Intermediate School Planning Continues in Huntington

Planning continues in Huntington UFSD for the intermediate grade level restructuring that will be implemented in September 2026 beginning with fourth graders.

Flower Hill Primary School and Washington Primary School students will be zoned to attend Jack Abrams School. Those residing in the Southdown Primary School and Jefferson Primary School attendance zones will attend Woodhull School. Special circumstances for students with disabilities may apply based on student needs and programs.

District officials said that siblings will be grandfathered in at the current intermediate building upon request to the “greatest extent” possible.

Huntington School Board members voted 7-0 at a public meeting on September 8 to authorize the plan’s implementation. In addition to core curriculum instruction in English, math, science and social studies, the following programs will be offered at both intermediate schools:

• Project based learning/Project Lead the Way for all fourth graders

• Innovation Lab and Learners Who LEAD program for all fifth and sixth graders

• SEARCH, Math Olympiad and First Lego League programs based upon selection criteria

• Dual language based on current placement in program

Currently, 452 students attend Jack Abrams School with 445 students attending Woodhull School. The plan will not change the number of minutes of instructional time provided at either building.

“The structural changes recently approved at the intermediate level are the result of months of thoughtful planning and careful deliberation,” Superintendent Beth McCoy said. Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School will be renamed Jack Abrams Intermediate School, matching Woodhull Intermediate School.

“Throughout this process, we explored a range of possibilities, each involving adjustments to grade configurations and school structures, always guided by one central question: How can we use this moment not just to comply with requirements, but to elevate the learning experience for all students?” Mrs. McCoy said. “These discussions began last year, when we were informed of the state mandate requiring bilingual programming in both of our intermediate schools. That mandate raised a broader and more important question, not just how we meet the requirement, but how we might use this moment as a springboard to reimagine what’s possible for our students. We’ve arrived at a plan that we believe represents the strongest path forward, not just a plan for compliance, but a plan for opportunity, for access, and for academic excellence. We genuinely believe this has the potential to create one of the most innovative intermediate school experiences on Long Island.”

Officials reiterated that beginning in the 2026/27 school year, in addition to rigorous core programs, both intermediate schools will feature an array of enhancements, including:

• Whole-class enrichment for fourth graders, delivered through engaging, project-based learning.

• Learners Who LEAD and the Innovation Lab programs for all fifth and sixth graders.

• Dual language programming in both buildings, expanding access to bilingual education.

• The continuation of the SEARCH program, providing enrichment for high-ability learners in both schools.

“Our planning process was collaborative and inclusive,” Mrs. McCoy said. “We sought input through a community-wide survey, hosted a public forum, and shared updates at multiple Board of Education meetings. That feedback was invaluable and it directly shaped the final plan. At the heart of these changes is a simple but powerful goal: to build a stronger future for every student, in every classroom. We are proud of the work that’s been done, and even more excited for what lies ahead.”