Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Child's Foundation for Academic Excellence & Character Development
Founded in 1946, East Woods has dedicated itself to fostering academic excellence and character development in students from Pre-Nursery through Eighth Grade. Our intentionally small class sizes and dedicated faculty create an environment where individualized attention allows each child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With a curriculum that integrates core academics, arts, athletics, and community service, we prepare students for success in high school and beyond. Our campus, situated on 46 acres of natural beauty in Oyster Bay, provides an ideal setting for learning and exploration. Through programs like our Advanced Learning Initiative and Social Emotional Learning framework, we cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and compassion.The school's traditions, including signature trips and community events, strengthen our close-knit environment while fostering leadership skills. Our faculty, 85% of whom hold advanced degrees, combine expertise with genuine care for each student's development. The Learning Center provides personalized support to ensure every child reaches their full potential. As a NAIS and NYSAIS-accredited institution, we maintain rigorous educational standards while preserving our founding values of character, community, and compassion. Our graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier high schools, with 95% securing their first-choice placements.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Lower School Programs
Upper School Curriculum
After School Activities
Summer Camp Programs
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We maintain an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Our faculty includes 85% with advanced degrees and 11-year average tenure
- We implement the Scarborough Reading Rope model for literacy development
- Our Learning Center provides individualized academic and social-emotional support
- We offer NYSAIS and NAIS accredited educational programs since 1946
Associations and certifications
- New York State Association of Independent Schools
- National Association of Independent Schools
What people say
Nurturing environment
Academic excellence
Strong community
Positive impact
Prepared for high school
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Center serves Pre-Nursery to Pre-Kindergarten students through play-based learning and structured curriculum. Certified educators focus on foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social development. The program emphasizes exploration and discovery while preparing children for future academic success through age-appropriate activities and nurturing environment.
Lower School Programs
Grades K-4 curriculum combines core academics with character development and creative exploration. Small class sizes allow personalized instruction in mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Specialized programs in arts, music, and physical education complement academic learning while fostering social-emotional growth and collaborative skills in a supportive environment.
Upper School Curriculum
Grades 5-8 program prepares students for high school through rigorous academic instruction and leadership development. Subject-specific teachers deliver advanced coursework in STEM, humanities, and languages. Students participate in extracurricular activities, community service projects, and signature trips that reinforce classroom learning and cultivate critical thinking skills.
After School Activities
Our extended day programs offer diverse enrichment opportunities from Nursery through Eighth Grade. Activities include sports clinics, performing arts workshops, STEM clubs, and community service initiatives. These programs extend learning beyond the classroom while developing new skills, fostering friendships, and encouraging exploration of personal interests in a supervised setting.
Summer Camp Programs
Camp East Woods provides summer enrichment for children aged 3-14 through themed programs combining academics, arts, and outdoor activities. The curriculum emphasizes creative exploration, physical development, and social interaction while maintaining educational continuity. Located on our 46-acre campus, the camp utilizes natural resources for hands-on learning experiences during summer months.
People
Laura Kang
Head of School
Laura Kang leads East Woods with over 25 years of educational leadership experience. She previously served as Head of School at The Hamlin School in San Francisco and has held administrative roles at prestigious institutions including The Hotchkiss School and The Brearley School. Dr. Kang holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Columbia University and is committed to maintaining East Woods' tradition of academic excellence and character development.
Kate Bedard
Director of Admissions
Kate Bedard manages admissions and enrollment, bringing extensive experience in independent school admissions. She previously served as Director of Admissions at The Hewitt School and has worked in admissions roles at The Brearley School and Trinity School. Ms. Bedard holds a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from New York University and is dedicated to connecting families with East Woods' educational philosophy.
Sean Collins
Director of Development
Sean Collins oversees fundraising and community engagement initiatives. He has over 15 years of experience in educational advancement, previously serving as Director of Development at The Nightingale-Bamford School and in development roles at Columbia University. Mr. Collins holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Fordham University and manages The Fund for East Woods to support program enhancements and financial aid.
Melissa Cedrone
Assistant Director of Admissions
Melissa Cedrone coordinates campus visits and parent engagement. With a background in educational counseling and admissions, she previously worked at The Mary Louis Academy and St. John's University. Ms. Cedrone holds a Master's degree in School Counseling from St. John's University and facilitates prospective family experiences through personalized campus tours and events.
Dr. Nathaniel Peirce
Former Head of School
Dr. Nathaniel Peirce served as East Woods' sixth Head of School from 2002-2013. During his tenure, he oversaw significant campus expansions including the Upper School building addition in 2009. A graduate of Yale University and Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Peirce maintained a strong commitment to character education and academic excellence that continues to influence the school's philosophy.
Questions
What grades does East Woods serve?
East Woods serves students from Pre-Nursery through Eighth Grade on our 46-acre campus in Oyster Bay, Long Island.
Is East Woods accredited?
Yes, East Woods is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
What is the student-teacher ratio?
East Woods maintains an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention for every student.
What after-school programs are available?
We offer diverse after-school programs including sports clinics, arts workshops, STEM clubs, and community service initiatives for students through Eighth Grade.
How does East Woods support different learning needs?
Our Learning Center provides personalized academic support, speech therapy, and social-emotional interventions tailored to each student's individual needs.
What is the school's educational philosophy?
East Woods combines academic excellence with character development, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and compassion through small class instruction and experiential learning.
Reviews (3)
Leslie F.
Aug 18, 2020
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Exceptional school environment and overall community.The caliber of teachers is amazing. They are engaged, enthusiastic and caring.Thestaff and EWS administration is responsive to the different needs of individual students, offering access to all types of programs to ensure each child reaches their full potential. They have excelled through these very difficult times, offering superior virtual education and are prepared for the upcoming yearoffering fully in-school, hybrid and fully remote options to accommodate the widely differing family dynamics and circumstances in the EWS community
Gina M.
Apr 07, 2020
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I can't say enough great things about this school. From the warm community atmosphere to the teachers who are so devoted to the education and well being of our daughter, East woods is the best decision ever made. We have been there since kindergarten and have seen our daughter making amazing strides . Teachers are well trained and dedicated to the education of students. The science and theatre program are so enriching . Where else can you learn about being a meteorologist in kindergarten, speak in front of an entire student body with ease and sing and dance in front of a big Audience
Yael S.
Oct 24, 2019
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We are so happy we found East Woods School. It is an excellent school.
a place that allows children to grow emotionally, socially, and explore interests academically. It is my son's third year and he loves the school. The camp is amazing too my son goes there every summer for the last 3 years. I definitely recommend the camp and the school!
a place that allows children to grow emotionally, socially, and explore interests academically. It is my son's third year and he loves the school. The camp is amazing too my son goes there every summer for the last 3 years. I definitely recommend the camp and the school!
