In May 1965, the trustees of the Alice K. Coffin Fund, Inc. gave 63 acres of the Alice S. Coffin estate, Portledge, and all the buildings on this land, to the adjoining Miss Stoddart’s School for Very Little People to establish a coeducational college preparatory day school.
In the late 1990s, trustees raised capital for the endowment and campus restorations, investing in the Middle School and Carriage House expansion. Phase II construction was completed by early fall 2003.
On July 1, 2012, Simon Owen-Williams became Portledge’s fifth Head of School. He re-evaluated educational goals, aligning divisions behind guiding principles. He led a successful strategic plan, achieved IB accreditation, and oversaw the creation of Portledge Commons, a 28,000+ sq ft building with a dining hall, theatre, and classrooms.
At the start of 2020, COVID-19 presented challenges. Portledge formed a committee, transitioned to online education with minimal disruption, and maintained high-level education. Following guidelines, students returned safely in the fall of 2020.
A pandemic strikes
Hear from our Community
Our Community is bonded by a shared Portledge experience and forged with lifelong ties since 1965.
In honor of our 60th anniversary, Portledge uses the Coffin family slogan on their original family crest in the 60th anniversary logo. This reference serves as a way to honor the family who gifted the land Portledge is built on and allowed us to become a thriving educational institution in Long Island. The Latin words “Extant Recte Factis Praemia” translate to Rewards Await Right Actions. Not only are we eternally grateful to the Coffin family, but this family motto resonates with the current vision and pillars of Portledge School: Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.
*NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.