Syosset Senior High School

I graduated from Syosset about a decade ago. There is absolutely NO DOUBT in my mind that I received a top-notch education. The curriculum is diverse. About 90% of my teachers went above and beyond regardless of the student and truly care about the success of the students. I always strived to reach my full potential mainly because of the highly competitive nature of the school. This can either be a positive or negative depending on the type of student your child is. This brings me to the second point. This was not a very nurturing environment. While I received the best ACADEMIC education, social and emotional character development was never really addressed. Like I said previous, students are extremely competitive with academics, social groups, cliques, and extra curricular activities. Although its a highly rated school because of academics, I would not want my child to grow up in this environment where respect, loyalty, tolerance for others and general kindness isn't being fostered through the curriculum.

Extremely competitive environment, teachers are hit or miss - some super great ones, some really lousy ones. Student population is mostly very bright and the people who move to this district value education highly. The schools have the "Blue Ribbon" status and they do have strong PTA's and parent involvement. The students are not only competitive academically but socially as well. They can be cliquey and snobby. The student body is mostly white along with Asian and Indian student populations as well. The majority of students come from middle to upper middle class backgrounds. There is a sizable Jewish population. The school is located in a neighborhood surrounded by homes, however the main road into the school gets congested during arrival and dismissal hours. Lots of extra curricular activities, strong sports programs and opportunities for those in the arts and music programs. There are many college level courses to choose from and almost all the graduates go on to college...many to Ivy league and top colleges across the country.
—Submitted by a parent

Syosset HS is a great school because it offers excellent classes for students of all abilities. It is also a very generous school, where the students continuously raise funds and plan activities to help others. The giving spirit is what sets Syosset HS apart from the rest.
—Submitted by a teacher

I'm an alumni and I'm disappointed in having been to and graduating from this school. So much to the point that I don't have and even want to show association with this HS. only a couple of people will I remember and keep associations with. In fact I even loved college and middle/junio high school (and even preschool) way better than high school years. What a shame...

There is an emphasis on creativity in evry field, from music and art to mathematics and sports.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with both the positive and negative responses. I have graduated from Syosset High School and have become successful. The education is decent. But definitely yes, many of the negative aspects are well hidden by the faculty. The faculty strongly and obviously favors the 'elite ivy league bound' students and overlooks the average. Teachers hold a lot of power in Syosset high school. Bullying from teachers is in existent as well as from other students. Your child is only safe if she is part of the elite: just straight A's in some honor and regular classes is not enough... it has to be straight A + in all the top level classes and winner of state and international competitions, leader of sports and clubs, extraordinary activities and have some exceptional talent. Have all that and your child will get attention and respect from the school. Otherwise be ignored.
—Submitted by a student

Syosset is an amazing school. The standards are put extremely high for students. For example, every student in the high school takes certain Math courses a year earlier than other schools. My son is in 10th grade, and is taking Math 11 B2, a course that most Juniors take in other districts like Plainview. This could be good and bad because a) My son could take Pre-Calculus in 11th grade, and an AP course in 12th, and b) The course is very fast and difficult. Syosset also offers the top amount of AP (Advanced Placement) courses out of any schools in the county. Syosset has many great sports, music, theater, and many more great programs. Syosset is a great place for any child to go.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at Syosset High School infortunitly in my year becoming a Senor I had to move. I as a student see a lot difference in school. The eduction and atmosphere of students and teachers. There is more RESPECT in Syosset student to the teachers. I find respect to teachers a very importing part of education. I think Syosset has tought me that. I miss it dearly I wish I could go back
—Submitted by a student

The school is very diverse in its outside activities such as sports, clubs and academic teams. As a student, there isn't much that I can think of that is not offered at the school. I have not witnessed and severe bullying in this school since I've been here. It is very strong academically and is a great school all together.
—Submitted by a student

Syosset has a great school system, however the attitudes of the population can be detrimental to learning. Academic achivement is stressed and achieved in this district, but the stress to succeed while also worrying about your Prada bag can get to be a bit much, Great teachers, wealthy area, obnoxious pretentious student population.
—Submitted by a former student

If you are looking for a school that has extremely high academic standards, look no further. My daughter, who has been a solid straight-A student her entire academic life, is struggling to keep up wih the very demanding course load, homework assignments and after school activities. As a Freshman, she starts her day at 5:30 in the morning to review her notes from the previous day. She goes to school at 7 and returns at 3:30. I have seen her work straight through to 10 pm on many, many weeknights trying her best to maintain her grade point average. Let me tell youi, this is not easy! I would definitely recommend Syosset High School for those students looking to get into a top ive-league college.
—Submitted by a teacher

Syosset High School is like a private school. The teachers (with few exceptions) are all tops. The clubs offered are wonderful. The administration cares about the students. The only problem is the safety of the location. Something must be done about Southwoods Road.
—Submitted by a parent

The options are there if the kids want to take the opportunity. Teachers are excellent, although the parent's values leaves me befuddled at times - anything goes with many parents willing to be friends with their kids instead of parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Syooset offers a wide array of activities and curriculum. However, I found the faculty to be intolerant of students who needed extra attention. The school is much more interested in their overall rating then the actual students. Bullying is prevelent as well as much drug abuse in the school. Many aspects of Syosset High School are well hidden so as to try to substantiate the faculty's salary and supposed 'blue ribbon status' The school favors students who have extremely high intelliegence and neglets the 'average' student. This school is all about appearances with some good teachers. There have been many unhappy parents in this district.
—Submitted by a parent

its a reallly good school and it offers alot of programs like sports and clubs and theater
—Submitted by a student

Top-notch high school offering excellent teachers, engaging classes, numerous electives, and incredible extracurricular opportunities. The music department is nationally-recognized, and the school is known as a national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Principal Dr. Schneider deserves much praise.
—Submitted by a former student

Syosset is a very impressive high school. Actually, it is more akin to a prep school by virtue of the number of classes offered in a wide range of areas. Also, there is virtually every activity imaginable offered to address any interests a child may have. This school is definately deserving of all the praise it receives.
—Submitted by a former student

All things considered--a wonderful experience. The academic peer pressure is fierce; lots of very accomplished, bright, motivated students. Like any school the drug and alchol scene is there for the taking, but it is never forced on those who aren't interested. The programs and extracurriculars can't be beat. In fact, a book my daughter is reading as a freshman in college was read by her 9th grade honors english class! The arts programs are amazing also. The presence of BMWs and Range Rovers in the senior parking lot is off-putting, as is the way some of the students dress for school, but, hey-look where we live! SHS turned out an amazing young woman in my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

Ok, while this schools education program is great, the amount of stress these kids are in is ridiculous! My son had migranes that kept him home from school for two weeks cause of it. While we loved this school the kids are also very competitive and some are nasty. But the teachers are great, and the education your kids will get is amazing.
—Submitted by a student

My two sons graduated from Syosset High School and both went on to Harvard University. I believe that the school, it's teachers, the curriculum, and it's administrators were greatly responsible for their success. I have only good things to say about the schools.
—Submitted by a parent