The Long Island School for the Gifted is a private non-profit school located in Huntington Station, New York (about 30 miles east of New York City). We offer an academically challenging and nurturing environment.
The Long Island School for the Gifted (LISG) is a unique and exciting school for grades K-9. We are a community dedicated to providing an outstanding education for academically gifted children where they are nurtured and treasured. There is abundant evidence of a passion for learning and teaching and visitors comment on the palpable level of excitement
they feel in the air. Doors to the classrooms are open, and you can hear the cheerful voices of children having fun and being excited about learning. Our students are happy and productive and enjoy coming to school.
The school was founded in 1980 by our Director and nine other parents who were seeking an appropriate education for their gifted children. Located in a former junior high school, we occupy 27 classrooms and labs. Additionally, we have two computer rooms, library, music room, art room, auditorium, gym, cafeteria and multi-purpose room. Outside facilities include acres of playing fields, a large play structure and several tennis courts.
LISG is the only school of its kind on Long Island. Currently, there are over 290 children in attendance from over 60 different school districts in Suffolk, Nassau and Queens counties. As a result, we have a diverse student body representing numerous cultural, religious and economic backgrounds and an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance permeates the building. Combined with the high moral integrity that gifted children possess, honesty and trust are fundamental principles evidenced by the absence of locks on the students’ lockers.
Class size is small, typically sixteen, as is the student/faculty ratio. This provides numerous opportunities for student/teacher interactions and enables us to focus on the needs of each child in our crusade to provide challenging material that will encourage and nurture an intrinsic love of learning in each of our students.
Acceleration, ability grouping and concurrent scheduling address the special needs of our population. Students work from one to three years above grade level in all subjects. The fast pace of our classes, the depth of understanding of our students and the enrichment we provide result in remarkable levels of academic achievement. Students complete most of their high school courses by the end of ninth
grade and go on to high school where they can take as many as fifteen Advanced Placement courses.
The school is divided into three parts, Lower (K-3), Middle (4-6) and Upper (7-9). The lower school classes are self-contained although students visit specialists for science, computer, foreign language, art, music, library and physical education. Departmentalization begins in fourth grade. By the upper school, students are taking high school level courses which culminate with the New York State Regents exams in June. Extra-curricular courses, activities and clubs are built into the school day.
While academics and achievement are fundamental components, the school is a fun and exhilarating place. Morning announcements include birthday greetings and a question for the day. There is classical music playing in the halls which are decorated with the children’s colorful artwork and pictures of our special events. The sounds of athletic competition emanate from the gym. Halloween festivities include costumes, a haunted gymnasium and lower school parade. Valentine’s Day brings more classroom parties, the exchange of greetings and specially planned events. The chorus concert, dance, field day and upper school play are all highly anticipated. The Parents Association’s Cultural Arts programs provide diverse cultural exposure through shows and workshops in poetry, drama, science and music.
The school has grown from the 14 students and 3 teachers of 27 years ago to include a faculty of 32, administration of 7 and a support staff of 7. Each is a believer in our mission and a devoted, caring partner in the education of our children. School improvement has been an ongoing process throughout our evolution. A dedicated and knowledgeable staff, planned professional development and constant
curriculum review are the cornerstones of our growth and success.
Although technically not a neighborhood school, there is a true sense of community within our walls. Our children have found a home away from home where they can be understood, challenged academically, comfortable socially and nurtured in a unique learning environment. As an alumna recently wrote, “As always, my memories of life at LISG are fond ones. It was a time filled with learning, laughter, happiness, security and love.”
We are very proud of the many awards and accolades our students have received over the years. However, we don’t measure our success by the overflowing trophy case but in the smiling faces of our students, the laughter and joy they find in learning and their quest for knowledge. It is the skip in their walk as they go from class to class. Our uniqueness is evident in the electric excitement felt in the
building, the vibrant mood of the classrooms and the energy in the halls. In looking back 27 years, we can only marvel at how much can be accomplished by a small group of caring, committed people.
Please, click on the links to learn more about our school and enjoy.