Niche names 13 Long Island districts best in New York State
The Syosset school district topped the list of best districts in the state in rankings released by Niche. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Thirteen Long Island public school districts have been named among the top 20 in New York State in the Niche 2026 Best School Districts rankings.
Syosset Central School District was listed as No. 1 in the state and second in the country.
The district of 7,016 students in grades K-12 received an A+ grade for multiple factors, its Niche description said, including its student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.
According to state test scores, 87% of students are at least proficient in math and 78% in reading.
“This recognition is the culmination of years of dedication — by our kids, our teachers, our leaders and the behind-the-scenes staff who keep us moving forward," schools Superintendent Thomas Rogers said in an emailed statement. "It is also the product of our parents, our [school] board and a community that has truly made education a priority in Syosset.”
Niche analyzes public data sets including those from the federal Department of Education, U.S. Census and FBI, as well as reviews and survey responses to create their school and district rankings.
To calculate the Best School Districts list, the organization says the district’s academic grade, based on state assessment proficiency, college enrollment data and survey responses on academics from students and parents, holds the most weight and counts for 50% of the ranking.
The district's Teacher Grade, based on teacher salary, teacher absenteeism, state test results and survey responses on teachers from students and parents, makes up 15% of the ranking, according to Niche.
Other factors taken into account include culture and diversity, resources and facilities, clubs and activities, sports and parent/student surveys on "overall experience" in the district.
In addition to Syosset, Island districts named on the list include:
- Roslyn, ranked second in the state and third nationally
- Half Hollow Hills Central District in Suffolk County, ranked third in the state and ninth nationally
- Jericho, ranked fourth in the state and 10th nationally
- Great Neck, ranked sixth in the state and 20th nationally
- Manhasset, ranked seventh in the state and 21st nationally
- East Williston, ranked eighth in the state
- Bethpage, ranked ninth in the state
- Hewlett-Woodmere, ranked 10th in the state
- Herricks, ranked 11th in the state
- Bellmore-Merrick, ranked 14th in the state
- Three Village, ranked 16th in the state
- Plainview-Old Bethpage, ranked 18th in the state
