The Knox School: A world-class education on New York’s doorstep

On the scenic North Shore of Long Island lies The Knox School, a co-ed boarding and day school for students grade 6 through 12 and PG. This vibrant institution prepares students for admission to the United States’ top universities, providing an inclusive community by the shore for all pupils, just 50 miles from the city lights of New York, and 90 minutes from the wonders of Fire Island’s ocean dunes.

The school’s campus is reachable by rail, air, car and even by water, making it conveniently accessible to students from nearby New York, the surrounding states and even overseas.  It is for this reason that the student body is so diverse, representing more than a dozen nations from all around the world.

If Long Island were its own state, it would be the 13th most populous in the United States. With a population of around 7.7 million inhabiting a 118-mile landmass from New York Harbor to Montauk Point, it is the most populous island in the United States, and the 17th most populated in the world – having more people than the entire nation of Jamaica, and also Ireland!

For such a small place, Long Island is rich with beauty and opportunity. For students at The Knox School, these wonders are right on their doorstep, providing endless opportunities for enrichment and excitement.

Here are 5 reasons why The Knox School has to be considered one of the most enviably located boarding schools in the world:

1. The wonders of “The Big Apple”

One thing that makes The Knox School’s setting so unique is its proximity to the nation’s cultural capital, being a convenient 50 miles from the hubbub of New York City. This prime location, paired with Long Island’s outstanding transportation network, means students have easy access to all the city has to offer, while learning and living in the safety and serenity of coastal Long Island.

What does being so close to NYC mean? It means kids are also close to some of the most famous cultural attractions in America:

Central Park – To visit the world-famous park, all that The Knox School students have to do is hop on a train. A proud and iconic landmark of the Big Apple, Central Park is a must-see for all Knox School visitors and residents. Boarding students can enjoy the park any time of year with picnics, walks and biking tours, theatre shows and 21 action-packed playparks scattered around the grounds.

The American Museum of Natural History – With 27 buildings that host 45 exhibition halls of both permanent and limited edition displays, there is no chance of running out of things to see at one of America’s finest museums. Knox School students have opportunities to bring their learning to life during trips to this iconic museum, which are part of the school’s experiential learning curriculum.

Baseball Games – Being so near to NYC means being close to Citi Field and Yankee Stadium, where The Knox School students can experience one of America’s most popular sports.

The Empire State Building – This 102-story architectural monument is right across from The Knox School. On those beautiful days when the sky is crisp and clear, you can go right up to the 86th floor and catch a breath-taking, panoramic view of the city.

The Statue of Liberty – Not that it really needs an introduction, but the sight of Lady Liberty is one that remains with students of The Knox School long after they graduate.

And these are just some of the attractions that students can indulge in – there’s a whole city out there for them to explore!

2. The Knox School students are never too far from the beach!

The beaches of Long Island are known around the world for their soft white sand, breath-taking breaks, spectacular boardwalks, beach trails and picnic areas, and stunning sunrises and sunsets throughout the year.

Beaches include Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, Sunken Meadow State Park and Montauk State Park, all of which are accessible from the school campus – providing Knox School students with days of endless fun. And of course, the Knox School itself is just a stone’s throw from the Long Island Sound.

The beaches give students the chance to swim, fish, kayak, surf and scuba dive in some of the most beautiful settings on the Atlantic Ocean.

3. And they are also never too far from some truly exciting wildlife…

Considering it’s so close to one of the world’s most busy and economically active metropolises, many are surprised to discover that Long Island is home to a vibrant abundance of wildlife. Due to its position right in the middle of a major migratory route, as well as its generous supply of clean, fresh wetlands and woods, Long Island is home to exciting species of birds and a variety of wildlife.

The region hosts many threatened and endangered species at its registered wildlife refuges. All that The Knox School students have to do is grab a pair of binoculars and set off along an island nature trail to discover an abundance of flora and fauna.

4. The island is rich in art & culture

Students of The Knox School are free to enjoy Long Island’s cultural offerings, including art museums and galleries like Nassau County Museum of Art, Heckscher Museum and the Parrish Art Museum – all of which reflect the region’s long creative history. But on top of this, being so near to NYC means being close to Broadway, and that has allowed The Knox School to build a network with some of theatre’s finest talents. This is extremely beneficial for the school’s more creative students.

Visual and performing arts at Knox are rich and relevant, with student learning experiences that are enhanced by the school’s partnership with Access Opera at the New York Metropolitan Opera and Education at the Roundabout Theater Company at several of Manhattan’s Broadway theatres. These are just some of the amazing opportunities that allow The Knox School’s aspiring artists to thrive.

5. The Knox School’s expansive 40-acre campus means the students don’t even have to leave to enjoy the wonders of the outdoors!

Set in large, green grounds with heaps of open space and clean air, the school boasts:

• Red brick dust and clay baseball field
• A clay softball field
• A gymnasium, performance stage, and student center
• Four state-of-the-art tennis courts
• An outdoor swimming pool
• A soccer field
• The shoreline campus cross-country course
• Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
• And a fitness center

Knox offers a wide range of sporting activities to help keep students healthy and happy. The school’s crew team has earned itself an excellent reputation in Long Island and beyond, training every week to take the lead at both local and national competitions. Knox is also well-known for its prestigious equestrian program that was founded in 1914, and is specially designed for students of all ages and levels of ability. The program is run by the Phebe T. Phillips Byrne ’68 Equestrian Center, a historic, horseshoe-shaped structure featuring 25 stalls, a newly renovated outdoor ring with sprinklers, a covered track with sand and rubber footing, a turnout field and a full jump course. Knox is part of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and competes on the local, regional and national levels.

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The Knox School is a dynamic and diverse community that fosters an ethos of personal and intellectual growth. The school provides challenging and engaging programs in an environment conducive to learning, with an experienced faculty who devote their care and attention to each individual student. Embracing high standards of character, commitment, and achievement, The Knox School encourages students to think critically and creatively so they emerge as poised and confident speakers, ready to take on the world.  

Feature image via Flickr