New arrivals to the Big Apple will find a strong presence of excellent international schools in New York. There are many curriculum options to choose from, the most popular being the International Baccalaureate (IB). There are also international schools offering the well-respected British curriculum, including the Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels. The national curricula of France, Germany, Japan and others are also represented.

Attending an international school in New York, particularly one with a curriculum from home, can be a comfort to expat children in new surroundings. Getting to know fellow students from all over the world and being exposed to many different cultures are also valuable experiences for children.

School admissions generally operate on a rolling basis. Places in New York's best international schools can be limited, though, so it's well worth applying for a spot as early as possible.

Below is a list of the best international schools in New York City.

International schools in New York

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Battery Park Montessori – Green Ivy International Schools

Nestled in idyllic Battery Park in New York City's concrete jungle, Battery Park Montessori is the first school in the city to offer trilingual instruction in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Battery Park Montessori is passionate about fully developing children at a critical stage in their lives while giving them an opportunity to be one with nature on their scenic grounds. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Montessori
Ages: 2 to 6

Nord Anglia International School New York

Nord Anglia New York is part of the worldwide network of more than 70 Nord Anglia schools. The school offers enhanced learning through collaborations with world-leading organisations such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Juilliard School. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum), International Primary Curriculum and Middle Years Curriculum
Ages: 2 to 14

Pine Street School – Green Ivy International Schools

Set in New York's Financial District, Pine Street School offers unique bilingual instruction in Spanish and Mandarin. The school's campus is not only charming and full of character but its classrooms are smart, adjustable and writeable allowing learners to freely express their creativity. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 1 to 15

The École

Located in New York’s vibrant Flatiron District, this intimate and independent French-American school cultivates an internationally minded community of students. From Maternelle to Middle School, the École blends the best of the French and American educational systems. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: French and American
Ages: 2 to 14

British International School of New York

This top-quality school offers a well-rounded British education in the heart of New York City. The school's picturesque campus overlooks the East River and is replete with facilities, including a swimming pool, a secure playground and a gymnasium. All classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

Dwight School New York

A prestigious school with close to 150 years of history, Dwight School New York has a bustling student population of 954. Class sizes are nevertheless kept small with an average class size of 15 to 18 students. Dwight School is a proud IB World School and offers the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18

EF Academy New York

Set in the leafy suburbs of Thornwood, EF Academy New York offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Students can graduate with either the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the American High School Diploma. Facilities are top-of-the-line and boarding is available. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American, International Baccalaureate
Ages: 13 to 18

German International School New York

German International School New York provides a comprehensive dual-diploma programme. Students earn the German International Abitur and the American High School Diploma concurrently. Expat families can look forward to excellent facilities, comprehensive language programmes and well-qualified teachers. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: German and American
Ages: 3 to 18

Keio Academy of New York

The only overseas organisation affiliated with the prestigious Keio University, Keio Academy of New York provides an individualised bilingual education. The student population is kept to around 353, allowing small classes with an average of 20 pupils and a student-teacher ratio of 9:1. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Japanese
Ages: 14 to 18

Lycée Français de New York

Founded in 1935, Lycée Français de New York offers an excellent English/French bilingual education. The school is set on a lush campus and features a rooftop playground, a digital media lab, a makerspace and two gymnasiums. There are a number of specialised facilities for sporting, creative and academic after-school activities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: French and American
Ages: 3 to 18

United Nations International School

Initially established by United Nations parents in the 1940s, today the United Nations International School has a thriving multicultural population made up of students from all over the globe. The school offers the International Baccalaureate infused with UN principles and values, and its students benefit from several UN-related events, talks and excursions. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18

Whitby School

For 60 years, Whitby's revolutionary child-centric approach to education has inspired children to better understand themselves and the world around them. Whitby's enquiry-based learning style cultivates students’ curiosities and turns new knowledge into new passions. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Montessori
Ages: 1.5 to 14

Map of International Schools in NYC

Download the free Expat Arrivals New York City Schools Guide for an overview of what expat parents can expect from the school system in New York. Read about a typical school day, the difference between public and private schools, and everything you need to know about the admissions process.

 

Further reading

►Learn more about Education and Schools in New York City

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