Private & Independent Schools in Manhattan

Find a focused learning environment with smaller class sizes for kids in Manhattan. Get the full list here.

Thinking about enrolling your child in a private school in Manhattan? Also known as independent schools, private schools are funded by tuition and donations as opposed to being funded by taxpayer dollars. As such, private schools tend to have a little more flexibility when it comes to the curriculum (and some private schools in NYC may not follow the Regents exam program). When applying to a private school, such as an international school, your child may need to take an entrance exam or admissions test and go through an interview process. Though tuition is a factor when attending a private school, many offer needs-based financial aid. Learn more about the private schools in Manhattan—you’re sure to find the perfect independent school for your child in Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Tribeca, Meatpacking District, Hell's Kitchen, Financial District, Battery Park, Harlem, and more.

Check the boxes and submit the form below to connect with these businesses.

Buckley Country Day School is an independent, coeducational day school providing a superior elementary education to an intellectually capable and diverse student body. Buckley provides the foundation that enables our students to achieve their full potential and excel as educated, ethical, and self-confident individuals. Our graduates are well prepared for secondary schools and beyond.

DWIGHT SCHOOL
291 Central Park West, New York
212-724-6360
Email admissions@dwight.edu

Dwight is a leading nursery-12th grade private school dedicated to igniting the spark of genius in every child. Founded in 1872, Dwight has one of the lowest student-teacher ratios among NYC independent schools and was the first in the Americas to offer the full International Baccalaureate curriculum for ages 3-18.

ÉCOLE (THE)
111 E. 22nd St., New York
646-410-2238, for open houses 646-582-9941
Email bonjour@theecole.org

The Ecole is an independent, French-American bilingual school serving an international community of Maternelle-to-Middle School students in New York City's Flatiron District. Students at The Ecole have been onsite, learning live from teachers in the classroom since Sept. 1. There are still seats available in some grades so apply now!

GILLEN BREWER SCHOOL
410 E. 92nd St., New York
212-831-3667
Email julian@gillenbrewer.com

Founded in 1992, Gillen Brewer School is a family-oriented, 12-month early childhood program for children ages 2.8-10 years with language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. We provide developmentally appropriate academic instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling and social groups, music, art, science, technology, sports, and physical fitness.

HUDSONWAY IMMERSION SCHOOL
525 W. 52nd St., New York
212·787·8088
Email info@hwis.org

HWIS offers a choice of on-site, five days-per-week or remote learning for 2020-2021. Our preschool, elementary, and middle school program is a full immersion environment in two languages: English/Mandarin or English/Spanish. HWIS students achieve high academic standards, bilingual proficiency, and are admitted to top tier independent schools. Financial aid available.

IDEAL SCHOOL OF MANHATTAN (THE)
Upper West Side , New York
212-769-1699
Email JKemp@theidealschool.org

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is New York's only K-21 independent inclusion school. In our diverse and nurturing community and our robust academic program, IDEAL students strive for excellence for themselves and their peers, possessing the self-awareness to advocate for themselves and others, and understanding that only in community are we IDEAL.

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF NEW YORK
4 E. 90th St. , New York
212-641-0260
Email info@ianyc.org

The International Academy of New York is a multi-cultural, diverse, independent school for toddlers-5th grade (with a future middle school). At the core of the school's curriculum is an exceptional Chinese/Spanish bilingual program, daily instruction in the arts, and a focus on excellence in literacy and math. Visit ianyc.org to learn more.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL (THE)
347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place , Manhattan
212-223-4630

Children enthusiastically explore academic dimensions at their own pace and interest level. Classes are equipped with didactic Montessori materials that encourage absorption of concepts through play, leading children to become well-rounded and confident. Program includes science, music, foreign language, musical theatre, swimming, dance, yoga, chess, cultural events, and robotics.

WETHERBY–PEMBRIDGE SCHOOL - IN-PERSON
7 E. 96th St.,
646-213-3400
Ages: 2-14

Email info@wetherbypembridge.org

A British independent school for ages 2-14, our school vision is to awaken curiosity, cultivate high standards, and celebrate successes. The Team at Wetherby-Pembridge has worked hard to implement thorough safety and hygiene measures and with our small class sizes, we shall be able to welcome back all pupils.

WHITBY SCHOOL
969 Lake Ave., Greenwich
203-869-8464
Email admissions@whitbyschool.org

Located in Greenwich CT, Whitby is a coeducational independent school for children 18 months through eighth grade. Whitby offers a Montessori curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in grades first-eighth. These two programs form the foundation for an educational continuum where students thrive and learn to think creatively and critically.

WINSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Various locations throughout the greater NYC area. ,
631-779-2400
Email liadmissions@winstonprep.edu

Winston Preparatory School is a network of six campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through grade 12. Winston Online now allows students to learn from anywhere in the country. Visit www.winstonprep.edu/apply-now to sign up for a virtual open house.

And you can always browse more of our education resources in Manhattan, including private schools, preschools, Catholic schools, charter and magnet schools, and special education schools.