History and Traditions

The Knox School was founded in 1904 by Mary Alice Knox. The former principal of The Emma Willard School, Ms. Knox envisioned a school rich in music and art, close to the cultural advantages of New York City and embodying "progressive" educational ideas and methods. Her visionary approach still influences Knox today, where rigorous academics are combined with athletic, artistic and cultural pursuits to offer a comprehensive and well-rounded education.

Originally located in Briarcliff Manor, NY, The Knox School has moved three times--first to Tarrytown, NY, then to Cooperstown, NY, then to its current location in 1954. Situated on Long Island's North Shore, the beautiful and serene Knox campus rests on a small peninsula between Long Island Sound and Stony Brook Harbor, offering expansive waterfront views.

From its early days as an all-girls boarding school, to its present configuration as a coeducational boarding and day school serving a diverse student body, The Knox School has successfully fulfilled its mission of preparing young men and women to learn to be exceptional as they gain admission to leading colleges and universities.

While The Knox School continually evolves, students past and present remain closely connected by long-standing traditions such as The Knox School Roseleaves, our annual Red and White competitions, the Lantern Parade, sounding of the Victory Bell and our shoreline graduation ceremony.