As the 2025 school year begins, there has never been a better time to ask an important question: What truly makes a school great?
At Staten Island Academy, we believe the answer lies in how we challenge, support, and inspire every student who walks through our doors. We don’t just prepare students for college, we prepare them for life. That’s why, for generations of families, we’ve been the only choice for a transformative, independent education on Staten Island.
Here’s what makes Staten Island Academy the best school in the borough, and why it may be the right fit for your family.
A Legacy of Excellence, Right Here at Home
Founded in 1884, Staten Island Academy is the borough’s oldest independent school and the only non-public, non-religious, coeducational institution serving students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12.(opens in new tab) With a legacy that spans more than 140 years and over 3,000 alumni, our tradition of academic excellence, integrity, and innovation has stood the test of time.
We serve a diverse and dynamic student body on a 14-acre campus, combining timeless educational values with modern resources and progressive leadership. Families from Staten Island and beyond choose the Academy because we offer something rare: a community that is small enough to know your child personally, and strong enough to launch them confidently into the future.
Education That’s Personal, Purposeful, and Powerful
Staten Island Academy believes in the power of personalized education. Our curriculum is designed to challenge and support students based on their individual learning styles, goals, and talents. Small class sizes ensure meaningful student-teacher relationships, while our rigorous, signature college preparatory program builds the skills, habits, and confidence (opens in new tab)students need to thrive.
We offer:
● A full academic program with advanced coursework and AP options
● Integrated arts, science, and humanities curricula
● Our signature four-year college counseling process begins in Grade 9
● Opportunities for global perspectives and interdisciplinary learning
Our students are not just prepared to get into college—they are prepared to succeed when they get there. Recent graduates have been accepted to some of the most selective institutions in the world(opens in new tab), including Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Cornell University, the University of Notre Dame, Parsons School of Design, and the University of California, Davis.
Learning that Goes Beyond the Classroom: Service, Leadership, and Empathy
College success isn’t our only goal. We aim to graduate young adults who are intellectually curious, emotionally intelligent, and ready to lead with purpose, because we believe that, although academic excellence is foundational, true education also cultivates character. This is why Staten Island Academy is deeply committed to service learning as a unique key component of our curriculum.(opens in new tab)
From their earliest years, students are taught the value of community involvement, empathy, and ethical leadership(opens in new tab). Students at every division participate in service initiatives, whether it’s packing meals for local families, partnering with Autism Speaks, or working with Habitat for Humanity. In the Upper School, the experience culminates in a two-week senior service internship, where students apply their learning in real-world environments, both locally and globally.
These opportunities shape not only college applications, but also character and civic identity.
Innovation That Inspires Creativity and Discovery
We know that students thrive in environments that challenge their creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. Staten Island Academy continues to invest in campus-wide enhancements that reflect the needs of 21st-century learners with dynamic spaces that foster deeper inquiry, project-based learning, and student-driven exploration.
Recent facility improvements include:
● A fully equipped Innovation Lab for STEM and design thinking
● A modern 2D Art Studio to support visual arts exploration(opens in new tab)
● A reimagined Library and Multicultural Center
● Outdoor learning environments that connect students to nature
A Community That Feels Like Family
While our academic reputation draws families in, it’s our culture that makes them stay. Staten Island Academy is a place where students are known, valued, and supported by a close-knit network of educators, peers, and families. Under the leadership of Head of School Dr. Eileen Corigliano, the Academy continues to emphasize whole-child development, believing that students flourish when academic success is balanced with emotional wellness, social connection, and personal growth.
At SIA, we prioritize:
● Strong student-teacher relationships
● Open communication between school and home
● Diversity of thought and background
● Leadership opportunities across grades and interests
Explore What Sets Us Apart
Whether you are just beginning your school search or preparing to transition from another academic setting, now is the time to discover Staten Island Academy. We welcome prospective families to:
● Schedule a private campus tour(opens in new tab)
● Attend an upcoming admissions event(opens in new tab)
● Speak with our faculty, students, and admissions staff
The Best School Looks at the Whole Student
At Staten Island Academy, we believe a great school does more than deliver strong academics; it fosters growth, leadership, curiosity, and character. It welcomes families into a community that values connection as much as achievement. And it equips students to enter the world not just with a transcript, but with the confidence to shape their future.
That is why we are proud to be the best school on Staten Island.
We would love to welcome you to our campus to see for yourself.
