US News & World Report Ranks Flower Hill No. 3 in Suffolk

US News & World Report magazine has ranked Flower Hill Primary School in Huntington UFSD the third best elementary school in Suffolk County.

Flower Hill has established a well-deserved reputation in the community for emphasizing academic excellence and social growth. Opened in September 1954, the school today houses students ranging from kindergarten through third grade.

“Flower Hill Primary School is a place where students truly flourish, so it is no surprise to see the school ranked No. 3 among the top elementary schools in Suffolk County by U.S. News & World Report,” Huntington Superintendent Beth McCoy said. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and talent of an extraordinary teaching and support staff, under the outstanding leadership of Principal Cindy Siegel. I am incredibly proud of the work happening at Flower Hill and throughout the Huntington Union Free School District. We have remarkable things happening in all of our schools, and I look forward to seeing even more of our buildings recognized for the exceptional experiences and opportunities we provide for our students.”

Flower Hill School is committed to helping its students achieve their full academic potential and to supporting the development of social skills that will help each child successfully navigate through the school setting during their formative years. To this end, Flower Hill’s goal is to consistently provide a learning environment that fosters the intellectual, emotional, social and physical development of each student.

“This recognition is a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our amazing teachers, staff, students, and families,” Principal Cindy Siegel said. “At Flower Hill, we strive every day to create a school where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Our success goes beyond academics. It is about building relationships, fostering a love of learning, and helping every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I am so fortunate to lead such an incredible school community, and this recognition is something we can all celebrate together!”

Here are US News & World Report’s Top 10 Suffolk Elementary Schools:

1. Quogue Elementary School, Quogue

2. West Side School, Cold Spring Harbor

3. Flower Hill School, Huntington

4. Lloyd Harbor School, Cold Spring Harbor

5. The Academy Charter School 2, Wyandanch

6. Nassakeag Elementary School, Three Village (East Setauket)

7. East Moriches Elementary School, East Moriches

8. Paumanok Elementary School, Half Hollow Hills (Dix Hills)

9. Parkview Elementary School, Kings Park

10. Vanderbilt Elementary School, Half Hollow Hills (Dix Hills)

Flower Hill’s staff of caring professionals offers a child-centered educational program in a supportive and nurturing environment. It is hoped that by providing teaching that inspires, informs and challenges, teachers and support staff can instill a love for learning that will continue throughout each child’s school years and beyond.

In addition to the rich regular day classroom program, each child receives instruction in art, music, physical education, library skills and technology from teachers who are specialists in each of these areas. Flower Hill also has a school nurse, psychologist, social worker, reading and math specialists and other professional staff members who provide critical support to students.

A strong partnership between students, parents and teachers is very important to daily life at Flower Hill. Ms. Siegel and all teachers and staff members are confident that by working together to build a positive collaboration between home and school, Flower Hill will continue to provide quality educational experiences for all of its students.

About the Principal

Cindy Siegel has been principal of Flower Hill Primary School since July 6, 2022. She came to Huntington UFSD after a successful nine year run as assistant principal at PS 250 – George Lindsey Elementary School in Brooklyn.

Flower Hill’s educational leader obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education at St. John’s University in 1995. Ms. Siegel earned a graduate degree in elementary school at Adelphi University in 1997. She studied educational administration and supervision at the College of St. Rose, obtaining her state certification as an administrator.

Prior to assuming the position of assistant principal at George Lindsey Elementary School, Ms. Siegel was a math coach there for nine years, facilitating parent and faculty workshops, assisting with the implementation of the Super Saturday program, serving on the core inquiry team, creating assessment checklists for all grades, working with the technology specialist to acquire needed resources, mentoring new teachers and developing promotional criteria and testing.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Siegel taught second and third grades for six years at George Lindsey Elementary School, applying a variety of teaching strategies to accommodate students with different learning abilities and learning styles. She incorporated a 90 minute literacy block into the schedule and collaborated on thematic planning with colleagues.

Ms. Siegel strives to apply strong organizational, critical thinking and creative problem solving skills in her everyday role as a school building leader.