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.

THE ÉCOLE
111 E. 22nd St., Flatiron, Manhattan
646-410-2238
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. Currently accepting applications for 2021-2022!

GERMAN SCHOOL MANHATTAN
74 Warren St., Tribeca, Manhattan
646-869-1152
Email info@germanschoolmanhattan.org

German School Manhattan is the first international German-English kindergarten and bilingual lower school in Manhattan. GSM offers a re-imagined, child-centric curriculum that encompasses German and New York educational standards. Our small classes provide a joyful learning environment to encourage and shape future global citizens. Summer camp and after-school are also offered.

GERMAN-AMERICAN SCHOOL: WHERE KIDS LEARN GERMAN
212-787-7543
Manhattan Upper East Side
Garden City, Long Island
New Hyde Park, Long Island

Email kidslearngerman@aol.com

German-American School NY offers a NY-State accredited after-school German language program. The school has taught German to children since 1892 and its motto today is "German is for everyone" - not just for Germans. Now offering online classes for adults as well.

GILLEN BREWER SCHOOL
410 E. 92nd St., Upper East Side, Manhattan
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
270 W. 89th St.

Email admissions@theidealschool.org

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is New York's only K-12+ independent inclusion school, where we celebrate the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth born in a diverse and nurturing educational community.

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF NEW YORK
4 E. 90th St. , Upper East Side, Manhattan
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.

LEARNINGSPRING SCHOOL
247 E. 20th St., Gramercy Park, Manhattan ,
212-239-4926     
Email mpoggi@learningspring.org

LearningSpring is a 12-month special education school for children diagnosed on the autism spectrum in grades kindergarten-eighth. Our students are bright, verbal, and ready to learn. Our integrated curriculum is designed to set high standards for students based on their ability, and provide structure and support to enable students to succeed.

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.

PROFESSIONAL CHILDREN'S SCHOOL
132 W. 60th St., Manhattan
212-582-3116
Vincent Sagona, Summer Academy director

Email vsagona@pcs-nyc.org

Professional Children’s School provides a challenging and engaging college preparatory program for artists, athletes, and other busy young people in grades sixth-12th who are serious about their studies. Founded in 1914, PCS has always combined classroom and remote learning so that students could also pursue challenging goals outside the classroom.

PUSTEBLUME INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
244 W. 14th St., West Village, Manhattan
212-206-1137
Email info@pusteblumenyc.org

We are a German and Spanish language immersion school with after-school/enrichment programs open to students from other schools. Special inquiry and exploration based curriculum is provided. Native-speaking faculty teaches music, movement, literacy, math concepts, and visual arts. Our fun, warm, learning environment cultivates the growth and development of your child.

WETHERBY–PEMBRIDGE SCHOOL - IN-PERSON
7 E. 96th St., Upper East Side, Manhattan
646-213-3400
Email info@wetherbypembridge.org

Wetherby-Pembridge School is an independent school for ages 2-14, located on the UES. Our school vision is built on the three central values of respect, resilience, and responsibility. Children enjoy a balanced, diverse, and inspiring academic program which marries the distinguishing strengths of the British and New York educational systems.

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
Seven schools located in New York City, Long Island, NY, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, in addition to a fully online school accessible anywhere in the U.S.,
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 winstonprep.edu/apply-now to sign up for a virtual open house.

YORK PREPARATORY SCHOOL
40 W. 68th St., Upper West Side
212-362-0400

York Preparatory School is a New York City independent school committed to guiding students in grades sixth through 12th to reach their maximum potential-intellectually, socially, and physically-and to prepare them for college and beyond. York Prep encourages the development of lifelong learners who are responsible members of their community.

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.