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Harborfields High School
Harborfields High School
from Wikipedia

Harborfields High School is a four-year secondary school located in Greenlawn, New York, United States. It functions as the sole high school for Harborfields Central School District, encompassing the communities of Centerport and Greenlawn along with parts of Huntington and Northport. In 2011, the school was ranked 88th on Newsweek's list of Top 1300 High Schools in America.[2]

Key Information

The Class of 1960 was the first graduating class, with about 130 graduates from Centerport and Greenlawn only.[citation needed] That first class used the building for four years as it was being completed.[citation needed]

The name Harborfields came from a combination of the older names of Centerport (Little Cow Harbor) and Greenlawn (Old Fields), selected from an entry in a naming contest in about 1958.[citation needed]

Harborfields High School can be seen in Mariah Carey's documentary "Mariah Carey's Homecoming" which aired on December 14, 1999 on Fox.[3][4][5]

Athletics

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Harborfields' sports team is known as the Tornadoes. Its colors are dark green and white. Harborfields offers the following sports:[6]

  • Varsity Baseball
  • Varsity Basketball
  • Varsity Bowling
  • Varsity Cheer
  • Varsity Cross Country
  • Varsity Field Hockey
  • Varsity / JV Football
  • Varsity Golf
  • Varsity Gymnastics
  • Varsity Indoor Track and Field
  • Varsity Lacrosse
  • Varsity Soccer
  • Varsity Softball
  • Varsity Swimming
  • Varsity Tennis
  • Varsity Track and Field
  • Varsity Volleyball
  • Varsity Wrestling

Achievements

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In 2025, Tristan Blake won the New York State Class B long jump championship. He was the first Harborfields athlete to win the state championship in long jump.[7]

Football won the Suffolk County championship in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, and 2001 and the Long Island Championship in 1994 and 1996.[8]

Field Hockey won the Suffolk County Class B championship in 2024, defeating Miller Place 5-1.[9]

Boys Soccer won the Suffolk County Class A championship in 2021, defeating East Hampton 1-0.[10]

Boys Basketball won the New York State Class A championship in 2012.[11]

Notable alumni

[edit]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Harborfields High School is a public four-year high school located at 98 Taylor Avenue in Greenlawn, New York, serving students in grades 9 through 12 within the Harborfields Central School District. The school enrolls approximately 928 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 10.92 to 1, with about 85 full-time equivalent teachers (as of the 2023–24 school year). It operates as a regular non-charter public institution in a large suburban locale, drawing from the communities of Centerport, Greenlawn, and parts of Huntington. Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2016 and again in 2025, the school emphasizes academic rigor and student support under the leadership of Principal Dr. Philip Farrelly and Assistant Principal Ms. Allison A. Joyce. Harborfields High School boasts a 99% four-year graduation rate (as of 2024), reflecting strong performance in preparing students for postsecondary opportunities. The district allocates $31,550 per pupil in expenditures (as of the 2023–24 school year), supporting a range of programs including advanced coursework and extracurricular activities that foster academic, career, and emotional development. The school's commitment to excellence is evident in student achievements, such as earning National Recognition Program honors and NYSSMA All-State designations in music, highlighting its role in nurturing talent across disciplines. As part of a serving around 20,000 residents (as of 2023) on , Harborfields High School continues to inspire and support its students as "Each Child, Each Day, as One Harborfields Family."

History

Establishment and early development

Harborfields Central School District was established in 1956 by merging the Centerport Union Free School District No. 7 and Greenlawn Union Free School District No. 6 in the Town of Huntington, Suffolk County, New York. This consolidation addressed the growing educational needs of the post-World War II suburban expansion in the area, combining resources from the two longstanding local districts to form a centralized K-12 system. Harborfields High School, serving as the district's sole secondary institution, commenced operations in September 1956 with initial classes for grades 8 and 9 held in existing facilities, including the Taylor Avenue School in Greenlawn. The school's name, derived from "Harbor" referencing Centerport Harbor and "Fields" alluding to Greenlawn's agricultural heritage, was selected through student input, along with green and white as the official colors and the as the . In response to increasing enrollment driven by suburban growth, the district awarded contracts in for the construction of a dedicated high school building at 98 Taylor Avenue in Greenlawn. The facility was completed and opened in 1959, with a capacity for 1,850 students in grades 9-12, enabling the full consolidation of secondary education under one roof. The Class of 1960 became the first to graduate from the new Harborfields High School, marking a key milestone in the district's early development.

Growth and milestones

The Harborfields Central School District was established in 1956 through the merger of local districts in Centerport and Greenlawn, ending the practice of sending high school students to Huntington High School. Initial operations began that with combined 8th and 9th grade classes held at the existing Taylor Avenue School in Greenlawn, marking the unification of students from the two communities. Students selected the district's name, "Harborfields," derived from Centerport's historical "Little Cow Harbor" and Greenlawn's "Old Fields," while also establishing green and white as the and the as the . Construction of the dedicated Harborfields High School building commenced shortly after, with the inaugural class utilizing the partially completed facility over its first four years. The Class of 1960 became the school's first graduates, numbering about 130 students exclusively from Centerport and Greenlawn. This period reflected rapid postwar suburban expansion in the region, as the district adapted to increasing enrollment amid Huntington Township's . By the 2023–2024 school year, enrollment at Harborfields High School had expanded to 928 students in grades 9–12, supported by ongoing infrastructure improvements. Key milestones include the 2016 designation as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizing academic performance and equity. The school was nominated for and honored by the New York State Board of Regents as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2025 (as of November 2025), following the discontinuation of the federal program. Recent developments feature a 2024 capital bond initiative funding enhancements like auditorium seating replacement and stadium field lighting, ensuring facilities meet modern educational needs.

Academics

Curriculum offerings

Harborfields High School provides a rigorous curriculum aligned with New York State Learning Standards, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and preparation for postsecondary education and careers through a wide array of courses and programs. The curriculum includes required subjects for graduation—such as four years of English, three years each of mathematics and science, four years of social studies, two years of physical education, one year of arts or music, one year of health, and two credits in a world language—culminating in a total of 22 credits for a Regents or local diploma. Courses are offered at multiple levels to accommodate varying student abilities and goals: Regents-level for standard proficiency, honors for accelerated pacing, and for college-level rigor. The school offers approximately 20 to 22 AP courses across key disciplines, with 41% of students enrolled in AP classes and a 72% AP exam pass rate. Participation is high, with 82% of seniors taking at least one AP exam and 75% achieving a passing score overall. In core academic areas, the English department features progressive courses from Regents English to and AP Seminar, focusing on literature analysis, composition, and research skills. Mathematics progresses from Algebra I to AP Calculus AB and , supporting strong proficiency rates of 99% in state math assessments. Science offerings include Regents Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, alongside , , and , with 93% proficiency in science Regents exams. Social studies covers U.S. History, Global History, and , with AP options like AP U.S. History, AP World History, and ; 99% of students demonstrate reading proficiency on state tests (as of 2023-2024). World languages include Spanish, Italian, and others up to AP Spanish Language and AP Italian Language and Culture. The arts and electives departments enrich the curriculum with creative and practical options. Art and programs range from foundations to , AP Studio Art, and . Business and technology courses support career exploration, including a New York State-approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway in Business and Entrepreneurship, requiring at least 3.5 CTE credits for diploma endorsement. opportunities through partnerships allow students to earn college credit in courses such as English 12, Multimedia & Broadcast Journalism, Introduction to Production, and College Research. emphasizes fitness and teamwork, while electives like those in media production and career awareness promote interdisciplinary skills.
AP Subject AreaExample Courses
English Language ArtsAP English Language and Composition, AP Seminar
MathematicsAP Calculus AB,
Science, ,
Social Studies, AP World History, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP Microeconomics
World Languages, AP Italian Language and Culture
Fine/Performing Arts, AP Studio Art,
Other
This structure fosters a -ready environment, with the school's College Readiness Index scoring 71.6 out of 100 and 94th percentile nationally on college-level exams.

Performance and recognition

Harborfields High School demonstrates strong academic performance, with a four-year graduation rate of 99 percent (as of 2024), significantly exceeding the state median of 86 percent. The school's proficiency rates on state assessments are also high, with 99 percent in reading, 93 percent in mathematics, and 93 percent in science (as of 2023-2024). Additionally, 46 percent of students participate in courses, contributing to a college readiness index that places the school above average for New York. In national and state rankings, Harborfields High School is recognized for its overall excellence. For the 2025-2026 school year, ranked it 364th nationally and 46th among New York high schools, evaluating factors including state exam performance, graduation rates, and college preparation. The school also earned top honors in County, placing first in regional assessments by the same publication. The institution has received prestigious federal recognition for academic achievement. Harborfields High School was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2016 by the U.S. Department of Education, honoring its sustained high performance across student subgroups and overall outcomes. In 2025, despite the federal program's discontinuation, it was named a National Blue Ribbon School through New York State recognition for exemplary achievement. Student accomplishments further highlight the school's success in preparing scholars. In the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, one senior, Kyleigh Connors, advanced to semifinalist status, while eight others received commendation for top-percentile PSAT scores. Similarly, in 2025, three students—Francis DeGregorio, Alexander Meagher, and Andrew Walden—were named semifinalists in the program, reflecting the school's emphasis on rigorous preparation for standardized assessments. These recognitions underscore Harborfields' commitment to fostering high-achieving, diverse learners, with additional College Board honors awarded annually to students excelling in AP and PSAT exams.

Campus and facilities

Physical layout

Harborfields High School is situated at 98 Taylor Avenue in , serving approximately 928 students in grades 9 through 12 on a compact suburban designed to support academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. The main academic building features a multi-wing structure, including the 200 wing, which houses classrooms, science laboratories, administrative offices, and specialized instructional spaces for subjects like career and technical education. Indoor facilities include an used for school assemblies, performances, and community events, with upgrades to seating underway as part of district-wide capital improvements. Adjacent to the academic areas is the south gymnasium, a key venue for classes, team practices, and sports such as , which underwent air conditioning renovations in 2025 to enhance comfort and functionality. Outdoors, the campus layout incorporates athletic fields central to the school's interscholastic programs, including a field primarily used for football, soccer, and , equipped with new LED lighting installed in 2025 to support evening games and extend usage hours. Additional outdoor spaces include practice fields and tracks integrated around the main building, contributing to the school's emphasis on physical activity and team sports. These elements collectively form a functional, student-centered environment that balances educational and recreational needs within the district's limited footprint.

Resources and infrastructure

Harborfields High School features a range of upgrades funded through district capital bonds, including the replacement of seating to enhance performance spaces and the installation of field lights completed in 2025 to support evening athletic events. These improvements are part of broader efforts under the 2024 capital bond to modernize facilities, including repairs. Additionally, new roofs are being installed on all district school buildings, including the high school, to ensure long-term structural integrity, with projects approximately 90% complete as of August 2025. The school's athletic infrastructure includes a field with newly added lighting, a resurfaced track, and refreshed acrylic tennis courts, along with illuminated walkways for improved safety and accessibility. These enhancements enable extended use of outdoor facilities for sports programs and community events, such as the ribbon-cutting ceremony held in September 2025. In terms of educational resources, the high school provides access to computer labs equipped with an average of 30 workstations per lab, monochrome and color laser printers, supporting hands-on technology integration in coursework. As a for Education (formerly G Suite) district, all students receive unlimited via and a suite of collaborative tools to facilitate and project-based activities. Digital infrastructure is robust, with 98.29% of enrolled students (746 out of 759) provided school-owned devices in 2023, primarily Chromebooks (78.13%) and laptops (14.1%), ensuring nearly all have sufficient access for primary learning needs. connectivity is available to 99.08% of students, predominantly through (69.83%), with minimal interruptions reported at 5.27%, supported by district enhancements under the Smart Schools Bond Act to bolster high-speed infrastructure. The Library Media Center at Harborfields High School operates as a fully automated facility using Follett Library Automation software, featuring networked computers for online public access catalogs (OPAC) and circulation services, along with monochrome and color printing capabilities to aid research and media production. It supports advanced science resources through partnerships, enabling students in the Research program to conduct experiments at external sites like and , complementing on-campus lab capabilities. Classroom renovations in the 100 and 200 wings are approximately 90% complete as part of the 2024 capital bond.

Extracurricular activities

Athletics programs

Harborfields High School maintains a robust athletics program as part of the Harborfields Central School District, offering 25 different sports opportunities at the high school level, with most including varsity and junior varsity teams. The programs compete primarily in Suffolk County Division I leagues under Section XI of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). The athletic department emphasizes a balance of competitive performance, sportsmanship, and academic achievement, with a tradition of numerous student-athletes receiving post-season honors and teams earning recognition for positive representation of the school. Sports are organized by season, providing year-round participation options for students. Fall offerings include boys' and girls' cross country, football, boys' and girls' soccer, girls' , girls' , and boys' and girls' . Winter sports encompass boys' and girls' , boys' and girls' , boys' and girls' swimming and diving, boys' and girls' indoor , wrestling, and . Spring activities feature , , boys' and girls' , boys' and girls' outdoor , boys' , and boys' . Additional opportunities such as and unified sports further expand inclusive participation. The programs have garnered significant accolades, reflecting strong performance and commitment to excellence. In 2025, Harborfields High School was designated a NYSPHSAA School of Distinction for the third consecutive year, an honor requiring 100% of varsity teams to achieve status (average GPA of 90 or higher for the top 75% of each roster) along with exemplary and character development. Multiple teams, including several in 2025, have qualified for this recognition, underscoring the integration of academics and athletics. The school also holds certification as a National Athletic Trainers' Association Safe Sports School, prioritizing athlete safety through comprehensive protocols. Notable competitive successes include Tristan Blake's victory in the 2025 NYSPHSAA Class B state championship, where he recorded a distance of 46 feet, 5¼ inches at the event held at Middletown High School. The girls' team advanced to the 2025 regional finals, defeating opponents to secure an bid before falling to Vestal High School. In , the boys' team claimed the 2025 Suffolk County championship, though they were defeated 6-1 by Port Washington in the Long Island Large School title match. Wrestling has seen standout individual performances, with two female athletes recognized for exceptional seasons in 2024 during a commendation for the program's overall achievements. The Athletic Hall of Fame, established to honor athletes, coaches, and contributors who led teams to championships or demonstrated extraordinary impact, inducts members biennially; in 2024, seven individuals were added for the first time in five years.

Clubs and student organizations

Harborfields High School maintains a diverse array of clubs and student organizations that promote academic enrichment, artistic development, , and cultural awareness among its students. These groups, coordinated through the school's extracurricular framework, encourage and collaboration, with opportunities for participation highlighted annually at events like the Club Fair. Academic-focused organizations include the Math Club, where students engage in competitions, , and problem-solving activities, often led by upperclassmen who volunteer as mentors. Similarly, the Science Club facilitates hands-on projects and research, supported by grants for equipment such as robotic kits to enhance STEM learning. The Model United Nations club prepares participants for international simulations, fostering skills in diplomacy and global issues through weekly discussions and conferences. Astronomy Club members explore celestial topics, with roles emphasizing outreach and observation events. In the arts, the Art Club and National Art Honor Society provide platforms for creative projects, including contest submissions and exhibitions, with notable achievements such as student designs selected for professional sports merchandise. The Tri-M Music Honor Society recognizes outstanding musicians, inducting qualifying seniors each year and supporting performances across genres. Honor societies in areas like Business and Marketing, Spanish, and further honor academic excellence while organizing career-focused events and service initiatives. Service clubs emphasize community impact, with Key Club and Interact Club leading efforts in local volunteering, such as bike safety rodeos, library cleanups, and partnerships with organizations like AAA and the Huntington Bike Club. The Habitat for Humanity club connects students to building projects and resource drives, promoting sustainable community development through hands-on volunteering. In 2025, the newly launched club emerged as a competitive gaming outlet, channeling student interests into structured tournaments and team-building to build skills in strategy and collaboration.

Administration

Leadership structure

Harborfields High School is led by Principal Dr. Philip D. Farrelly, who assumed the role effective November 4, 2024, succeeding Neil Lederer. Farrelly brings over a decade of administrative experience, including prior service as an assistant principal at High School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, where he focused on staff development, , and inclusive educational practices. The school maintains a team of three assistant principals to support the principal in overseeing daily operations, curriculum implementation, student discipline, and extracurricular activities. Ms. Allison A. Joyce serves as one assistant principal, contributing to administrative duties such as scheduling and academic support. Ms. Jennifer Maichin was appointed as another assistant principal effective July 1, 2025, drawing on her extensive knowledge in educational leadership to enhance school programs. Mr. Brian Suckle rounds out the team as the third assistant principal, focusing on areas like student services and facility management. At the district level, the high school's leadership operates under the guidance of Superintendent Dr. Rory J. Manning, who provides overarching direction for the Harborfields Central School District, ensuring alignment with broader educational goals and policies. This structure emphasizes collaborative decision-making among school administrators to foster a supportive environment for the approximately 928 students enrolled at the high school.

Faculty and staff

Harborfields High School's administration is headed by Principal Dr. Philip D. Farrelly, who took office in November 2024 after serving in various leadership roles in New York districts for over a . Farrelly earned a in from the University of Massachusetts, a School Building Leader certification from , and a in , emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in his approach. The assistant principals include Ms. Allison A. Joyce, who supports oversight of daily operations and . The school's faculty consists of approximately 85 full-time equivalent classroom teachers serving 928 students, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 10.92 to 1 (as of 2023-2024), which is below the New York state average and facilitates personalized instruction. Teachers span core academic departments including mathematics, English, science, social studies, and special education, with additional specialists in areas like music, physical education, and world languages. The Harborfields Central School District prioritizes recruiting certified and committed educators who contribute to an innovative learning environment, with professional development focused on enhancing teaching skills and student outcomes. Support staff at the high school includes guidance counselors, librarians, and administrative personnel, ensuring comprehensive student support beyond classroom instruction. The district maintains 10 full-time equivalent guidance counselors across its schools (as of 2023-2024), aiding and readiness. Overall, the faculty and staff embody a dedication to excellence, as reflected in the school's National Blue Ribbon designation.

Notable alumni

Entertainment and arts

Mariah Carey, a member of the Harborfields High School class of 1987, is one of the school's most prominent alumni in the fields of music and entertainment. Born in , she attended the high school in Greenlawn before launching a career that established her as a global superstar. Carey debuted in 1990 with her self-titled album, which topped the chart for 11 weeks and featured the hit single "," earning her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Over her three-decade career, she has released 18 studio albums, achieving 19 number-one singles on the —more than any solo artist and the second-most overall after . Her song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has become a holiday staple, generating over $100 million in royalties since its 1994 release. With more than 200 million records sold worldwide, Carey is recognized as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. In addition to music, Carey has pursued acting, appearing in films such as The Bachelor (1999), (2001), and Precious (2009), for which she received an Image Award nomination for her supporting role. She has also portrayed herself in television projects like the sitcom and the film Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016), blending her entertainment persona across media. Buzz Feiten (class of 1966), known professionally as Buzzy Feiten, is a , singer, and inventor who performed at Woodstock with and later worked with artists including and . He co-founded the band and contributed to recordings for and . Brian "Mitts" Daniels (class of 1989) is a best known as a founding member of the hardcore punk band , with whom he has released multiple albums since 1988. He has also performed with and other bands in the scene. Gregg "Opie" Hughes (class of 1981) is a and host, co-host of the show from 1995 to 2014, which aired nationally on Sirius XM. He later hosted Opie Radio and continues in media production.

Sports and other fields

Sara Whalen Hess (class of 1994) is a former professional soccer player and member of the women's national soccer team from 1997 to 2000. She earned 25 caps and scored one goal, participating in the , where the U.S. team won the tournament. Whalen was an all-around athlete at Harborfields, excelling in varsity soccer, , and track as a sprinter, and later played collegiately at the . She was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014. After retiring from soccer, she became a and performance , earning a from . Mike Fagan (class of 1998) is a retired professional bowler who competed on the (PBA) Tour from 2002 to 2016, winning five titles, including two majors: the 2008 PBA Chameleon Championship and the 2015 PBA World Championship. He also secured the 1997 USBC Teen Masters as a high school student at Harborfields, where he developed his passion for the sport. Fagan's career highlights include multiple PBA 50 finishes and induction into various honors; post-retirement, he transitioned to owning bowling centers and working in the industry. Bill Daye (class of 1989) is a prominent figure in as both a player and coach. At Harborfields, he was a standout before starring at the , where he contributed to the 1991 NCAA national championship team. Daye played professionally in and later coached the to the 2011 MLL title, earning Coach of the Year honors that season. He has held roles with Nike in lacrosse sales and currently serves as head coach at Thayer Academy. Daye was inducted into the Harborfields Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. Matt Frevola (class of 2008) is a professional mixed martial artist in the UFC lightweight division. A former wrestler and football player at Harborfields, he has competed in the UFC since 2017, earning multiple knockout victories, including against in 2023. Frevola trains in and has a professional record of 11-4-1 as of 2025. (class of 1975) is an inventor and entrepreneur who co-founded Palm Computing and invented the personal digital assistant in 1996, revolutionizing . He later founded Handspring and Numenta, focusing on neuroscience-inspired AI. Hawkins holds multiple patents and authored "On Intelligence" (2004). John J. Flanagan (class of 1979) is a former Republican New York State Senator who served from 2003 to 2020, including as Senate Majority Leader from 2015 to 2018. He previously served in the State Assembly from 1995 to 2002, representing Suffolk County's 1st district. Flanagan graduated from the .

References

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