School History
The De La Salle School, located in Freeport, NY, has a rich history rooted in the Lasallian tradition of education. Since its founding, the school has been dedicated to providing young men in grades 5-8 with a quality, faith-based education that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. Over the years, The De La Salle School has remained committed to its mission of transforming lives through education, empowering students to become compassionate leaders and lifelong learners. Below, you’ll find a timeline highlighting key milestones and significant moments in the school’s journey.
2000
Feasibility Study Initiated
As the closure of La Salle Military Academy in Oakdale, Long Island approached, the Christian Brothers were determined to maintain their educational presence on the island. To this end, a feasibility study was launched in 2000 to explore the possibility of establishing a San Miguel model school—a Lasallian institution designed to provide education for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This study aimed to assess the needs of the community, identify potential locations, and determine the resources required to establish the new school.
2001
- September 11: The tragic terrorist attacks on the United States had a profound impact on the nation, causing widespread uncertainty and grief.
- September 12: Despite the somber atmosphere, the feasibility study committee decided to proceed with their scheduled results meeting. They believed that moving forward with their plans would be a symbol of hope and resilience. The decision was made to establish The De La Salle School (TDLSS), ensuring that the mission of providing quality education to disadvantaged youth would continue on Long Island.
2002
September: The De La Salle School officially opened its doors to its first 5th-grade class. This inaugural class marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Christian Brothers’ educational mission on Long Island. The school aimed to nurture each student’s growth spiritually, academically, socially, and physically in collaboration with their parents and guardians. The emphasis was placed on respect, responsibility, leadership, and service to prepare young men to be caring citizens of the world.
2003
As TDLSS’s first class advanced, the school expanded by adding a new grade each year to accommodate the students’ progression. This steady growth allowed the school to build a comprehensive middle school program, offering a continuum of education from 5th to 8th grade. The curriculum was designed to meet the diverse needs of the students, with a focus on academic excellence and character development.
2005
With the start of the 2005-2006 school year, TDLSS achieved a major milestone by having all four grades—5th through 8th—fully established. This marked the completion of the school’s expansion plan, allowing it to offer a comprehensive middle school education. The development of this full grade structure enabled TDLSS to deliver a consistent and cohesive educational experience, rooted in the values of academic excellence and character formation, across all four years.
2006
June: TDLSS celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of its first class of 8th graders. This event marked the successful completion of the school’s initial educational cycle and was a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the students and staff. The graduates were well-prepared to transition to high school, carrying with them the values and lessons learned during their time at TDLSS.
Inaugural Graduate Support Program
In the same year, TDLSS launched its Graduate Support Program, a key initiative designed to provide ongoing guidance and resources to alumni as they transitioned into high school and beyond. The program underscored the school’s commitment to its students’ long-term success, ensuring they continued to thrive academically and personally even after leaving the middle school.
2010
June: TDLSS reached another significant moment in its history as the first cohort of 5th graders who started at the school in 2002 graduated from high school. This milestone reflected the lasting impact of the Lasallian education they received at TDLSS, as these students moved on to the next phase of their academic and personal journeys. Their achievements were a source of pride for the entire TDLSS community, showcasing the effectiveness of the school’s mission to prepare young men for success in all areas of life.
2022
20th Anniversary Celebration
TDLSS celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special event that brought together current students, alumni, staff, and supporters. The celebration honored the legacy of the Christian Brothers and highlighted the achievements of the school’s students and graduates over the past two decades. It was a moment of reflection on the school’s journey and a reaffirmation of its commitment to providing quality education to future generations.
2024
22 years after opening its doors, TDLSS continues to thrive, with a strong community of 268 alumni. The school remains dedicated to its mission of nurturing students’ growth spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. As TDLSS looks to the future, it continues to uphold the values of respect, responsibility, leadership, and service, ensuring that its students are well-prepared to be caring and responsible citizens of the world.
TDLSS achieved accreditation, a formal recognition of the school’s commitment to maintaining high standards of educational quality and institutional integrity. This accreditation process involved a thorough evaluation by external reviewers, who assessed various aspects of the school’s operations, including its academic programs, governance, and financial stability. Accreditation affirmed that TDLSS met rigorous academic standards and was dedicated to continuous improvement.