Church School

St. Stephen’s parish began as a Church School in 1891 at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Preston Wysong where “Boys and girls from the valley who loved to sing hymns” gathered to pray, sing, and hear Bible stories.

The excitement of that first school exists to this day. We follow a joyful program of music, prayers and Bible stories to illustrate God’s teachings. These teachings become the basis for a Christian life.

•Nursery: Babies and toddlers are welcome in our Nursery, minded by rotating Mom and Dad volunteers, while their parents attend church. They can participate in a Pre-K Chapel service, learn hymns and songs and return to the Nursery to play. We love to have the little ones in Church as well.

•Pre-K: These children have their own Chapel service where they light candles and learn to pray. Hands-on activities keep them involved while they hear Bible stories and learn about Jesus. Several times a year, the Cherub Choir sings as part of the regular worship service in church. Their contribution to the Nativity Play is to bake a birthday cake for Jesus and lead the congregation in song. Our children are an active part of parish life.

•Kindergarten: The Chapel service in the Kindergarten classroom follows the same format as the Primary Grade Chapel allowing a smooth transition to Church the next year. Bible Stories are the focus in Kindergarten. These children begin to learn the skills of public presentation as “Silent Stars” in the Nativity Play.

•Primary Grades: Church for the primary grades is divided into three section: Chapel, held in the beautiful St. Cecilia Room, Orff Orchestra and Hymns, and Classes where Children learn how Bible lessons relate to their own lives. As members of the Chapel Choir, they sing in church. Everyone has a part in the Nativity Play. First and second Grade is on stage.

•Intermediate Grades: As the children get older, our program grows with them. They study subjects that will prepare them to participate in the church as teens and adults – the Prayer Book, Liturgy, the Saints, and the Catechism. They explore how the church family supports them as they encounter life’s choices. They also participate in the Chapel Choir and plays that are part of our church year.

•Chapel: The Church School Chapel is a specially tailored service designed to teach and inspire our young people. Children in Grades 1-7 learn to participate in all areas of the worship service.

•Art Program: The Church School children work on arts and crafts programs designed to give them a greater understanding of their lessons. A map of St. Paul’s journeys, a pictorial Life of Moses, and renderings of Joseph’s “coat of many colors” are just a few examples. Projects are displayed at Coffee Hour for the enjoyment and edification of the whole parish. The children also create sets and props for their productions.

For more information about the Church School, please contact the Parish Office at (516) 767-0363 or email the Church School Director.

Youth Ministry

St. Stephen’s has a Youth Program for Grades 6-12, which provides an opportunity for them to continue their Christian education, enjoy Christian fellowship – and have fun! The Youth Group is currently coordinating a special Lenten food drive to aid the Food Bank at Our Lady of Fatima, and is looking forward to reading the Passion Gospel on Palm Sunday.

Young members of the parish are also encouraged to participate in the worship and outreach of the parish. For additional information on youth programs, contact the Youth Group Coordinator; for information on opportunities for worship participation, contact the Worship Committee.

Adult Christian Education

Learning about our Lord’s teachings doesn’t end after graduation from Church School. An active Bible Study group meets with the Rector on Wednesday mornings at 10:15. At appropriate times during the year, workshops and seminars are offered to the congregation. They are opportunities for both learning and fellowship.


    St. Stephen's is offering a Lenten study program in conjunction with Christ Church, Manhasset. For further information, click here.


St. Stephen’s also maintains a lending library in the Cloister, just outside the Parish Office. Parishioners are invited to make use of the informative and inspirational books and pamphlets available there. A recent noteworthy addition to the library is the “New Church’s Teaching” series, which helps us deal with what it means to be Episcopalians in the 21st Century.