Harrow International School New York vs The British International School of New York

	H Harrow International School New York New York, United States	T The British International School of New York New York, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $50,044 - 76,875	Fees / year $44,250 - 66,900
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum, American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 20	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2025	Opened 2006
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Midway between New York City and The Hamptons, Harrow New York sits on a waterfront campus in Oakdale, New York. The Bourne Mansion is the central building on the campus. It is located at 500 Montauk Highway, Oakdale, NY 11769, United States, with travel options including a 1 hr 25 min train ride from Penn Station via Oakdale LIRR Station (1.5 miles from campus) and driving times of about 15 minutes to Long Island MacArthur Airport, 45 minutes to JFK, and 50 minutes to LaGuardia.	Location Located at 20 Waterside Plaza, Manhattan, NY 10010, BIS-NY sits in the Kips Bay neighborhood on Manhattan's East Side, alongside the East River. Access is via 23rd Street, and the campus is near Gramercy Park, Murray Hill and Stuyvesant Town. The riverfront setting provides a calm, light filled environment with open views and space to breathe, and many families reach BIS-NY from Long Island City and Greenpoint.
Stages	Stages Pre Shell (Grade 6); Shell (Grades 7 & 8); Remove & Fifth (Grades 9 & 10); Sixth Form (Grades 11 & 12).	Stages Early Years (2.9 – 5 years); Lower School (5–11 years); Middle School (11–14 years); Upper School (14–18 years).
School type	School type Day and boarding school.	School type The school is a private international day school in New York for students aged 3 to 18.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Over 40 nationalities represented across BIS-NY.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Dedicated EAL/ELL support; MYP English Language Acquisition; IB Diploma Programme English B.	Additional learning support The school has a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) team and EAL specialists; a full-time Nurse and a School Counselor support student wellbeing.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with Harrow School as part of the Harrow Family of Schools.	Country affiliation British/UK curriculum (English National Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Drop-off begins at 8:15 am; a full-day program ends at 3:30 pm, with late care until 5:30 pm. Nursery offers full-day or half-day schedules, with half-day ending at 12:30 pm including lunch.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Non‑refundable admissions application fee: applicants pay a non‑refundable application fee via the online applicant portal when submitting the application. - Financial aid application fee (third‑party platform): USD 60. Tuition fees (by academic year and attendance type) - 2026–27 academic year: - Day student (annual): USD 50,544. - 5‑day boarding (annual): USD 72,000. - 7‑day boarding (annual): USD 76,875. - 2025–26 academic year (for comparison/previous year): - Day student (annual): USD 61,700. - 5‑day boarding (annual): USD 70,250. - 7‑day boarding (annual): USD 75,000. - Items included in published tuition: meals, textbooks and standard co‑curricular activities. Tuition per term (academic structure and simple division) - The school operates an academic calendar with named terms (for example Winter Term), consistent with a three‑term academic year. Using a three‑term division, the 2026–27 per‑term amounts are as follows (annual tuition divided by three): - Day student: USD 16,848 per term (USD 50,544 ÷ 3). - 5‑day boarding: USD 24,000 per term (USD 72,000 ÷ 3). - 7‑day boarding: USD 25,625 per term (USD 76,875 ÷ 3). Additional mandatory fees and deposits - Annual incidental fees (mandatory): USD 1,875 per year. Items listed under this fee category include: technology, required excursions, Parents Association, academic enrichment and Harrow hat. - Boarding fees (incidental charge): USD 425 (covers boarding deposits/security deposit and personal expenses, laundry, transportation, weekend activities). - Dormitory damage deposit: refundable after end‑of‑year inspection if no chargeable damage is found. - Enrollment deposit: 10% of the published tuition; this 10% Enrollment Deposit is applied to the tuition account for the 2026–2027 school year. - Onboarding fee for new students: USD 250 (one‑time). - Administrative fee for the 10‑month tuition payment plan: USD 150. Boarding fees (summary by boarding option) - 5‑day boarding (annual): USD 72,000 for 2026–27. This amount covers full 5‑day boarding tuition and is separate from the Boarding Fees incidental charge (USD 425). Meals, standard co‑curriculars and textbooks are included in tuition. - 7‑day boarding (annual): USD 76,875 for 2026–27. This amount covers full 7‑day boarding tuition and is separate from the Boarding Fees incidental charge (USD 425). Meals, standard co‑curriculars and textbooks are included in tuition. Other costs or fees - Uniforms and Harrow hat: the Harrow hat is listed under the Annual Incidental Fees; other uniform items are part of the school's uniform policy but specific uniform‑purchase prices are not published in the school's public fee summary. - Excursions, technology and specified academic enrichment are covered by the Annual Incidental Fees; premium or optional trips, tournaments, some specialised activities or personal expenses may incur extra charges beyond the incidental fee. Refund information - The dormitory damage deposit is refundable after a satisfactory end‑of‑year inspection. - The school states that the admissions application fee is non‑refundable when paid at application submission. Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrollment deposit: 10% of tuition is required as an enrollment deposit and is credited to the student's tuition account for the academic year referenced. - Payment plan: a 10‑month tuition payment plan is offered (administrative fee USD 150). The administrative fee is charged in association with that plan. - The school publishes an academic calendar with named terms that is used for scheduling and billing cycles; per‑term billing for parents can be calculated by dividing the annual tuition by the number of academic terms. Fee payment options - Applications and fee transactions are processed through the school's online applicant portal. The school also uses third‑party platforms for financial aid submissions. Specific accepted payment instruments (credit card, bank transfer/wire, ACH, check) are handled via the school's payment and tuition management processes; specific publicly posted lists of accepted payment instruments are not provided in the school's public fee summary. Brief notes on items not published in the public fee summary - The exact dollar amount of the general admissions application fee (the non‑refundable application fee collected in the applicant portal) is not published on the publicly accessible admissions pages. - Detailed billing calendar dates, full payment schedule options (single payment vs. multiple plans beyond the referenced 10‑month plan), specific late‑payment penalties, and a comprehensive tuition refund/withdrawal policy are not provided in the school's public tuition and admissions pages. The dormitory damage deposit is explicitly described as refundable after inspection. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Academic year covered - The fees and payment terms below correspond to the school's published tuition and fees schedule for the 2025/26 academic year. Application and admissions fees - Application Fee: USD 125, payable at the time of application. - New Student Enrollment Fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 2,500, payable upon enrollment for all new students. Annual tuition by year group (full-year amounts) - Nursery (3s program, full year, 5 days/week): USD 44,250. - Reception (Pre-K / 4-year-olds, full year, 5 days/week): USD 49,500. - Primary & Middle School (Year 1 – Year 9): USD 64,750. - Upper School (Year 10 – Year 13): USD 65,800. Mandatory trip / excursion fees - Excursion Week (Years 7–9 only, mandatory): Year 7 fee USD 1,900; Years 8 & 9 fee USD 2,150. These amounts are subject to change based on actual trip costs; installment schedule below applies. Payment schedule, deposits and instalment options - Amounts due on enrollment (new students): - New Student Enrollment Fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 2,500. - Tuition Deposit (non-refundable): Nursery & Reception: USD 3,500; Years 1–9: USD 3,500; Years 10–13: USD 6,000. The tuition deposit is applied against the full-year tuition and is non-refundable. - Remaining tuition balance (examples shown as amounts due under the single-instalment option): - Nursery: Balance due USD 40,750. - Reception: Balance due USD 46,000. - Years 1–9: Balance due USD 58,750. - Years 10–13: Balance due USD 59,800. - Two-installment option (balance divided 70% / 30%): - 70% of the balance due May 1, 2025; 30% of the balance due December 15, 2025. Example amounts (balance portion only): - Nursery: 70% = USD 28,525; 30% = USD 12,225. - Reception: 70% = USD 32,200; 30% = USD 13,800. - Years 1–9: 70% = USD 41,125; 30% = USD 17,625. - Years 10–13: 70% = USD 41,860; 30% = USD 17,940. - Ten-installment option (monthly): ten equal installments covering the balance; the published example monthly amounts are: - Nursery: USD 4,075 per month. - Reception: USD 4,600 per month. - Years 1–9: USD 5,875 per month. - Years 10–13: USD 5,980 per month. - Ten-installment timing and requirement: the ten-installment plan runs across the published dates and requires automatic ACH payment setup through the school's payment processor (TADS) as noted on the schedule. - Excursion Week payment timing (Years 7–9): 50% due October 15, 2025 and 50% due March 15, 2026 (subject to change by itinerary). What tuition covers and what it does not cover - Tuition includes: educational materials, lunch, snacks, athletics, extracurricular programs (including school play, set design, athletics, debate) and educational day trips. - Tuition does not cover: school uniforms, private music lessons, after-school activities and late club, residential (overnight) trips for Years 7–13, transportation to/from school, and computing devices for Upper School (BYOD requirement). After-school care is charged separately at USD 23 per hour. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school and no boarding fee schedule is published. Refund and cancellation terms (key points) - New Student Enrollment Fee: one-time and non-refundable. - Tuition Deposit: non-refundable and applied against the year's tuition balance. - Financial aid application processing: the third-party FAST portal charges a USD 60 administrative fee per financial aid application. If the school is unable to meet a family's demonstrated need, the school will refund the application fee. - Pro‑rata for partial-year attendance: published proration is One term = 50% of full-year tuition; Two terms = 75% of full-year tuition. Fees are prorated by term for mid‑year entry or departure only when agreed in advance; this proration does not apply to unplanned withdrawals or non-attendance once a student is enrolled. Late payment, penalties and consequences - A late fee of 1.5% per month is assessed on all past-due invoices by the school's billing agent (TADS). Significantly past-due accounts may result in student withdrawal. Fee payment methods and administrative processing - The school uses TADS for tuition billing and payment management. TADS accepts multiple payment methods including automatic bank withdrawal (ACH), major credit and debit cards, e-checks, and paper checks/money orders depending on the contract and options selected in the TADS tuition agreement. The ten-installment plan specifically requires ACH authorization. Other regular or occasional charges - After-school care: USD 23 per hour (charged separately). - Residential / overnight trip fees (Years 7–13) and private lessons or certain extracurricular items may be charged separately when applicable. Excursion Week charges for Years 7–9 are mandatory and billed as noted above. Contact / billing administration - Billing and financial-aid administration are handled through the school's stated contacts and the TADS/FAST portals as part of the admissions and tuition process. Families may arrange payment plans and employer/third‑party invoicing in coordination with the school's admissions and finance teams.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school offers day students and two boarding options: five-day boarding and seven-day boarding. For the 2026-27 year, five-day boarding costs $72,000 and seven-day boarding costs $76,875. A $425 boarding fee applies, with additional housing related deposits and expenses listed separately.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Lower School and Middle School wear a formal uniform; Upper School follows a smart dress code. The official supplier is Lands' End, BIS-NY provides house-color ties and swim caps, and house colors are Shakespeare (Blue), Glennie (White), and King (Red).
Food options	Food options Dining is provided on campus with meals included in tuition for some programs; Lessing's is the dining provider. The menu offers a variety of choices including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, with daily meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.	Food options Healthy, fresh meals are prepared onsite daily by the Elior team; lunch is provided for all BIS-NY students and includes hot entrées, vegetarian options, soups, sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, and a Friday dessert. All meals are nut-free and hormone- and antibiotic-free and include a healthy morning snack.
House system	House system The House is central to student life. Each House includes both boarding and day students and students remain in the same House throughout their school career. Each House has a Head of House, a Matron and House Tutors to oversee pastoral and academic progress, and inter-House competitions are held.	House system The school has a house system with Shakespeare (Blue), Glennie (White), and King (Red). Nursery and Reception wear red polos.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Harrow New York is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a member of the Harrow Family of Schools. It is owned and operated by the Amity Education Group, with arrangements to reflect Harrow School's educational purpose and philosophy within the Harrow family.	Governance and ownership BIS-NY is part of Affinitas, a global family of bilingual and international schools. Affinitas supports growth and provides access to a wider community of educators and best practices while preserving BIS-NY's identity.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The curriculum combines British, American, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme curricula. Harrow New York is an IB Candidate School for the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme. The school offers Pre Shell (Grade 6), Shell (Grades 7–8), Remove & Fifth (Grades 9–10), and Sixth Form (Grades 11–12). Upon graduation, students receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma and a Harrow International School New York Diploma, a New York State High School Diploma. Three competencies—digital, social, and cognitive—shape learning and how students apply knowledge in the real world. All lessons and examinations are conducted in English, with the exception of modern and classical languages.	Curriculum details Early Years combines the UK Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Lower School uses the English National Curriculum taught within the IB framework. Middle School provides IB-based inquiry alongside preparation for IGCSE. Upper School follows the Cambridge IGCSE and A Level programmes. The overall curriculum blends the English National Curriculum with IB approaches in the Lower and Middle Schools and Cambridge qualifications in the Upper School.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes and small student-teacher ratios. Form teachers, division leaders and specialist staff provide personalised attention.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Nearly all students progress to university after completing the IB Diploma. University Counselors provide bespoke guidance to help students apply to top universities. The Careers program supports understanding of the world of work and planning beyond Harrow New York.	Higher education progression Graduates have gained places at leading institutions around the world since the first graduating class in 2021. Cambridge qualifications are accepted by more than 880 universities in the United States (including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus institutions) and by every UK university, with strong A Level results often earning up to one year of university credit. Merit scholarships total over $2 million each year.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Harrow New York offers a Super-Curriculum that expands the academic program beyond examinations, focusing on research skills and the ability to debate, communicate confidently, solve problems, and think critically and creatively. The Super-Curriculum includes wide and habitual reading, extended project work, debate, public speaking, research, competitions, lectures, study trips and our extensive program of student-led societies. It also includes an Electives program taught through university-style seminars to foster independent, enquiry-led learning from the outset.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school has a robust system of individual care that places safety and wellbeing at the center. PSHE lessons are delivered by Tutors and developed and overseen by a full-time Head of Department. The Wellbeing Committee ensures consistency of individual care across the School and coordinates responses for more significant support needs. Students have access to School Counselors and Peer Mentors. Formal channels for student voice include the Wellbeing Committee, Food and ICT Committees, House Councils and an annual survey.	Social & emotional learning The school places wellbeing at the center of its approach with a Welcoming, Connected Community. From day one, families are supported to feel at home through activities and a warm community. The school fosters Respect, Inclusion and Every Child Feeling Seen, drawing on a diverse community of over 40 nationalities. The small student–teacher ratios, dedicated form teachers, division leaders and specialist staff provide trusted adults who know each child well. Regular communication between families and leadership ensures a transparent, supportive environment where students feel safe to speak up and seek help. Daily safeguarding practices are underpinned by the Affinitas Culture of Care to support student wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Dedicated EAL/ELL support is provided to help international students with English language acquisition. MYP English Language Acquisition classes are offered when student numbers allow. IB Diploma Programme English B is offered for students developing English skills when there is sufficient interest. The approach creates a supportive environment and integrates language development into the curriculum. Parents are kept informed about their child's progress.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) team that supports students with diverse needs and helps them access learning. The SEN team collaborates with other staff to provide appropriate support and inclusion across divisions. The EAL specialists and other specialist staff coordinate with the SEN team as part of the overall inclusion approach. The SEN provision sits within BIS-NY's holistic wellbeing framework and safeguarding approach.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Dedicated EAL/ELL Support is provided. MYP English Language Acquisition classes are offered when student numbers allow. IB Diploma Programme English B is offered for students developing English skills when there is sufficient interest. The approach provides a supportive environment where students can practice and develop English, using a variety of methods and curriculum integration. Parents are kept informed about their child's progress.	English as an additional language The EAL program offers focused small-group and in-class support from Nursery through Year 9. This support helps students build English skills to access the curriculum with confidence. EAL specialists are part of the staff to provide targeted language assistance within lessons. Learners are supported socially and academically to feel included within BIS-NY's multilingual community.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Wellbeing Committee ensures a coordinated response for cases requiring significant support. Students have access to School Counselors and Peer Mentors. The PSHE program supports mental wellbeing and life skills. Tutor time provides opportunities to discuss matters of the moment and check in. Student voice is encouraged through Wellbeing Committees, House Councils and an annual wellbeing survey.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing comes first at BIS-NY with a welcoming and connected community. A full-time Nurse and a School Counselor support student welfare and access to care. The school maintains structures for student wellbeing and regular communication with families. The Affinitas Culture of Care informs daily practices to keep students safe, heard and thriving. Respect and inclusion are central to mental wellbeing in the BIS-NY community.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school has a Safeguarding Policy.	Safeguarding The school maintains a strong safeguarding framework with a full-time Nurse, a School Counselor, a Special Educational Needs team and EAL specialists. These roles collaborate to prioritise student safety and welfare. Daily practices reflect international safeguarding standards. The Affinitas Culture of Care informs staff responses to safeguarding concerns. Staff receive regular welfare training to keep students safe, heard, and supported to thrive.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus spans 170 acres on Long Island with 1,000 feet of waterfront shoreline. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced 21st-century learning classrooms, expansive common areas, dedicated performing arts spaces, and exceptional athletic amenities. The Bourne Mansion is the on-site home of Harrow New York day and boarding school. The school plans a phased five-year development to add a dedicated athletic center, a STEM building, modern residential facilities, and an Olympic-sized aquatic center.	Facilities overview Located at 20 Waterside Plaza via 23rd Street and the East River, BIS-NY sits in the Kips Bay neighborhood on Manhattan's East Side, with a riverfront setting that is calm, light-filled and close to family-friendly areas. The campus hosts purpose-built spaces for all age groups on a single site where Early Years through Upper School learn. Students have outdoor playgrounds, an onsite swimming pool, fully equipped science labs, art studios, libraries and dedicated spaces for music, languages, STEM and design. Younger children benefit from smooth transitions, while older students gain independence in spaces designed for their stage of learning. The campus environment is secure, inspiring and supports a broad range of academics, arts, sports and co-curricular activities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities On-site facilities offer soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, squash, netball and lacrosse, with a newly-updated gymnasium and a dedicated strength and conditioning suite. Students have ready access to nearby facilities for swimming, golf, sailing, and horseback riding. There are plans to build further on-site facilities in the coming years, including an aquatics centre and boathouse.	Sports facilities Competitive sports include soccer, basketball, swimming, and track and field, with BIS-NY Bulldogs representing the school. The campus supports PE and sport through an onsite swimming pool used for physical education and aquatic activities. Students participate in a varied after-school sports program and school teams. The sporting program complements academic and co-curricular offerings, helping students develop teamwork and resilience.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus features advanced 21st-century learning classrooms, expansive common areas, and dedicated performing arts spaces. The Bourne Mansion provides the on-site space for the school's activities. A STEM building is planned for future phases to enhance on-site academic facilities.	Academic facilities Facilities include fully equipped science labs, art studios, and libraries. There are dedicated spaces for music, languages, STEM and design. BIS-NY's campus features purpose-built spaces designed to support learning from Early Years through Upper School. The riverfront location and light-filled environment support independent and collaborative learning across subjects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Super-Curriculum expands the rigorous academic program beyond examinations and focuses on the development of research skills and the ability to debate, communicate confidently, solve problems and think both critically and creatively. It includes wide reading, extended project work, debate, public speaking, research, competitions, lectures, study trips and our extensive program of student-led societies. The Electives program offers university-style seminars across the School to foster independent, enquiry-led learning from the outset.	Extra curricular facilities After-school clubs and competitive sports are a hallmark of BIS-NY. Competitive sports include soccer, basketball, swimming, and track and field, with BIS-NY Bulldogs as the team name. Robotics, Debate and the student-led Green Team offer engaging pathways for students who love building, experimenting and leadership. Performing arts are a standout, with middle and upper school students participating in mainstage musicals or plays, and younger students performing in smaller showcases. BIS-NY partners with the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art for additional in-school and extracurricular performance opportunities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Harrow New York is a member of the Harrow Family of Schools, alongside Harrow School (UK), John Lyon School, Harrow International School Bengaluru, and AISL Harrow Schools. Their connection stems from the original charitable intentions of John Lyon, the founder of Harrow School. Harrow New York is the first Harrow-branded school to be owned and operated by the Amity Education Group. These schools reflect Harrow School's educational purpose, practice, strategy and philosophy in a way tailored to the needs of their students. As a member, Harrow New York benefits from collaborative, pan-Family opportunities, including sharing of best practice and resources, student collaborations through an annual Fifth Form Conference, a creative-writing anthology and a STEAM magazine, and shared celebrations such as the Harrow School's 450th anniversary.	History The British International School of New York opened in 2006. September 2016 marked BIS-NY's tenth anniversary. In September 2018 the school launched an Upper School programme offering Cambridge International IGCSE and A Level courses.
Community	Community Collaboration and community underpin Harrow New York, with a robust individual care framework centered on student safety and wellbeing. The Wellbeing Committee ensures consistency of care across the School and leads coordinated support, with access to the School Counselors and Peer Mentors. Students participate in formal channels for their voice, including the Wellbeing Committee, Food and ICT Committees, House Councils and an annual survey. The House System creates a single cohesive community for boarding and day students, with Houses providing pastoral and academic oversight.	Community From the very first days BIS-NY supports families to feel at home with playdates before term begins, introductions to local classmates and a warm Parents' Association. The community represents more than 40 nationalities and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion and being seen. A team of trusted adults and safeguarding practices ensures students are safe, heard and supported, with regular, open communication between families and school leadership.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Parents' Association (PA) creates a close, vibrant, and supportive BIS-NY community. Class Representatives attend PA meetings and communicate PA information to their class; volunteering for PA events is coordinated by parents. PA meetings are held quarterly; PA dues of $225 per student are billed at the start of the school year and fund student-focused initiatives and events, including holiday and year-end class parties and gifts for teachers and staff. Dues are overseen by the PA Treasurer and questions about PA finances may be sent to bisnypa@gmail.com.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Super-Curriculum expands the rigorous academic program beyond examinations, developing research skills and the ability to debate, communicate confidently, and think both critically and creatively. It includes wide reading, extended project work, debate, public speaking, research, competitions, lectures, study trips and an extensive program of student-led societies. The Electives program offers unexamined courses taught through university-style seminars, fostering independent, enquiry-led learning from the outset. These experiences yield lifelong skills that universities seek in applicants.	Academic & intellectual Debate Club and Robotics are offered as after-school clubs, supporting critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative work. Clubs and teams vary from term to term and are age-appropriate. These activities expose students to new skills beyond the classroom and help develop communication and teamwork. The BIS-NY program emphasizes intellectual growth through a range of after-school opportunities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Through the arts, students find their voice and the confidence to express creativity. There are opportunities to learn a musical instrument, join ensembles, sing in choirs or in Houses, perform in plays, and explore fine art, sculpture and ceramics. The arts philosophy is that all should participate and aim to excel.	Arts & creative Drama and school productions are a core part of BIS-NY's arts program. Each year, two full-scale annual musical productions are staged for Years 4–9, with after-school rehearsals. There are set-design and backstage roles that engage students as makers and builders, and young musicians support performances. The School Choir meets weekly at lunch, and the Empire State of Sound touring choir rehearses after school and performs at local events, including concert tours.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Dedicated EAL/ELL support provides personalized help with reading, writing, speaking and listening. MYP English Language Acquisition classes are offered when student numbers allow to support language development within the MYP curriculum. At the DP level, English B is available to develop English skills in the IB Diploma Programme. The approach is to create a supportive environment and to integrate language development into the curriculum.	Cultural & language Arabic and Mandarin language clubs are offered to support language development and cultural learning. The diverse after-school program also includes other clubs connected to culture and creativity, such as Ballet, Chess, and Global Chefs.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There is a wide range of student-led societies as part of the Super-Curriculum. Inter-House competitions provide opportunities to compete and build team spirit across year groups. Life extends beyond the classroom with the extended school day featuring theatre and music spaces, as well as clubs and sports. The on-site sports program and facilities support a broad array of recreational activities.	Social & hobbies The after-school clubs include School Choir, Debate Club, the School Play, Set Design, and Brownies / Girl Scouts, providing social and creative outlets. Most clubs run from 3:30–4:30 pm and operate in two semesters (Sept–Jan and Feb–Jun). There is a Late Club option until 5:30 pm, and a Breakfast Club begins at 7:45 am to support families.
Community & service	Community & service Partnership initiatives with the wider community involve activities beyond the classroom. The House System provides a cohesive, cross-year community with Heads of House, Matrons and House Tutors overseeing pastoral care and progress. The school community is diverse, with students and staff from many backgrounds contributing to a shared educational ethos.	Community & service The BIS-NY Green Team is a student-led group committed to improving sustainability within the school and the wider community. Brownies / Girl Scouts participate in service-oriented activities as part of the after-school program.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Careers program runs parallel with structured university counseling, offering guidance, networking events, resume writing, job applications and interview preparation. University Counselors provide bespoke support to help students choose pathways beyond Harrow New York. Student-led societies and the Electives program foster leadership and professional skills from an early stage.	Leadership & professional The Green Team is student-led, providing leadership opportunities and the chance to develop project-management and collaborative skills. Participation in various clubs and activities also supports peer leadership and teamwork.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport is central to Harrow New York's educational offering, with a wide range of activities led by professional coaches. On-site facilities include soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, squash, netball and lacrosse, with access to nearby swimming, golf, sailing and horseback riding. The extended school day enables participation in arts, sport and other wellbeing activities. The Health Center provides routine and acute care, mental health services and education to support students' physical and emotional wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing BIS-NY offers a varied and robust competitive sports program, including soccer, basketball, swimming, track & field, and tennis. Teams compete against local independent schools in the American International Private School League, promoting teamwork and school spirit. Competitive sports are available to students in Year Six and above, with access to Asphalt Green and other facilities for practice.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All lessons and examinations are conducted in English, with the exception of modern and classical languages. English is the primary language of instruction across the curriculum. The school provides English as an Additional Language resources to support students whose first language is not English. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved equivalent assessments.	Language provision The school teaches in English and delivers the English National Curriculum through the International Baccalaureate framework. World Languages are central to learning, with Modern Languages offered in French and Spanish. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students for whom English is not their first language, with small-group pull-out lessons and in-class support. During EAL, pull-out lessons are provided in place of French or Spanish to help students access the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1. Application: Families submit the application form via the applicant portal, pay the non-refundable application fee, and submit the required supporting documents. They upload three years of transcripts and the current year through the applicant portal, and request two recent teacher recommendations from their current school. Grade placement is determined by the School using the student's date of birth, grade-appropriate social preparedness, academic history, and results of the admissions assessments. Step 2. Interaction: Connection Call is an optional 20-minute private video meeting with the Admissions Team, including the Director of Admissions, arranged online through the applicant portal. A Campus Tour is offered through virtual and on-campus events; on the Harrow Test day a campus tour is included. For overseas or long-distance applicants who cannot travel to New York, the admissions assessment and interviews may be conducted remotely via video conferencing. Step 3. Review & Decision: The Admissions Committee and the Principal review the applicant's assessments, school records, interview results, proper grade placement, and residency status to make the admissions decision. Once all requirements are fulfilled, families are notified of the decision typically within two weeks of completing the file, and admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. All lessons and examinations are conducted in English, with exceptions for modern and classical languages; for non-native English speakers, evidence of English language ability is required, with potential support through English as an Additional Language (EAL) if needed. Step 4. Rolling Admissions: Applications are being accepted for Grades 6-10 for the 2026-2027 academic year and for Grades 6-9 for the 2025-2026 founding year; Grades 11-12 will open in subsequent years. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis and encourages prompt applications due to limited spaces. Step 5. Financial Aid: If applying for financial aid, submit all PFS (Parent Financial Statement) forms via the School's financial aid platform; there is a $60 financial aid application fee. The Financial Aid Committee reviews materials promptly, with aid decisions based on demonstrated need and the availability of funds. Financial aid is need-based and awarded in relation to need and funds; most aid is allocated early, and any rolling admissions awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis with remaining funds.	Admissions STEP ONE Inquire by completing our short inquiry form to share a little about your family. A member of our admissions team will contact you to answer questions and schedule a video call or private campus tour. This is the best way to get to know BIS-NY and determine if it is the right fit for your child. STEP TWO Apply Online After your initial conversation or tour, families who wish to continue the process will be invited to complete the full application form. The form includes family contact information and additional details that help us better understand your child and their educational needs. Please note there is a $125 application fee, payable when the application is submitted. STEP THREE Submit Supporting Documents Once your application has been reviewed, our admissions team will guide you through the final step: submitting the required supporting documents based on your child's age. A checklist of required documents can be found in the dropdowns below. The documents required vary by age.
Scholarships	Scholarships Pioneer's Scholarship: A two-year award recognizing families joining Harrow New York in its formative years. Open to all new day and boarding students entering Grades 6-10 in September 2026. Value: $15,000 reduction in base annual tuition per year for two consecutive academic years (total award $30,000). Automatic Award: Automatically applied upon acceptance and enrollment—no separate application is required, and the scholarship is reflected as a Pioneer's Scholarship credit on the tuition invoice. Renewal Terms: Renewable for the second year (2027-2028) provided the student remains in good academic and disciplinary standing. Financial Aid Note: The Pioneer's Scholarship does not disqualify eligible families from applying for or receiving additional need-based financial aid; financial aid is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment Cut-off: This scholarship is limited to students who enroll for the 2026-2027 school year. Most families joining in Fall 2026 may also pursue need-based aid, with awards determined by need and funds available. In addition to the Pioneer Scholarship, financial aid for need-based support is offered. Financial aid is awarded based on need and availability of funds, with most aid allocated early in the process; any additional awards for rolling admissions follow a first-come, first-served basis.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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