Long Island’s Top Preschools & Montessori Schools
Choosing a preschool is one of the first big milestones in your parenting journey, and it’s a meaningful one. For many families, it’s where children begin to explore the world beyond home, make new friends, and start building the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Preschools across New York offer more than finger painting and storytime (though there’s plenty of that, too!). They blend creativity, structure, and play-based learning to support children’s social, emotional, and intellectual growth. The right preschool not only eases the transition to kindergarten but also gives parents peace of mind. To help you in this exciting stage, we’ve rounded up standout preschools near you to find the perfect fit for your family.
Buckely Country Day
2 I. U. Willets Road, Roslyn
516-627-1910
cfortuna@buckleycountryday.com
buckleycountryday.com
Buckley Country Day School is an inclusive community that nurtures the whole child, preparing students for success in high school, college, and beyond. The school’s mission, Opening The Eyes And Awakening The Mind, is at the heart of its curriculum, where Buckley’s youngest learners embark on a lifetime of discovery in a caring, positive environment. The school’s Early Childhood program supports children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development through play-based learning, laying a strong foundation for entry into Lower School. Buckley welcomes students as young as 2 years old in Pre-Nursery and admits students on a rolling basis through grade seven. Visit Buckley’s 28-acre Roslyn campus and discover the difference a Buckley education can make.
Countryside Montessori School
354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck
516-466-8422
info@cmsgn.com
cmsgn.com
Countryside Montessori School believes in creating a peaceful atmosphere where respect toward each other, community and the environment are an everyday occurrence. The school offers children ages 18 months to 6 years a well-balanced and enriched curriculum, which includes traditional subjects, art, and music. They are in an estate-like setting with an outdoor playground and nature walks. Classrooms are fully equipped and spacious. The school has two toddler classrooms and two primary classrooms. The toddler class is for 18 months to 3 years old. The primary class is for 3 to 6-year-olds and includes nursery, pre-K, and kindergarten. The primary class curriculum contemplates a three-year cycle. There are after-school programs offered throughout the school year.
Friends Academy
270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley
516-676-0393
admissions@fa.org
friendsacademy.org
Friends Academy cultivates a vibrant culture of inquiry and engagement that begins in early childhood. This strong foundation guides children to grow into the best versions of themselves as they tackle the school’s rigorous academic programs in later years. The school’s Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum nurtures curiosity while building essential literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning skills. Rooted in Quaker values, Early Childhood at Friends Academy emphasizes exploration and inquiry as the heart of learning, guided by our dedicated and highly skilled educators. They believe children thrive when they are passionate and motivated. Through hands-on, multi-sensory experiences, children develop critical thinking skills and learn to appreciate diverse voices and ideas, empowering them to contribute positively to the world around them.
The Green Vale School
250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville
516-621-2420
admissions@greenvaleschool.org
greenvaleschool.org
The Green Vale School is Long Island’s largest independent school, serving students from Pre-Nursery through 8th Grade. Our Early Childhood program offers a warm, nurturing environment that supports the growth of the whole child during these formative years. Children engage in a joyful, developmentally rich curriculum that blends academic readiness with creativity and play. In addition to vibrant classroom learning, students enjoy a wide range of specials, including science, Spanish, technology, movement, music, art, and physical education. Daily outdoor time is prioritized. Our 40-acre campus serves as an extension of the classroom, encouraging exploration, discovery, and connection. At Green Vale, young learners build a strong foundation through meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
The Hagedorn Little Village School
750 Hicksville Road, Seaford
516-520-6000
littlevillage.org
The mission of The Hagedorn
Little Village School(HLVS) Jack Joel Center for Special Children is to provide the finest educational and therapeutic programs to infants, preschool and elementary school children with a wide range of developmental delays and disabilities. Staff strives to help each child they serve achieve their highest potential, educationally, emotionally and socially by creating a nurturing environment for the child and a supportive framework for their families. Further information can be found on the website: www.littlevillage.org.
Long Island School for the Gifted
815 Convent Rd., Syosset
631-423-3557
admissions@lisg.org
lisg.org
For over 40 years, the Long Island School for the Gifted (LISG) has offered an accelerated curriculum for students from pre-K through grade 9 in a nurturing environment where they will be both intellectually challenged and socially comfortable. LISG helps gifted students thrive by developing the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for life by nurturing their unique abilities. With small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio, the school emphasizes personalized instruction. Admission requires an IQ score of 130 or higher. LISG’s comprehensive approach addresses both academic and emotional needs, fostering the development of well-rounded individuals. Graduates often excel in higher education and beyond.
Portledge School
355 Duck Pond Road Locust Valley
516-750-3222
rsupple@portledge.org
www.portledge.org
At Portledge School, even the youngest students ask big questions. The Early Childhood Program offers a nurturing, engaging environment where children begin their educational journey with curiosity and confidence. Located on a picturesque campus, the program balances academic readiness with social and emotional growth through hands-on learning, creative play, and personalized attention. Experienced educators inspire a love of learning by encouraging exploration, critical thinking, and collaboration. The curriculum includes early literacy, math, science, and the arts, tailored to each child’s developmental stage. Outdoor play, music, and movement are part of the daily experience. With a focus on character, community, and discovery, Portledge prepares children for future academic success and a lifelong passion for learning.
