New York City, a global metropolis renowned for its cultural diversity and dynamic energy, stands as a premier destination for international education in the United States. As of February 20, 2025, the city hosts 22 international schools, offering a diverse array of curricula including British, IB, American, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Montessori systems. These schools cater to students from early childhood to Grade 12, blending global educational standards with the city’s cosmopolitan ethos to prepare students for international opportunities. With fees ranging from moderate to premium and options for co-educational and bilingual environments, New York City provides a wealth of choices for families. This detailed guide lists all 22 schools, explores their unique offerings, and includes a personalized search tool to help you find the perfect match.
Overview of International Education in New York City
New York City’s international schools reflect its status as a global crossroads, serving a mix of local and expatriate families across boroughs like Manhattan and Brooklyn. The IB curriculum is widely adopted, alongside British and American systems, emphasizing rigorous academics and global perspectives. Multilingualism is a hallmark, with programs in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Chinese, aligning with the city’s diverse population. Emphasis is placed on holistic development, integrating academics with extracurriculars, character-building, and modern facilities. Fees vary, with most schools transparent about costs, catering to a range of socioeconomic needs in this bustling urban center.
Complete List of International Schools in New York City
Below is a detailed breakdown of all 22 international schools in New York City, including their curricula, languages of instruction, age ranges, fees (where available), and standout features.
1. Pine Street School
- Description: NYC’s only IB World School offering Spanish and Mandarin immersion from Nursery to 8th Grade.
- Curriculum: IB
- Languages: English, Chinese, Spanish
- Ages: 1-14
- Fees (2024/2025): $47,775–$59,154
- Highlights: Trilingual program with a focus on global citizenship.
2. Nord Anglia International School New York
- Description: A British international school fostering creative and resilient global citizens.
- Curriculum: British, International
- Language: English
- Ages: 2-14
- Fees (2024/2025): $32,500–$52,750
- Highlights: Located in Manhattan with a vibrant community focus.
3. Harrow International School New York
- Description: Combines 450 years of Harrow School pedagogy with NYC vibrancy for Grades 6-12.
- Curriculum: British
- Language: English
- Ages: 11-18
- Fees (2025/2026): $61,700 (flat rate)
- Highlights: Premium education on a 100-acre campus.
4. Keio Academy of New York
- Description: A bicultural, bilingual boarding school preparing students for Keio University and beyond.
- Curriculum: American, Japanese
- Languages: English, Japanese
- Ages: 14-18
- Fees (2024/2025): $31,100 (flat rate)
- Highlights: Affordable with a focus on Japanese-English education.
5. Dwight School
- Description: Founded in 1872, an IB leader igniting the “spark of genius” in every child.
- Curriculum: IB
- Language: English
- Ages: 2-18
- Fees (2024/2025): $34,900–$64,400
- Highlights: Personalized education with a global reputation.
6. Whitby School
- Description: A private school blending IB and Montessori for 18 months to Grade 8.
- Curriculum: IB, Montessori
- Language: English
- Ages: 2-14
- Fees (2024/2025): $39,000–$50,200
- Highlights: Revolutionary approach with a focus on early learning.
7. Maryel School
- Description: A bilingual Spanish-English school fostering critical thinking in Manhattan.
- Curriculum: American, Spanish
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Ages: 3-11
- Fees (2024/2025): $19,675–$37,850
- Reviews: 10
- Highlights: Affordable with a harmonious U.S.-Spain blend.
8. German International School New York (GISNY)
- Description: An independent bilingual school offering German-English education.
- Curriculum: American, German
- Languages: English, German
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2024/2025): $27,500 (flat rate)
- Highlights: Small, vibrant community with a beautiful campus.
9. EF Academy New York
- Description: A private day and boarding school empowering global changemakers.
- Curriculum: IB, American
- Language: English
- Ages: 14-18
- Fees (2025/2026): $43,700 (flat rate)
- Reviews: 1
- Highlights: Modern facilities with a focus on superior education.
10. Avenues New York
- Description: An innovative world school developing future thought leaders in Manhattan.
- Curriculum: Chinese, Spanish, International
- Language: English
- Ages: 1-18
- Fees (2024/2025): $27,500–$68,850
- Highlights: Project-based learning with a global outlook.
11. German-American School Manhattan
- Description: NYC’s first German-English dual immersion school for young learners.
- Curriculum: American, German
- Languages: English, German
- Ages: 3-11
- Fees (2025/2026): $35,500–$42,500
- Highlights: Focus on early bilingual education.
12. United Nations International School (UNIS)
- Description: The UN’s school offering an IB college-prep education.
- Curriculum: IB
- Language: English
- Ages: 4-18
- Fees (2024/2025): $44,196–$49,206
- Highlights: Co-educational with a global diplomatic community.
13. The École
- Description: A French-American bilingual school in NYC from Maternelle to Middle School.
- Curriculum: American, French
- Languages: English, French
- Ages: 2-14
- Fees (2025/2026): $44,700–$47,700
- Highlights: International community with a supportive environment.
14. Brooklyn Friends School
- Description: A Quaker IB school with a college-prep focus in Brooklyn.
- Curriculum: IB, Quaker
- Language: English
- Ages: 2-18
- Fees (2025/2026): $45,030–$62,750
- Highlights: Strong community with enthusiastic faculty.
15. Kennedy International School (Lyceum Kennedy)
- Description: A trilingual French-American school with IB options.
- Curriculum: IB, American, French
- Languages: English, French
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2025/2026): $38,300–$43,300
- Highlights: Small classes for individualized attention.
16. International School of Brooklyn
- Description: A non-profit offering French and Spanish immersion with IB.
- Curriculum: IB, Spanish, French
- Languages: English, French, Spanish
- Ages: 3-14
- Fees (2024/2025): $36,609–$47,837
- Highlights: Innovative immersion program in Brooklyn.
17. French-American School of New York (FASNY)
- Description: A bilingual school with International and French-American tracks.
- Curriculum: IB, American, French
- Languages: English, French
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2025/2026): $37,950–$44,810
- Reviews: 3
- Highlights: Dual-language education with global focus.
18. La Scuola d’Italia
- Description: An Italian-English bilingual school with a bicultural identity.
- Curriculum: IB, American, Italian
- Languages: English, Italian
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2024/2025): $26,000–$34,000
- Reviews: 3
- Highlights: Affordable with a multicultural environment.
19. Léman Manhattan Preparatory School
- Description: An IB World School in NYC’s historic district with a boarding option.
- Curriculum: IB
- Language: English
- Ages: 1-18
- Fees (2025/2026): $14,400–$68,600
- Highlights: Wide fee range with personalized learning.
20. The British International School of New York (BISNY)
- Description: An IB and British school with a child-centered environment in Manhattan.
- Curriculum: IB, British
- Language: English
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2024/2025): $42,500–$63,000
- Highlights: Features an on-site pool and river views.
21. German School Brooklyn
- Description: A bilingual German-English school making education accessible in Brooklyn.
- Curriculum: American, German
- Languages: English, German
- Ages: 3-14
- Fees (2024/2025): $29,700–$31,900
- Highlights: Affordable with a focus on language immersion.
22. Lycée Français de New York
- Description: A leading French-American school offering a pluricultural education.
- Curriculum: American, French
- Languages: English, French
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees (2024/2025): $48,250 (flat rate)
- Highlights: Bilingual excellence in a private setting.
Curriculum Options
- IB: Prevalent (e.g., Pine Street, Dwight), offering PYP, MYP, and DP.
- British: Common (e.g., Nord Anglia, Harrow), with British National Curriculum elements.
- American: Widespread (e.g., Keio, Avenues), aligned with U.S. standards.
- French: École, Kennedy, and Lycée Français provide French-language programs.
- German: GISNY and German School Brooklyn offer German education.
- Italian: La Scuola d’Italia integrates Italian and American systems.
- Japanese: Keio Academy provides a Japanese-American blend.
Fee Structures
- Budget-Friendly: Maryel ($19,675–$37,850), Léman ($14,400–$68,600).
- Mid-Range: Keio ($31,100), GISNY ($27,500), Nord Anglia ($32,500–$52,750).
- Premium: Harrow ($61,700), Avenues ($27,500–$68,850), Dwight ($34,900–$64,400).
Personalize Your Search
To find your ideal school, answer these questions for a personalized score:
- Curriculum: IB, British, American, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Montessori?
- Age Range: Early years (1-5), primary (6-11), secondary (12-18), or full (1-18)?
- Budget: Low (<$30,000), mid ($30,000–$50,000), premium (>$50,000)?
- Languages: English only, English-French, English-German, or trilingual options?
- Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, or flexible?
Examples:
- IB + Full Range + Premium: Dwight or Avenues.
- British + Mid-Range + Primary: Nord Anglia.
- Affordable + Bilingual: Maryel or La Scuola d’Italia.
Conclusion
New York City’s 22 international schools offer a dynamic range of educational options, from the trilingual Pine Street School to the prestigious Harrow International. Whether you prioritize affordability, multilingualism, or global curricula, there’s a school to match your needs as of February 20, 2025. Use the personalization tool to rank your top choices and ensure your child thrives in this iconic urban center.
