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: 19
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 83%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Noteworthy Information:
34% of Knox faculty have college teaching experience. Students can earn up to 32 college credits in the arts, sciences, and humanities through dual enrollment courses taught by Knox faculty who are accredited by a local college and university.
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
- Psychology
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
- Music Theory
Performing / Visual Arts
- Acting
- Ceramics
- Design
- Drawing
- Film and Video
- Graphic Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Portfolio
- Pottery
- Printmaking
- Publications
- Stagecraft
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts
- 3-D Art
- 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
- Future Business Leaders of America
- 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 Power
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, 8 World Records, 4 athletes in the Olympic Development Program, Long Island Coach of the Year
Arts
- Acting
- Ceramics
- Design
- Drawing
- Film and Video
- Graphic Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Portfolio
- Pottery
- Printmaking
- Publications
- Stagecraft
- Studio Art
- Theater Arts
- 3-D Art
- Digital Imaging
- Multimedia
- Illustration
Interscholastic Sports
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross Country Running
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Soccer
- Volleyball
Recreational Sports
- Equestrian
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Weight Lifting
- Yoga
- Fitness
- Outdoor Activities
Graduates
Summary: The Knox College Counseling Experience is a program designed by Knox leaders with decades of experience. We teach students to take control of the college application process and give parents peace of mind knowing that their children will be guided by experts every step of the way. Key highlights of The Knox College Counseling Experience: Our program begins in 9th Grade and provides individualized, step-by-step guidance from our experienced College Planning Team; One-on-one counseling with the Dean of Academics will help students select classes that build the most compelling transcripts, brag sheets, and resumes; College visits, virtual information sessions, and talks with Knox alumni aid students in planning for their post-secondary journey; Our one-of-a-kind Graduate Seminar class, designed by a college professor, is required for all seniors. This course not only completes the college application process, but provides fundamental knowledge of the freshman year college experience, and ensures that Knox graduates enter college with a competitive advantage over their peers from other high schools
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: 66
Total Day: 40
Total Enrollment: 106
Boys: 51
Girls: 55
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: $60,000
5-Day Boarding: $50,000
Day Tuition Fee: $27,000
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: Cindy Simkus
Admissions Phone: 631 686 1600 x414
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
- The Taft School - 48mi / 77 km
- Canterbury School - 48mi / 77 km
- Ross School - 50mi / 80 km








School Events
Saturday Apr 29 2023 - Saturday Apr 29 2023
10:00:00am - 01:00:00pm
Join us on our beautiful Long Island campus for our annual Spring Open House! Meet with student ambassadors, faculty, and members of the leadership team, take a campus tour and learn about all the Knox programs that are designed with YOU in mind.
Wednesday Apr 19 2023 - Wednesday Apr 19 2023
07:00:00pm - 08:00:00pm
Join our live webinar and learn about The Knox School’s boundless programs designed with YOU in mind. Our friendly staff will present information about Knox’s rigorous College Preparatory Academics, Stress-Free College Counseling, Competitive Athletics, Dynamic Arts, and multicultural Student Life community. Guests will receive answers to any questions they may have about The Knox School or the application process.
Saturday Feb 04 2023 - Saturday Feb 04 2023
10:00:00am - 01:00:00pm
The Knox School is pleased to invite you to our beautiful, waterfront campus for our annual Winter Open House. Meet School leaders like the Head of School, Dean of Academics, and Director of Athletics, meet knowledg3able Student Ambassadors who will take you on a tour, and learn about our vibrant arts, student life, and campus programs designed with YOU in mind.
Wednesday Feb 15 2023 - Wednesday Feb 15 2023
07:00:00pm - 08:00:00pm
Join our live webinar and learn about The Knox School’s boundless programs designed with YOU in mind. Our friendly staff will present information about Knox’s rigorous College Preparatory Academics, Stress-Free College Counseling, Competitive Athletics, Dynamic Arts, and multicultural Student Life community. Guests will receive answers to any questions they may have about The Knox School or the application process.
Wednesday Jan 18 2023 - Wednesday Jan 18 2023
07:00:00pm - 08:00:00pm
Join our live webinar and learn about The Knox School’s boundless programs designed with YOU in mind. Our friendly staff will present information about Knox’s rigorous College Preparatory Academics, Stress-Free College Counseling, Competitive Athletics, Dynamic Arts, and multicultural Student Life community. Guests will receive answers to any questions they may have about The Knox School or the application process.
Wednesday Dec 07 2022 - Wednesday Dec 07 2022
07:00:00pm - 08:00:00pm
Join our live webinar and learn about The Knox School’s boundless programs designed with YOU in mind. Our friendly staff will present information about Knox’s rigorous College Preparatory Academics, Stress-Free College Counseling, Competitive Athletics, Dynamic Arts, and multicultural Student Life community. Guests will receive answers to any questions they may have about The Knox School or the application process.