What families ask before they visit.

Families in non-city New York school districts may qualify for district-provided transportation to a nonpublic K–8 school when they meet local and state distance rules. State law generally covers eligible trips of up to 15 miles, and parents must submit a written request to their home district by April 1 before the school year begins. Confirm eligibility and forms directly with your district. Read the New York State transportation guidance.

Contact your home district immediately. A district may review a late request when there is a reasonable explanation or when it can provide transportation without additional cost. Families who move into a district after April 1 generally have 30 days from the move to request service. The district makes the final determination.

Transportation rules for city residents differ from those for non-city school districts, and service to a school outside New York City is not guaranteed. Speak with Progressive and the New York City Public Schools transportation office before relying on busing or a student transit card. Review NYCPS transportation information.

Progressive families have historically come from Baldwin, Long Beach, the Merricks, the Bellmores, East Meadow, Freeport, Rockville Centre, and other communities within roughly 15 miles. Contact the school to ask about current families and transportation patterns near you.

There is no separate entrance exam. The admissions process includes a classroom evaluation visit so the school and family can consider fit. Applicants to grades 4–8 may be asked to visit for two days; the school will confirm the schedule for your child.

The school looks for students who show an interest in learning, age-appropriate social skills, cooperative behavior, and the ability to focus with growing independence. Individualized academics can also serve students working above grade level. A visit and direct conversation are the best ways to consider fit.

Progressive can support some specific learning differences, but it does not have the resources for every learning, behavioral, or support need. Families should speak privately with the school about the child’s needs and the services currently available before applying.

Families often describe four priorities:

1. Educational: small classes, individual attention, and room to move ahead without boredom.
2. Cultural: art, music, drama, language, cultural diversity, and exposure to enduring ideas.
3. Character: a community where kindness, cooperation, and clear expectations are taught and practiced.
4. Philosophical: a whole-child education focused on lasting values rather than constant test preparation.

No. Progressive is a private, non-sectarian, nonprofit elementary and middle school. It is open to families from varied cultural and religious backgrounds.

Tuition can change by school year. Review the school’s tuition page, then contact the office to confirm the amount, payment options, and any other current charges.

Classes typically have an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

No. Elementary and middle school enrollment is just under 100 students, creating one close-knit K–8 community.

The school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Aftercare is available for a nominal fee. Before-care availability, schedules, and rates can change, so please contact the office before making transportation or work arrangements.

Progressive does not operate school sports teams. Several clubs meet before or after school; some are free and others carry a small fee. Students and families are encouraged to suggest or help begin new clubs.

Yes. The school has historically scheduled about five or six field trips each year. Destinations and timing vary with the grade, curriculum, and school calendar.

Progressive views education as a collaborative journey. Faculty lead academic instruction; families are encouraged to stay engaged with their child’s academic progress and character development so school and home can work consistently together.

No. Volunteering and fundraising are not required. Families who want to participate may find opportunities through field trips, arts and crafts, classroom activities, events, and other school projects.

Progressive seeks a community with a wide range of economic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Small enrollment gives students across grades regular opportunities to know and learn from one another.

The curriculum is designed to be deeply engaging and intellectually stimulating, prioritizing depth of understanding over rote memorization. Students learn through projects inside and outside the classroom, discussion, writing, and interactive exploration. Explore the curriculum.

Progressive does not publish a formal schoolwide tutoring program. Contact the office to ask whether any teachers currently offer private tutoring after school and how those arrangements are handled.

Yes. Physical education is part of the program, and classroom teachers also supervise regular recess and sports activities. Ask the school for the current weekly schedule by grade.

Music instruction has included recorder beginning in grade 3 and ukulele, keyboard, and percussion beginning in grade 5, along with band and choir opportunities. Students who already play other instruments may be able to include them in performances even when the school does not offer individual lessons on that instrument. Confirm current ensembles with the music teacher.

Spanish begins in kindergarten through experiential activities such as song, story, movement, play, and cultural exploration. New students can join without needing prior Spanish study.

Students take regular art and craft classes, and visual work is also woven into classroom projects and presentations.

Quiet Time is a schoolwide opening to the day that helps students settle, focus, and reflect. It may include gentle yoga-style movement, singing, silence, and meditation.

Classroom technology supports research, publishing, educational activities, and coding. Device access and specific technology courses change as the program develops, so ask the school what students currently use at the grade you are considering.

The school has historically reported that roughly 60 percent of graduates continue in public schools and 40 percent attend a variety of private schools. Ask the office about the most recent graduating classes and the options families chose.

The school reports that graduates generally transition well. Their experience with independence, academic choice, collaborative work, extracurricular life, and social responsibility is intended to prepare them for the demands of high school.