Pengi Editor's Note
This Think Academy guide provides a detailed, data-driven comparison of Long Island's top public school districts — Syosset, Jericho, Roslyn, Great Neck, Manhasset, and East Williston — including SAT averages, per-pupil spending, AP participation rates, and math placement timelines. The Pengi editorial team selected it for families considering a move to Nassau County or planning their child's academic trajectory within these competitive districts.
Source: Think Academy Blog
New York Edu: Long Island Top Public High School Districts
Choosing the best school district or high school on Long Island isn't just about rankings — it's about finding the right academic path, advanced coursework, and strong college readiness support for your child.
In this guide, you'll get:
- A side-by-side comparison of the top Long Island school districts and high schools
- What makes each public high school stand out — academics, AP classes, honors programs, and extracurriculars
- How math tracks and placement tests shape your child's academic journey and college prep timeline
Whether you're considering a move or planning ahead, this guide will help you understand the top-ranked Long Island schools and choose the best fit for your family's goals.
Long Island's Top School Districts: Quick Overview
Long Island's public schools stand out for their strong academics and unique community structure. Here are some key facts parents should know:
- Size & Scope: Long Island (Nassau + Suffolk counties) has 120+ public school districts, serving nearly 500,000 students.
- High Performance: Districts often outperform state and national averages in test scores, graduation rates, and college placement.
- Local Funding: Schools are funded mainly by property taxes, allowing for higher investment — over $30K per student, compared to the U.S. average of ~$15K.
- Class Size & Ratios: Most districts keep 17–21 students per class and maintain low student–teacher ratios (9:1 to 13:1).
- Community-Based: Each town typically has its own district, with strong parent involvement and active PTAs.
- College Prep Strength: Many districts, especially in Nassau County, have strong track records for AP courses, STEM programs, and Ivy+ college admissions.
This guide focuses on six of the most sought-after districts in Nassau County: Syosset, Jericho, Roslyn, Great Neck, Manhasset, and East Williston. These districts are known for their rigorous academics, competitive culture, and high college readiness.
District-by-District Comparison
| School District | Niche Ranking (NY) | Enrollment | Avg. Class Size | Student-Teacher Ratio | Per-Pupil Spending ($) | Grades 3–8 Avg. Math (%) | Avg. SAT | 4-Year Graduation Rate | HS US News Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Williston UFSD | 1 | 1,594 | 19 | 9:1 | $36,230 | 92% | 1360 | 98% | — |
| Syosset CSD | 2 | 6,886 | 21 | 11:1 | $33,389 | 93% | 1390 | 99% | #259 |
| Jericho UFSD | 3 | 3,223 | 18 | 12:1 | $35,164 | 92% | 1430 | 97% | #114 |
| Roslyn UFSD | 4 | 3,277 | 21 | 12:1 | $30,783 | 87% | 1400 | 97% | #493 |
| Great Neck PS | 5 | 6,585 | 20 | 11:1 | $32,030 | 90% | 1410 | 95% | South #206 / North #399 |
| Manhasset UFSD | 6 | 2,996 | 17 | 13:1 | $30,124 | 91% | 1390 | 96% | #177 |
Academic proficiency scores refer to the percentage of students scoring at Level 3–4 (proficient or above) in state assessments for Grades 3–8. SAT scores and student–teacher ratios are sourced from Niche.com. All other figures are based on the 2023–2024 New York State Education Department School Report.
District Highlights:
- Highest SAT Performance: Jericho leads with an average 1430 SAT, showing its strength in preparing students for competitive college admissions.
- Best ELA Results: Manhasset posts the highest ELA scores (83%), giving it an edge in literacy and well-rounded academics.
- Strongest Math Scores & Graduation Rate: Syosset stands out with the highest Math proficiency (93%) and the top graduation rate (99%).
- Most Investment per Student: East Williston spends about $36K per student — the highest in the group — paired with the lowest student–teacher ratio (9:1) for more individualized support.
Long Island's Top High Schools: Detailed Comparison
High school is where it all comes together — grades start to matter more, AP and honors courses open up, and college planning begins in earnest.
1. Jericho Union Free School District – Jericho High School
One of Long Island's most competitive districts, Jericho is known for its Ivy-level college outcomes and rigorous academics.
- 95% AP participation; strong STEM & research track
- Signature programs: Research Design, Leadership (BOLT)
- Offers 5+ world languages and diverse electives from coding to business
2. Great Neck Public Schools – Great Neck South & North High School
Split into North and South High, each campus has distinct strengths.
- South High: Fast-paced academics, strong STEM clubs
- North High: Rich arts programs and well-rounded curriculum — ideal for families seeking balance between academic challenge and enrichment.
3. Syosset Central School District – Syosset High School
A standout for languages and the arts, Syosset supports early exploration and creativity.
- Offers 8+ world languages by 9th grade
- Known for SySTEM Robotics and Stage Design courses
- Strong music and visual arts programs with veteran faculty
4. Manhasset Union Free School District – Manhasset Secondary School
Manhasset combines rigorous STEM education with athletic tradition.
- Offers AP Capstone and a strong research program
- Science electives include marine biology and astronomy
- Competitive lacrosse and well-rounded sports offerings
5. Roslyn Union Free School District – Roslyn High School
Roslyn excels in humanities and AP offerings, while supporting STEM growth.
- Offers 26 APs including European History and Italian
- Features a research program for science-inclined students
- Strong community support and leadership development
High School Summary Table
| School Name | District | US News Rank | Students | Graduation Rate | Avg SAT | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jericho High School | Jericho UFSD | #114 | 1,257 | 98% | 1430 | Top-ranked nationally, rigorous academics, high college admissions |
| Great Neck South HS | Great Neck UFSD | #206 | 1,263 | 97% | 1410 | Rich AP offerings, holistic development |
| Syosset High School | Syosset CSD | #259 | 2,265 | 99% | 1390 | Strong academics, wide extracurriculars |
| Manhasset Secondary | Manhasset UFSD | #177 | 961 | 96% | 1390 | 7–12 unified school, strong STEM |
| Roslyn High School | Roslyn UFSD | #493 | 1,036 | 97% | 1400 | Innovative teaching, strong arts |
Math Pathways Across Districts
One key question for parents: How fast should my child move in math? The answer depends on your district.
| District | 8th Grade Algebra 1 Participation | 8th Grade Algebra 1 Pass Rate | AP Math Participation | AP Science Participation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jericho UFSD | 55% | 100% | 23% | 32% |
| Great Neck PS | 38% | 100% | 11% | 21% |
| Syosset CSD | 95% | 100% | 17% | 24% |
| Manhasset UFSD | 44% | 100% | 14% | 30% |
| Roslyn UFSD | 82% | 100% | 18% | 25% |
Insights on Math and AP Course Progression:
- Syosset moves fastest — 95% of students take Algebra 1 by 8th grade, thanks to a district-wide accelerated track.
- Jericho starts slower (55% in Algebra 1 by 8th grade) but leads in AP Math and Science later, showing strong high school rigor.
- Manhasset offers an advanced Honors path where top students reach Geometry by 8th grade.
- Roslyn separates students into standard and Research Honors tracks — most follow the Honors path.
- Great Neck keeps a moderate pace, balancing readiness and flexibility without early acceleration pressure.
Math Placement Timeline in Top Long Island School Districts
In most Long Island districts, middle school math placement begins as early as Grade 6, but timelines and criteria vary significantly by district.
| District | Key Placement Stage | Criteria & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jericho | End of Grade 6 → Grade 7 | Students grouped into small, ability-based classes (~25 students); early acceleration in both math and science. |
| Great Neck | Grade 6 | Placed into either Math 6R or enriched math based on Grade 4 NYS test scores and Grade 5 teacher recommendations. |
| Manhasset | Grades 4–5 | Uses CogAT scores from the previous year. Accelerated students can take Grade 7+8 math in Grade 6, or begin high school-level content in Grade 7. |
| Syosset | Grade 7 → Grade 8 | No formal tracking in Grades 6–7. Starting Grade 3, top CogAT scorers join "Project Beyond." Parents apply online for placement into Algebra 1 in Grade 8. |
| Roslyn | End of Grade 7 → Grade 8 | Placement into Research Honor or Honor tracks based on Grade 6 and Pre-Algebra performance. |
All data cited come from official school websites, Niche.com, Greatschool.org, U.S. News & World Report, and other publicly available sources.
Understanding how math pathways work at top public high schools is only the first step. The more important question is where your child currently stands — and whether their present math level, pacing, and problem-solving readiness align with the accelerated track required to access advanced courses later on.
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