Dwight School vs Pine Street School - Middle School
Dwight School and Pine Street School - Middle School are both in New York, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Pine Street School - Middle School also offers Montessori. Published annual fees are $42,000 - 67,900 at Dwight School and $26,100 - 62,250 at Pine Street School - Middle School, which puts Dwight School roughly 24% higher. Dwight School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Pine Street School - Middle School from 1 to 14. Dwight School is the larger school, with around 742 pupils to Pine Street School - Middle School's 170. Typical class sizes are 15 at Dwight School and 18 at Pine Street School - Middle School.
Located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Dwight New York operates across four campuses: North Campus at 291 Central Park West; CPW Campus at 18 West 89th Street (Main Office, Middle & Upper Schools: Grades 5–12); Riverside Campus at 144 Riverside Blvd (Early Childhood: Small Wonder–Pre‑K); and 94th Street Campus at 705 Columbus Ave (Early Childhood Division & Lower School: Preschool 3s–Grade 4). The Athletic Center is at 2116 1st Ave.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Dwight New York has four levels: Early Childhood; Lower School (Kindergarten–Grade 4); Middle School (Grades 5–8); and Upper School (Grades 9–12).
Stages
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School type
School type
Private day school
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
45 nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Quest Learning Center provides learning support for students with learning differences and is integrated across Dwight to benefit all learners.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United States
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The school provides a private bus service operated by Queens Children Transportation.
Additional mandatory or regularly assessed fees (examples by division)
- Technology fee (Kindergarten and Grades 1–12): USD 1,975 (annual). - International Baccalaureate (IB) program fee (Grades 11–12): USD 750. - I-20 processing fee for international students (where applicable): USD 750 (non-refundable). - Uniforms, textbooks, overnight/grade-level trip fees and some extracurricular-specific costs: amounts vary by grade and activity.
Per-term / per-instalment detail and billing schedule
- Tuition figures above are annual. The school issues initial billing statements in late spring and administers tuition collection through an online student-billing service (Smart Tuition). Families select a payment schedule; the Business Office offers multiple payment-plan structures (examples historically provided include one, two, four, or eight payments). Exact instalment dates and plan choices are administered through the billing service and appear on the initial statement.
- Example instalment calculations (for reference only): - Single annual payment: full annual tuition in one payment. - Two-payment plan: each instalment ≈ annual tuition ÷ 2. - Four-payment plan: each instalment ≈ annual tuition ÷ 4. - Eight-payment plan: each instalment ≈ annual tuition ÷ 8. (These instalment amounts are mathematical divisions of the published annual tuition and will be adjusted to reflect any assessed fees, deposits, or credits on the billing statement.)
Payment terms, methods and late-payment policy
- Accepted payment methods include online debit/credit card, wire transfer (bank transfer), ACH, and payment by check; credit/debit card transactions may incur convenience fees. The school uses an online billing/payment platform (Smart Tuition) for statements and payments. A finance charge of 1% per month is assessed on delinquent accounts. Students with accounts in arrears may be prevented from attending school or receiving records/reports until the account is brought current.
Boarding
- Dwight School New York is a day school and does not provide boarding or homestay accommodation. Boarding fees are not applicable.
Refunds and withdrawal policy
- The application fee and registration fee are non-refundable. If a student is withdrawn after May 1 of the preceding school year (per the enrollment contract), the signator is responsible for the full year's tuition, payable immediately. Mid-year withdrawal and other refund responsibilities are governed by the enrollment contract; delinquent balances may result in withheld records.
Other routinely assessed or optional costs
- After-school and extended-day activities, special curricular or extracurricular program fees, certain language-course supplements, overnight trips, athletic tournament/away-trip costs, and some grade-specific materials or experiences can generate additional charges that vary by student and grade level. Families are billed for these items as applicable. A small number of optional services and fee-based programs may also appear on a student's account.
Summary of the most commonly billed line items for families
- Annual tuition (varies by program/grade) — see list above. - Non-refundable application fee: USD 75. - Non-refundable registration fee: USD 1,500. - Technology fee (K+): USD 1,975. - IB program fee (Grades 11–12): USD 750. - I-20 processing fee for international students (if applicable): USD 750. - Parents Association fee: USD 150.
Notes on administration of fees
- Billing and payment administration is handled through the school's Business Office and the online billing service; families receive an initial statement in late spring and ongoing statements according to their selected payment plan. Late or delinquent accounts incur finance charges and may affect a student's continued attendance and access to records.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
The school is a day school and does not provide boarding or homestays for international students.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Lower School uniforms are provided through Lands' End. White long-sleeved dress shirt is worn with the Dwight School tie (hunter/classic navy plaid). A navy blazer with crest or navy cardigan is worn; the Dwight School crest is required on all polos, turtlenecks, sweaters, and blazers. Sneakers are permitted in solid neutral colors on regular days; on formal dress code days, sneakers are not permitted.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
Timothy House (Grades 1-5); Bentley House (Grades 6-8); Franklin House (Grades 9-10); Anglo House (Grades 11-12).
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Dwight School New York is an independent co-educational IB World Continuum School and Global Network.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Dwight School New York delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP). Preschool through Grade 10 participate in the PYP and MYP automatically, while Grades 11–12 may pursue the IB Diploma Program or the Dwight Courses Program, with a placement process and a two-year commitment for the Diploma Program. The Diploma Program requires six IB subjects (three at Standard Level and three at Higher Level), the IB Core (Creativity, Activity and Service; Extended Essay; Theory of Knowledge), and a total of up to 45 points to obtain the Diploma; a minimum of 24 total points plus HL and SL point thresholds and completion of CAS, EE, and TOK are required. There is no formal application to join the full Diploma Program; a placement process ensures commitment to the two-year program and completion of internal and external assessments. The college counseling team supports university readiness within the IB framework.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Dwight has a low student-teacher ratio.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates matriculate at a range of domestic and international universities. Recent college matriculations include Brown, Bowdoin, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, UCLA, McGill, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, University of St. Andrews, Trinity College Dublin, Vanderbilt, University of Virginia, Wesleyan, and Yale. Additional matriculations include Columbia College Chicago, CUNY Brooklyn College, and Pennsylvania State University.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Spark Tank is Dwight's K-12 incubator that empowers student-entrepreneurs to launch their own ventures, with guidance and funding through Dwight's Foundation innovation grants; the program develops entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership beyond the classroom.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Dwight New York operates across four Manhattan campuses: North Campus at 291 Central Park West; CPW Campus at 18 West 89th Street; Riverside Campus at 144 Riverside Blvd; and 94th Street Campus at 705 Columbus Avenue. The Dwight School Athletic Center is a 40,000-square-foot facility located at 2116 1st Ave. The Athletic Center features a regulation-size high school gym seating 200, a six-lane, 25-yard indoor swimming pool, exercise and dance rooms, learning spaces, locker rooms, and two rooftop turf tennis courts. The Performing Arts Center includes a black-box theater with professional LED fixtures and a state-of-the-art music recording studio, supporting performances in iconic New York venues such as Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. The campus houses a museum-quality art collection with more than 200 works, and Dwight is AFEC-accredited by the World Academy of Sport. Quest Learning Center provides on-site, strength-based one-on-one academic and organizational training across Lower and Upper School.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Dwight School Athletic Center is a 40,000-square-foot facility. It includes a regulation-size high school gym seating 200 and a six-lane, 25-yard indoor swimming pool. It also houses exercise and dance rooms, learning spaces, locker rooms, and two rooftop turf tennis courts. The center supports a broad athletics program across seasons including cross country, soccer, tennis, volleyball, swimming, basketball, fencing, indoor track and field, rugby, golf, and more. Dwight uses Hudl to livestream home competitions.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Quest Learning Center provides on-site, strength-based one-on-one academic and organizational training. Lower Quest serves Grades 1-8 with learning specialists; Upper Quest serves Grades 9-12. Quest teachers coordinate with deans and other staff to support all facets of school life. English Language Learning (EAL) provides English instruction and cultural immersion for non-native speakers across all ages, with pre-admission evaluation and a progression from beginner to advanced levels. World languages are offered from preschool through Grade 12, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin; mother-tongue instruction is available in some languages, with German offered for Grades 6-12 and additional languages available (some with extra fees).
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Dwight offers an extensive after-school and clubs program across Preschool to Upper School, spanning sports, the arts, science, design and technology, and languages. Spark Tank is a K-12 entrepreneurial incubator that provides mentorship and funding for student ventures. Trips & Exchanges provide domestic and international travel and exchanges within Dwight's global network, including leadership and community service programs. Community Service engages students in service-learning with an annual Service Week and a range of projects across age groups.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Dwight School New York's history dates back to 1872. It is part of a global network with nine campuses worldwide. It was the first school in the Americas to offer the full International Baccalaureate curriculum in 2014 and the first U.S. independent school to establish an overseas campus in 1972. The school serves 921 students in Manhattan and 3,775 worldwide, with 45 nationalities represented, and has 56+ years of leadership by Chancellor Stephen Spahn. The IB Primary Years Program was authorized in 1998 and the Middle Years Program in 2000.
History
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Community
Community
Dwight New York has an international community with 45 nationalities represented. The Arts program features faculty who are world‑renowned touring musicians, film composers, writers, actors and visual artists, with students performing in major NYC venues such as Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. News & Events showcase cross‑campus activities and performances, including global concerts and student productions like The Adventures of Pinocchio.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Dwight uses the International Baccalaureate across Preschool 3s through 12th grade, with Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs. The IB curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, research, and complex problem-solving skills across disciplines. The Diploma Program includes Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirements that connect academic study to real-world experiences. The program emphasizes developing the whole student intellectually, emotionally, physically, and ethically.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Visual Arts are organized around a planning, creating, and evaluating cycle, with media ranging from drawing to sculpture. Upper School offers micro-courses in ceramics, mixed media, and senior college portfolio development. There are after-school clubs and the chance to join Dwight's National Art Honors Society. Dwight hosts Art Exhibitions in fall, winter, spring, and a Senior Art Exhibition.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
In Kindergarten, languages offered are Spanish, Mandarin, or French. Daily language study in Spanish, French, or Mandarin is part of the Kindergarten program. Students also visit museums, nature reserves, and interactive exhibits in New York City and participate in community and cultural sharing activities.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Dwight offers a myriad of after-school programs spanning sports, the arts, science, design and technology, languages, and a host of other educational games and classes. An extensive range of extracurricular options in fall, winter, and spring are designed to spark minds, bodies, and imaginations. The Visual Arts Continuum notes the presence of after-school clubs as a program highlight. After-school clubs provide opportunities for student engagement across disciplines.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Dwight is committed to service learning within the IB curriculum. Students develop leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through a wide range of community service projects. Each fall, Dwight holds Service Week where students and families participate in activities for the greater good. Preschool and Grades K-5 participate in monthly service projects, including packing lunches for the New York Common Pantry and other community drives.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The Middle School Student Council coordinates service initiatives to involve all students and build leadership capacity. Upper School students participate in service-oriented after-school programs such as WISER Club and SCOPE. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Program at Dwight promotes leadership, outdoor skills, service, and adventure, including WILD activities. Students plan collaborative projects with peers and reflect on their learning as part of CAS and related programs.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Dwight School Athletic Center includes a heated pool, a full gym, and a weight room. Group and private swim lessons are offered, with Saturday sessions available. A studio space supports indoor rehearsals, yoga, and dance lessons. Dwight also fields a broad athletics program with more than 30 Middle School, JV, and Varsity teams across levels.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Preschool teaches Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Grades K–5 offer Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese with mother tongue instruction in these languages; additional languages are available on request for an extra fee. Grades 6–12 offer Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese with mother tongue instruction in Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese (no fee); German is available for an extra fee, and language acquisition includes Italian and German. English Language Learning provides English instruction and cultural immersion for non-native speakers, and additional languages have been introduced most recently: Korean, Japanese, Dutch, Russian, Latin, ASL, and Swedish.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
Dwight students can pursue bilingual IB Diplomas in English and numerous other languages.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
The Dwight School New York admissions process is personalized with open houses, community events, and individual sessions for each applicant family. The 2025-26 application opens on September 1, 2025 and closes on December 1, 2025. Prospective families can take a 360 Virtual Tour and register for open houses held in fall and winter. Dwight School New York is a member of ISAAGNY and does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
Dwight offers need-based financial aid; there are no merit or athletic scholarships. About 25% of Dwight students receive financial aid, and approximately $10 million is awarded annually. Financial aid awards range from small grants to full tuition for students in kindergarten through grade 12; preschool aid is limited to partial grants and preschool recipients are reevaluated at the kindergarten level. The financial aid decisions are confidential and based on demonstrated need. The deadline for the 2026-27 financial aid and admissions applications is December 1, 2025, and the financial aid process uses the Clarity platform (start by submitting required documents and a $65 processing fee).
