Verne W Critz Elementary School, 185 N Dunton Ave, East Patchogue, NY 11772, US

The Bellmore-Merrick district serves students in the Merrick, North Merrick, Bellmore and North Bellmore communities. It was first established in 1934, and the current name was adopted in 1973. Students complete their grades K-6 education in the four elementary school districts before attending Grand Avenue or Merrick Avenue Middle School. From there, it's on to Calhoun, Bellmore JFK or Mepham High Schools. The district also offers the Meadowbrook Alternative Program, geared toward students who have a difficult time succeeding in a large traditional school setting. Advance placement courses are offered in every academic area, and gifted students may take part in the interdisciplinary Honors Program. A wide range of electives are available to students, as well. SmartBoard technology is available in most classrooms. Programs that are offered to high school students include: Project Lead the Way, Senior Experience and Virtual Enterprise. Each high school has a Sports Boosters Club, PTA and there is a district drama program. Nearly 6,100 students attend the various schools in the district. The superintendent of schools is Dr. Henry Kiernan, and Nina Lanci is the president of the board of education.