The Knox School
Overview

THE KNOX SCHOOL is a progressive, co-educational, independent, college preparatory boarding and day school located on 40 acres of serene waterfront property along the North Shore of Long Island, New York. Just minutes from Manhattan, our small yet diverse student body represents more than 15 countries, and attracts students from local Long Island communities, the New York tri-state area, and across the U.S. Founded in 1904, The Knox School is Long Island’s oldest established private school. Our inclusive environment serves grades 6-12 and Post Graduate, providing students with a broad world perspective and a wide range of skills to prepare them for the next phase of their journeys. At Knox everyone knows your name and each student’s potential is unlocked and maximized because of the boundless experiences a Knox education provides. We are proud of our 100% acceptance to top four year universities. Whether you are an aspiring engineer or equestrian, artist or architect, performer or physicist, a Knox education unlocks every student’s potential and prepares them for success after high school. In addition to superior college preparatory academics, Knox provides an integrative co-curricular campus experience. Students are supported as they explore interest-driven clubs, hands-on service learning, multidisciplinary opportunities in the Visual & Performing Arts, and a nationally-competitive Athletics program. Knox’s encouraging community gives students confidence to take risks and to strive for excellence.
Academics
Summary: Knox students enjoy experiences of discovery and learning that will prepare them for life in college and beyond. Our team of administrators and educators are driven by a collective vision and desire to inspire in each student a lifelong love of learning, and to nurture and celebrate each individual’s strengths and talents. Our standards and expectations of our students align with or exceed the rigor of state and national education standards. We offer a wide variety of AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities to earn college credit, electives that are relevant to the needs and interests of our student body, a lively performing arts program taught by industry professionals, and extensive visual art offerings with portfolio development supported by accomplished artists.
Department Director Donna Pergola
Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Average Class Size: 12
Summer Programs: Not Offered
Full Time Teachers: 26
Number of AP Courses Offered: 17
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 78%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Learning Support
- Peer Tutoring
- Study Skills Assistance
English
- Creative Writing
- Honors
- Literature
- Composition
- AP English Language
- AP English Literature
- American Literature
History
- Honors
- United States History
- World History
Foreign Languages
- Chinese-Mandarin
- French
- Spanish
- English as a Second Language
Religion / Philosophy
- Ethics
- Philosophy
Humanities / Social Sciences
- Economics
- Psychology
Sciences
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- Health
- Marine Biology
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Physiology
- Life Science
- Computer Science
- Robotics
Math
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Geometry
- Honors Math
- Statistics
- Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus
- Pre-Algebra
Computer Studies
- Multimedia
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Robotics
- Graphic Design
- Computer Engineering
- Digital Media
Music
- Choral Music
- Individual Instructions
- Music History
Performing / Visual Arts
- Ceramics
- Design
- Drawing
- Film and Video
- Graphic Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Portfolio
- Pottery
- Printmaking
- Publications
- Stagecraft
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts
- Digital Imaging
- Multimedia
- Illustration
Special Programs
- Community Service
- Independent Study
- Leadership
- Physical Education
- Robotics
- Student Council
- Science Research
- Digital Design
- Maker Space
Distinctive or New Programs
Dual Enrollment Program: Taught by our own qualified Knox faculty, in coordination with local colleges and universities, qualified students may take college courses at The Knox School during their regular school hours, while simultaneously working toward high school graduation.
Campus Life
Dorm Life
Number of Dorms: 4
Average Students Per Dorm: 25
Number of Girls Dorms: 2
Number of Boys Dorms: 2
Dorm Amenities
- Laundry Facilities
- Lounge
- Vending Machines
- Wireless Internet
- Full Kitchen
- Refrigerator
Other Dorm Amenities
Student Life
Boarding and Day students have the opportunity to find and pursue their interests in a safe, family atmosphere. Whether celebrating birthdays and student achievements in all-school morning meetings, working together to benefit the local community through service learning projects, participating in one of many student-driven clubs and organizations, or cheering on their teammates for the next Falcons win, we strive to build a culture of community that permeates the student body. Each of the residential houses has one or more faculty members, many of whom live with their families. Our dorm parents serve in the best tradition of "In Loco Parentis," as they look after the academic and social/emotional development of each student. Our residential faculty are truly special people who do not approach dorm life as merely a job; rather, they know how important their role is in the everyday life of a young person at Knox. They are committed—in unique and individual ways—to ensuring that the students in their care feel valued, safe, and a part of something greater than themselves.
Facilities
- Basketball Court
- Fitness Center
- Indoor Basketball Court
- Pool
- Technology Center
- Volleyball Court
- Softball Diamond
- Soccer Field
- Tennis Courts
- Dance Studio
- Weight Room
- Athletic Fields
- Waterfront
- Equestrian Facilities
- Cross Country Trails
- Rowing Facility
Other Facilities
Clubs & Organizations
- Amnesty International
- Community Service
- Diversity Club
- Honor Council
- International Club
- Literary Magazine
- Model UN
- National Honor Society
- Peer Tutoring
- Science Bowl
- Student Government
- Student Publications
- Yearbook
- Yoga Club
- Robotics
- GSA
Arts & Athletics
Summary: Every year, The Knox School presents a Fall Play and a Spring Musical, as well as performances in school assemblies and community events. We have an annual Talent Show, music recitals, coffeehouse "open mic" nights, and end of year performances at multiple ceremonies. As part of our Arts curriculum, we offer Theatre and Stagecraft classes, Choir and Music History, as well as middle school Performing Arts. The Athletics Program at The Knox School is an integral part of our students' educational experience. Staying true to the school's core values, the Athletics Department promotes the total development of our student-athletes. Our competitive and interscholastic sports emphasize trust, teamwork, sportsmanship and respect, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all. As young people face the physical and emotional challenges in athletics, they develop personal values and learn to take intelligent risks. An active lifestyle is fundamental to a student's well being, and the Knox Athletic Department allows students a chance to balance their academics with healthy activity. This helps students mature in several ways, learning leadership skills, time management, and cooperation.
Arts Department Director: Karyn Cernera Bush
Athletics Department Director: Liam Doughty
Notable Achievements: 100% high school participation in the arts and athletics. Artists exhibit work both on campus and in the community. 3 League Championships, 2 State Championships, 6 World Records, 4 athletes in the Olympic Development Program, Long Island Coach of the Year
Arts
- Ceramics
- Design
- Drawing
- Film and Video
- Graphic Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Portfolio
- Pottery
- Printmaking
- Publications
- Stagecraft
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts
- Digital Imaging
- Multimedia
- Illustration
Interscholastic Sports
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross Country Running
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Recreational Sports
- Equestrian
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Weight Lifting
- Yoga
- Fitness
- Outdoor Activities
Graduates
Summary: The college search process is an exciting and informative experience. As the world has grown more complex, the process has become increasingly complicated through the influences of college rankings, standardized testing and test preparation, and increased selectivity among elite colleges and universities. Every fall, The Knox School hosts a College Fair attended by representatives from leading colleges and universities. Knox’s College Counseling office helps students identify university settings that are the “right fit” for them based upon criteria such as academic challenge, career goals, general interests, and geographic considerations. College counselors work one-on-one with students to prepare for college admissions, a process that includes ongoing personal college counseling; information sessions during their junior year; college fairs; assistance with materials that add depth and distinction to each application; and most importantly, by encouraging students to follow their passions and become confident and competent young adults. Guiding students to success involves a team effort between counselors, teachers and advisors. Each student is encouraged to reach his or her full potential by developing critical thinking skills and creative problem-solving, clear and effective written and oral communication skills, and by attaining the highest possible GPA through challenging and relevant coursework. The college counseling office has an open door policy. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit or call at anytime. Colleges and universities visit Knox in the fall and spring. The office also assists with registration and preparation for the PSAT in both sophomore and junior years, as well as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), SAT Subject Area Tests, and the American College Test (ACT). The office also assists international students in preparing for the TOEFL.
College Information
Precentage of graduates who attend college: 100%
Middle Percentile of SAT Scores | Reading | Math | Writing |
---|---|---|---|
25th percentile | |||
75th percentile |
College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:
Notable Alumni
Millie Chan
Class of 1987
Product Designer, Business Owner and CEO
Dr. Matthew Rosen
Class of 1988
Physicist
Miles Chamley-Watson
Class of 2008
U.S. Olympian in Fencing (2012, 2016); 3-time First Team All-American
Dr. Benjamin Cilento
Class of 1985
Noted Plastic & Reconstructed Surgeon
Michael Schenker
Class of 1984
Television Producer
Phebe T. Phillips Byrne
Class of 1968
Noted Equestrian; winner National Horse of the Year 1990
Tim Eriksen
Class of 1984
Ethnomusicologist, Singer, Songwriter
Lisa Gay Hamilton
Class of 1981
Broadway, Film & TV Actor
Chris Strompolos
Class of 1989
Film Producer
Quotes From Alumni
Vital Information
Student Body Type: Coed
Total Boarding: 57
Total Day: 69
Total Enrollment: 126
Boys: 67
Girls: 59
Boarding Grades Offered: 6-12
Day Grades Offered: 6-12
School Type: Middle, High School, Post-grad
Dress Code: Uniform
Applications Accepted: SAO
Application Deadline: Rolling
Tuition & Financial Aid
7-Day Boarding: $55,400
5-Day Boarding: $44,350
Day Tuition Fee: $25,000
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 35%
Average Awarded: $23,290
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Not Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %
Average Merit Scholarship: $
Current Endowment Amount: $1,500,000
Contact
Director of Admissions: Caitlyn Adams-Davis
Admissions Phone: 631 686 1600 x418
Fax: 631 686 1653
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.knoxschool.org
Nearby Schools
- The Masters School - 36mi / 58 km
- Westover School - 42mi / 68 km
- Choate Rosemary Hall - 42mi / 68 km
- Cheshire Academy - 43mi / 69 km
- The Taft School - 48mi / 77 km
- Canterbury School - 48mi / 77 km





School Events
Saturday Feb 12 2022 - Saturday Feb 12 2022
10:00:00am - 02:00:00pm
Join us for a day on campus to meet with faculty, take a tour of our 40-acre waterfront campus, and learn more about how a Knox education can help your child unlock their potential. Our admissions team, school leaders and student ambassadors look forward to speaking with you and answering your questions. Register in advance to save your space at this event.
Wednesday Dec 01 2021 - Monday Feb 28 2022
Join the Admissions Office for an introduction to Knox’s community and offered programs. Director of Admissions Caitlyn Adams-Davis will provide an overview of how Knox’s Academic rigor, competitive Athletics, dynamic Arts program, and multicultural Student Life community guide students to unlock and maximize their potential. This is an opportunity for families to ask any questions they may have about The Knox School and the application process. Register in advance to receive a Zoom link. Upcoming Dates: December 9; January 5, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27; February 22
Monday Feb 07 2022 - Friday Feb 11 2022
Each evening features a different topic and guest speaker from our faculty or leadership team. Attend the sessions that matter most to you or hear from all of our guest speakers for a complete picture of what The Knox School has to offer. Register in advance to receive a Zoom link.
Wednesday Dec 01 2021 - Monday Feb 28 2022
Take a virtual walking tour of our beautiful campus while learning about how we unlock student potential through our challenging academics and college credit program, exceptional college placement and scholarship outcomes, strong community where students feel like they are part of a family, boundless experience with competitive athletic offerings and robust visual & performing arts programs. Register in advance to receive a Zoom link. Upcoming Dates: December 2; January 6, 12, 18 & 26; February 2, 9 & 21.