset High School have helped me to grow and learn for years on end. I would not be where I am today without the help of Syosset High School and the people I meet along the way at Syosset...Read 347 Reviews

• grade A+

• 2,233 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Portledge School

• Private School
• LOCUST VALLEY, NY
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.66 out of 5  41 reviews

Sophomore: I have many opportunities at Portledge, which is something I love about the school. I love our campus because it is very college-like and due to this, the students have a lot of responsibilities, some examples would be having everything we need before walking across campus and scheduling meetings with teachers. Portledge has many pros, but just like any institution, there are also cons. Being an black student at Portledge, a prominently white school, I feel that most of the students are blind to what the (very few) minorities at the school face. I wouldn't say that we face racism, but we have to deal with not being able to say certain things or be our full selves because most of the students there do not understand. I feel that Portledge's curriculum (and other private schools) could be improved by including more modern events that impact some of the students that attend the school. Overall, Portledge is a great place with a great learning environment and I do not plan on leaving!...Read 41 Reviews

• grade A+

• 493 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Roslyn High School

• Roslyn Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 3.9 out of 5  130 reviews

Sophomore: I am a current sophomore at Roslyn High School. So far, feel very prepared for college thus far and I can't even imagine what could come next! I love all the opportunities that this school has given me whether it comes to sports, clubs, or even classes. I have had the opportunity to take various levels of courses, which has been great in challenging me. The teachers are always there to help, with office hours, extra help, email, and even after class. They have stayed lenient and understanding during the Covid-19 pandemic, which I am extremely grateful for. Although we have great opportunities the there is a lack of POC and culture from those communities, however, there is no divide between any of the communities, anyone can be friends with anyone. Overall I have had a very good experience so far...Read 130 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,065 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Manhasset Secondary School

• Manhasset Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 3.91 out of 5  70 reviews

Junior: Going to Manhasset was a great time for high school. Some teachers were great but some were very harsh/rude. The grading is very harsh and the competition among students is insane. I had a friend once describe it me as a regents class in Manhasset is an honors/AP class in other schools, and in some cases, I could not agree more. Sports also were important to families and kids, especially lacrosse. Kids would spend time on academics and sports so that they could get recruited by big-time schools like Stanford, Columbia, UPenn, and Yale. Although it was difficult I loved my 4 years at this school most of the time...Read 70 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,042 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Great Neck North High School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 4.08 out of 5  121 reviews

Senior: I love the extremely supportive community at Great Neck North High School! The teachers truly care about their students' success: going out of their way to assure their students' achievements. There is a great sense of school pride and all students are given tremendous opportunities for self-improvement and learning. Each student is even given a school issued iPad so they they may have access to assignments, information, and school announcements at the click of a button!...Read 121 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,194 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Herricks High School

• Herricks Union Free School District, NY
• 7-12
• Rating 4.08 out of 5  182 reviews

Junior: Herricks High School is a great school. I immigrated from Korea to the United States two years ago, and Herricks was my first American school. I had a hard time adjusting to American culture, language, and food. But fortunately, I came to Herricks School, where I could meet good friends and teachers. My counselor and other teachers took care of me carefully and understood. Herricks High School's greatest strength is the diversity of races, so my friends treated me friendly without being awkward. It is my most excellent luck to be able to come to such a good school. Herricks High School is a fantastic school that offers a variety of high-quality classes, high academic enthusiasm, and teachers who are passionate about education!...Read 182 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,328 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Waldorf School of Garden City

• Private School
• GARDEN CITY, NY
• PK, K-12
• Rating 4.21 out of 5  52 reviews

Alum: I attended The Waldorf School of Garden City from K-12 and I can confidently say that those 14 years set a great foundation for my future. The curriculum’s emphasis on experiential learning provided me with a holistic education. For example - in addition to studying the History of Africa in a seminar style main lesson, we practiced an ethnic African dance. This immersed me more deeply and gave me an appreciation of the African culture. Active learning allowed me to internalize my education and I know these experiences will stick with me for the rest of my life. ...Waldorf prepared me well for college-level work. The smaller intimate community provides an invaluable network of parents, faculty and alumni willing to offer advice and support during college years and beyond. Waldorf molds students into well-rounded problem solvers and independent thinkers. I was taught to have opinions, ask questions and strive to make a difference, with purpose, gratitude, and respect...Read 52 Reviews

• grade A+

• 319 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School

• Port Washington Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 3.95 out of 5  231 reviews

Senior: Paul D. Schreiber High school has been my home for the past 4 years and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Ever since freshman year the staff at Schreiber has set me on a path for success and allowed me to explore my interests as a young adult. The programs that they offer are outstanding whether it’s our inclusive and growing Drama Club to our award winning and county competing sports teams. My teachers have been understanding and supportive throughout all my years and always offer after-class extra help no matter the circumstances. Our school has tons of school spirit too! Every semester we have our own spirit week, showing off our school pride with fun costumes with themes for everyday day of the week. Our school holds us to high standards when it come to our Academics, but I feel as though that pressure helped plenty of us to truly strive for excellence as we think about and apply to our top colleges...Read 231 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,651 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

George W. Hewlett High School

• Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 4.06 out of 5  196 reviews

Senior: Going to school at Hewlett High School was eye opening to me since before I moved here I attended catholic school and everything was different. At hewlett students were actually given a challenge, we were pushed to our full abilities. Furthermore, my experience at Hewlett gave me a lot of preparation for my future occupation. We have a variety of classes and clubs that aid for our future which is what I loved about this school...Read 196 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,062 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Great Neck South Middle School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY
• 6-8
• Rating 4.56 out of 5  9 reviews

Niche User: It is an amazing school. Everyday, the janitors word hard to keep the buildings clean. The teachers are extremely qualified, especially the gym coaches, who treat the students like they treat their families...Read 9 Reviews

• grade A+

• 791 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

E.M. Baker School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY
• K-5
• Rating 4.89 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: Love love love this school! Baker is such a special place. Amazing teachers and administration. My children enjoy going to school!Read 18 Reviews

• grade A+

• 677 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School

• Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 3.77 out of 5  265 reviews

Senior: My high school experience was amazing at POBJFK high school. Being an athlete, the athletics were very inclusive and each and every sport made you feel like you were a part of a family and something bigger than yourself. The academics are excellent and the teachers truly cared about helping the students reach their full potential by offering help almost every day after school. However, one thing that I would like to see change is the school spirit. The events that the school ran didn’t have an amazing turnout unless it was for college or an academic purpose. Saying that I hope that the school takes more pride in getting the school staff and students to participate more in all events...Read 265 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,554 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Village Elementary School

• Syosset Central School District, NY
• K-5

• grade A+

• 399 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Garden City High School

• Garden City Union Free School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 3.97 out of 5  126 reviews

Parent: Garden City provides a balance of rigorous curriculum while encouraging students to participate in extra curricular activities. They offer a broad variety of extracurricular activities/clubs so that all students can find something they can participate in to meet people with similar interests. Their teachers are dedicated to the students and guiding them through the courses they teach. They provide many unique elective courses which allows students to explore new topics. I like the support provided by the guidance department as they involve parents each year with course selection/program requirements. This ensures that students are on the right path toward meeting the necessary graduation requirements. This also strengthens the home/school connection at this higher level of education. They are currently revising safety procedures and making necessary adjustments to ensure an environment that is safe for all students throughout the day which is extremely important...Read 126 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,209 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Jeffrey Ratner Robert Seaman Elementary School

• Jericho Union Free School District, NY
• K-5
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: I only have fond memories of Robert Seaman Elementary school. The school helped me cultivate my curiosity, drive to work, and, importantly, my personality and people skills.Read 1 Review

• grade A+

• 292 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

East Hills Elementary School

• Roslyn Union Free School District, NY
• 2-5

• grade A+

• 537 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

North Shore Senior High School

• North Shore Central School District, NY
• 9-12
• Rating 3.86 out of 5  139 reviews

Alum: I had an excellent high school experience. The teachers and staff at North Shore genuinely care about their students and want to see them succeed. Whenever a student needs help or assistance, it is right there waiting for her. Additionally, there are many clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities that students are not only told about but encouraged to take part in. I felt extremely prepared for college and attribute that readiness to North Shore's resources and curriculum!...Read 139 Reviews

• grade A+

• 839 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Great Neck North Middle School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY
• 6-8
• Rating 3.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: Awesome school teachers are always there support the students with work. There’s also extra help after school and don’t worry about picking up your child there will be late busses till 6pm. There’s also sports for your child to compete in till winter I really recommend this school...Read 5 Reviews

• grade A+

• 821 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Walt Whitman Elementary School

• Syosset Central School District, NY
• K-5

• grade A+

• 318 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

South Woods Middle School

• Syosset Central School District, NY
• 6-8
• Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: I love SW almost about everything! Except its food and um, my peers. Some of my male and girl peers are a bit snobby and mean to me, just a few. Some girls there have cliques that do Tik-Tok when there are phone rules and also bully people.The diversity is really good when comparing to race, but not so good during lunch, especially when there's a North and South cafeteria. South has more cliques and "male peers".I believe the curriculum is above average, and that could be because it's in a suburb.Safety is a bit of an issue on the school bus, but it's typical in every middle school.There are 33 clubs this year but I never make it because they begin an hour before my bus comes.The food is okay, but there isn't a lot of choices.That's about it.Read 4 Reviews

• grade A+

• 733 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lakeville Elementary School

• Great Neck Public Schools, NY
• 1-5
• Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Middle School Student: Great memories here. Wish the lunch was better, but very organized and interesting courses. Art and science were my favorite because it kept me entertained while I was learning. You will have lots of fun!...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A+

• 746 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Wheatley School

• East Williston Union Free School District, NY
• 8-12
• Rating 4.1 out of 5  106 reviews

Junior: I’m a junior and although the year was crazy hectic and stressful, most of my teachers helped make it less chaotic. Although, there were a few teachers who made the stress even worse by not teaching well or overloading work. Specifically, one of my teachers never knew what they were teaching about and never responded to emails. In addition the teacher was very unreasonable with every assignment and every grade. Overall, I do love Wheatley though. It’s such a small school that everyone knows every and I love that!...Read 106 Reviews

• grade A+

• 720 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio