For families moving to Long Island, school quality is often the number one factor in choosing a community. Long Island is home to some of the best public school districts in New York State — and the country. Here’s our guide to the top districts and what you can expect to pay for a home in each area.
Top Suffolk County School Districts
Smithtown Central School District
Consistently ranked among the top districts in Suffolk County, Smithtown CSD serves approximately 8,500 students across multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and two high schools. The district is known for strong academics, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular programs.
Median home price: $625,000 What families love: Large lots, safe neighborhoods, strong community sports programs
Half Hollow Hills Central School District (Commack/Dix Hills)
Half Hollow Hills is one of the highest-performing districts on Long Island, with graduation rates consistently above 95%. The district serves parts of Commack, Dix Hills, and Melville.
Median home price: $650,000 What families love: Academic excellence, diverse student body, excellent special education programs
Three Village Central School District (Setauket/Stony Brook)
Home to Stony Brook University, the Three Village district benefits from a college-town atmosphere with exceptional academic standards. Ward Melville High School regularly appears on national rankings lists.
Median home price: $600,000 What families love: Proximity to Stony Brook University, strong STEM programs, waterfront communities
Northport-East Northport School District
Known for its strong arts and music programs alongside rigorous academics, Northport-East Northport serves a tight-knit community on the North Shore of Suffolk County.
Median home price: $650,000 What families love: Walkable village, harbor views, outstanding performing arts programs
Top Nassau County School Districts
Garden City School District
Widely regarded as one of the finest school districts in New York State, Garden City consistently produces top test scores and sends graduates to elite universities. The charming village setting is a major draw for families.
Median home price: $950,000 What families love: Walkable downtown, architectural charm, exceptional academics at every level
Manhasset School District
Manhasset is regularly ranked in the top 10 districts in New York State. Small class sizes, extensive AP offerings, and a supportive community make it a top choice for education-focused families.
Median home price: $1,400,000 What families love: Small-town feel with easy access to NYC, world-class academics
Syosset Central School District
Syosset is known for academic rigor and a competitive environment that prepares students well for college. The district has strong science research and math competition programs.
Median home price: $850,000 What families love: Diverse community, strong STEM focus, excellent extracurriculars
Jericho School District
One of the highest-performing small districts on Long Island, Jericho consistently ranks at or near the top in state assessments. The community places a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
Median home price: $900,000 What families love: Top-tier academics, engaged parent community, safe neighborhoods
What to Consider Beyond Rankings
School rankings tell part of the story, but families should also consider:
- Class sizes — Some highly ranked districts have larger class sizes than you’d expect
- Program fit — Does the district excel in areas your child cares about (arts, sports, STEM)?
- Community culture — Visit the town, talk to parents, attend a school board meeting
- Property taxes — Top districts often come with higher tax bills. Factor this into your budget.
- Commute — Consider the trade-off between school quality and your daily commute
The Bottom Line
Long Island offers exceptional educational opportunities across both counties. The key is finding the right balance of academics, community, and affordability for your family.
Looking for a home in a top school district? Contact Team Perrone — we specialize in helping families find the perfect community.