What towns have the best schools?

An aerial view of a quiet Long Island residential neighborhood showcases the tree-lined streets, well-kept homes, and suburban communities that define much of Nassau and Suffolk counties. From historic villages to modern hamlets, Long Island's towns offer a diverse mix of neighborhoods, local businesses, parks, and family-friendly communities. File photo: Francesco Joesph, licensed. — An aerial view of a quiet Long Island residential neighborhood showcases the tree-lined streets, well-kept homes, and suburban communities that define much of Nassau and Suffolk counties. From historic villages to modern hamlets, Long Island’s towns offer a diverse mix of neighborhoods, local businesses, parks, and family-friendly communities. File photo: Francesco Joesph, licensed.

Long Island is home to many highly regarded public school districts, with numerous communities consistently recognized for academic achievement, graduation rates, college readiness, and extracurricular opportunities. Families relocating to Long Island often consider school quality alongside housing costs, taxes, and community amenities when choosing where to live.

In Short

Communities such as Great Neck, Garden City, Manhasset, Syosset, Jericho, Roslyn, Huntington, and Smithtown are frequently associated with highly regarded public school districts. School rankings can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to review current district performance and state education data.

What Towns Have the Best Schools on Long Island?

Long Island has earned a national reputation for educational excellence, with many school districts consistently receiving high marks for academic performance, graduation rates, Advanced Placement participation, music and arts programs, athletics, and college preparation. Communities across both Nassau County and Suffolk County offer outstanding educational opportunities.

Many of the highest-performing districts are located in central and northern Nassau County, while several Suffolk County communities also maintain strong academic reputations. Families often compare standardized test scores, graduation rates, class sizes, extracurricular activities, special education services, and college placement when evaluating school districts.

Because school district boundaries do not always match town or village boundaries, prospective homebuyers should verify which district serves a specific property before making a purchase. Reviewing current state report cards, district performance data, and local school information can provide a more complete picture than rankings alone.

Whether you’re relocating to Long Island or simply comparing communities, taking the time to research school districts can help you find the best educational environment for your family’s needs.

Quick Facts

Looking For…	General Information
Highly Rated Districts	Communities including Great Neck, Garden City, Manhasset, Syosset, Jericho, Roslyn, Huntington, and Smithtown are frequently recognized for strong public schools.
Compare Schools By	Academic performance, graduation rates, college readiness, extracurricular programs, class sizes, and state report cards.
Important Reminder	School district boundaries may differ from town or village boundaries, so always verify the assigned district for a specific address.
Research Resources	Review current district performance data, state education reports, and local school information before making a decision.

Long Island’s reputation for excellent public education continues to attract families from across New York and beyond. By comparing school districts alongside housing, taxes, commute times, and community amenities, you can find a town that offers both a high quality of life and outstanding educational opportunities.