Located in Suffolk County, New York, Islip High School is a part of the Islip School District and is a nationally recognized high school. It was established in 1957 and is ranked among the best high schools in the country for affordability, academic excellence, and student life. Students from all over the world attend this university because of its stunning and historic campus, modern amenities, and innovative programs.
Long History
The East Islip School District’s history is a narrative of transformation from a one-room school to a contemporary educational facility. Because of a rise in enrollment, it was decided that a new school was required in the early 1850s. Around the same time, Albany passed new legislation about the creation of school districts.
The “Union Free School Act of 1853” was a piece of legislation that was approved by the legislature in 1853. This law made the establishment of tax-supported public schools with local Boards of Education possible. This remarked the first instance of a school mentioned in writing in 1857.
The Curriculum
Islip High School’s curriculum covers all subject areas, as well as technology, music, and art. Honors courses are available in English, social studies, mathematics, science, Italian, and Spanish, starting in middle school.
Courses for Advanced Placement are available, such as:
- Art History
- English Literature and Composition
- US History
- European History
- US Government and Politics
- Human Geography
- Calculus AB
- Statistics, Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics 1 & 2
- Environmental Science, Seminar, Research, and the Italian and Spanish Languages.
Additionally, the High School provides dual credit options thanks to partnerships with Suffolk County Community College (Math & Music), Farmingdale State College (Business & Technology), Hofstra (Engineering), and St. John’s University.
Business Field Trips
During two walking field trips, Islip High School students enroll in Susan Riche’s business ownership and marketing classes and visit small businesses on Main Street. The students learn about the processes involved in founding and running a business as they investigate different business ownership.
The owners of Islip Meat Market, The Pizzeria, Coyle’s Homemade Ice Cream, Islip Pharmacy, Sew What’s New, and Starbucks are introduced to the students on the outings, giving them an inside look at what makes those establishments so successful.
Sports & Gymnasts
In a ceremony held in the school cafeteria, thirteen Islip High School seniors continued their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Some of the signed student-athletes will play baseball at Lockhaven University, while others will play lacrosse for Pace University. Additionally, some will play baseball at Baruch College.
The girl’s gymnastics team from Islip High School competed alongside Bay Shore High School. They clinched fifth place overall at the Suffolk County championships at Walt Whitman High School in Huntington Station.
Islip High School’s Theatre
Islip High School theatre arts students performed “Broadway Bound,” a cabaret show with 25 different musical numbers. In addition to practicing the vocal performances, the students worked with Dr. Richard Harris to develop the choreography, set up and operate the lighting and sound, design the costumes, and manage the stage and props.
The Broadway star Andrew Kober, who is presently starring in “Beetlejuice,” personally visited the school to train with the youngsters on their performances. This was one of the production’s most memorable moments. The Tony-winning 2009 “Hair” revival, as well as “Les Miserables,” “She Loves Me,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “School of Rock,” and most recently, “Beautiful,” all included Kober. Kober also made a video message in support of the cast, which was shown before the performance.
Stand Out Factors
In terms of total test scores (top 10% in math and top 5% in reading) for the 2018–19 school year, Islip High School, which enrolls 943 students in grades 9–12, is ranked in the top 10% of all schools in New York.
For the 2018–19 school year, 93% of students achieved math competence, which is better than the state average of 54% in New York. For the 2018–19 school year, 97% of students achieved competence in reading and language arts, which is greater than the state average of 52% in New York.
The 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio is lower than the 12:1 state average for New York. 43% of the student body is a member of a minority group, with a majority of them being Hispanic. This is less than the state average of 59% for New York.
A Message from the Principal
Lara Gonzalez, Ed.D., the principal of Islip High School, thanks everyone for their support after a fantastic start to the academic year. According to Lara, the High School is devoted to ensuring that every student succeeds. The high school remains committed to giving students the academic challenge and assistance they require, and it anticipates continuing its collaboration with them throughout the academic years.
Lara is an ardent supporter of children. She has over 25 years of experience as a teacher and leader in a range of educational settings, including English and Spanish classrooms, urban and suburban public school districts, and educational settings both domestically and internationally. She has encouraged instructors to do the same in each of those school systems and supported and pushed pupils of all backgrounds and skill levels. Lara has worked for several school boards as an employee, in addition to sitting on an elected board of education in her hometown.
Lara shares a message for everyone as she asserts, “Please do not hesitate to reach out to faculty, support staff – including your child’s school counselor, and grade level assistant principal with your questions.”
Furthermore, she adds, “Remember to check your email for periodic updates through Parent Square and to check the Parent Portal to monitor your child’s academic progress and attendance. I hope to meet you at one of our upcoming “Coffee with the Principal” meetings or other school events.”
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