The Knox School

Welcome to The Knox School! Our Latin motto, Semper ad Lucem – “always toward the light” – reminds our student body, faculty and administration to always strive for greatness in their academic, artistic, athletic and personal pursuits. Students join us as malleable middle schoolers, and graduate as proud seniors who have developed their passions for that which inspires them, and the ability to think independently, both of which are direct results of a Knox education. Our small faculty-to-student ratio gives students the unique opportunity to receive nurturing and mentoring; students lead the charge toward success, and faculty and administration care for them and guide them. Knox is a special place. Knox is a family.

Knox graduates often share that the academic demands, coupled with an expectation to be self-directed, was challenging for them; at the same time, they recognize and appreciate that a Knox education prepared them for the requirements of college and the adult world beyond the safe haven of our campus. Knox alums believe that living and learning at their Home Beside the Shore gave them the confidence to believe in themselves and their abilities, and to aspire to achieve more than which they ever dreamed they were capable. Knox’s ideologies and long-standing traditions have transformed our students for more than 110 years. Our community is proud of the successes of our graduates and we know that they are making a difference all over the world.

The Knox School is located in the village of Nissequogue between the shores of Stony Brook Harbor and the Long Island Sound. Our serene environment allows our students to enjoy the outdoors while discovering their inner selves. On a beautiful day, you will see young people playing soccer or throwing a frisbee on one of our expansive lawns, watching our bees make honey in our apiaries or sitting on our waterfront finishing an assignment or enjoying a good book. Other days, students will board buses and leave campus for a day, perhaps to head into New York City for a show or shopping, or stay closer to campus and catch the latest movie at the local cinema.

Our mission is to provide the opportunity for capable students to excel within a liberal arts program infused with artistic and athletic pursuits, in preparation for higher education at selective colleges and universities. To inspire in each student a love of learning and the desire to continually develop the skills necessary to lead happy, confident, and successful lives in a complex and changing world. Our Core Values:

• Adhering consistently in word and deed to principles of truth, honesty, trustworthiness, and sincerity.
• Demonstrating the internal strength to act, venture, or persevere in the face of difficulty.
• Building a foundation of knowledge and skills that allows for development of the intellect through openness of thought and freedom of inquiry.
• Acting with fairness, courtesy, timeliness, and sensitivity to individuals and to the community.
• Acting in accordance with what is right even in the absence of authority and being accountable for one's behavior.
• Acting with consideration, compassion, and empathy for others.

As an institution that is mission driven and intentional in its structure and purpose, The Knox School created its academic program to provide capable students with opportunities to excel within a liberal arts program that is infused with artistic and athletic pursuits. 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.

While we do not teach or test to the Common Core or Regents examinations, 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, electives that are relevant to the needs and interests of our student body, and a lively performing arts program, along with stimulating visual arts offerings. Academic support is also available through our ENL and BOOST programs, and leadership opportunities are always available for the taking in our classrooms, in our studios, and on our playing courts and fields. We are proud of the fact that the academic program at Knox is never static, but a dynamic entity of our School upon which we are always building.