Merrick is served by two elementary school districts — the Merrick Union Free School District and the North Merrick Union Free School District — which educate students in grades K-6 before they transition to the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for grades 7-12. Both districts are high-achieving, community-focused and committed to academic excellence.
1. Merrick Union Free School District
The Merrick School District serves students in South Merrick and offers a rigorous academic curriculum and leadership programs, with a strong emphasis on the arts and STEM education.
Merrick schools also focus on character education, critical thinking and leadership development. The district incorporates the Leader in Me program, which encourages students to build leadership and responsibility skills. The district’s superintendent is Diana Ketcham.
Schools in Merrick UFSD include:
• Birch School
• Chatterton School
• Norman J. Levy Lakeside School
2. North Merrick Union Free School District
The North Merrick School District serves students in North Merrick and emphasizes academic achievement, innovation and student engagement through STEM initiatives, arts programs and leadership opportunities.
North Merrick is known for strong community involvement and parental engagement, with active PTAs, student leadership councils and school-wide events that bring families together. The district’s superintendent is Dr. Cynthia Seniuk.
Schools in North Merrick UFSD include:
• Camp Avenue School
• Harold D. Fayette School
• Old Mill Road School
3. Transition to the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
With three high schools, two middle schools and several specialized programs, the district emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development and community engagement. The district’s superintendent is Michael Harrington.
Schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District include:
• Grand Avenue Middle School
• Merrick Avenue Middle School
• John F. Kennedy High School
• Wellington C. Mepham High School
• Sanford H. Calhoun High School
The district offers strong academics and college readiness with programs:
• Advanced Placement & College-Level Courses: Students can choose from more than 20 AP courses, along with college-credit courses in partnership with local universities.
• Regents & Honors Programs: Students have access to Honors, Regents and IB-level coursework to challenge them academically.
• Science Research Program: A prestigious program where students conduct college-level research and compete in national competitions.
• Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting: A unique program that provides hands-on experience in journalism, broadcasting and media production.
• Robotics & STEM Initiatives: Students participate in engineering, robotics and coding competitions through clubs like the Robotics Team.
Specialized learning programs include:
• Meadowbrook Alternative Program: A small, student-centered alternative program for high school students needing a non-traditional educational setting.
• On Tour Program: A highly regarded performing arts academy where students receive professional-level training in theater, music and stage production.
• The Prep Academy: Designed for students who benefit from individualized academic support and vocational training.
• Culinary Arts & Hospitality Program: A career and technical education program that provides hands-on experience in culinary arts, baking and hospitality management.
• Cosmetology Program: Provides students with hands-on training in hairstyling, makeup, skincare and salon management.
Community and leadership initiatives include:
• Student Government & Leadership Programs: Each school has an active student government, encouraging civic engagement and leadership.
• Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard: A district-run food pantry that provides assistance to local families in need.
• Service-Learning Opportunities: Students participate in volunteer projects, fundraising events and community service initiatives.
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is often recognized for excellence:
• Consistently High Rankings: Bellmore-Merrick schools are frequently recognized as top-performing schools in New York State.
• College Acceptance & Scholarships: Students regularly earn admission to Ivy League and other top-tier universities, along with substantial merit-based scholarships.
