Kennedy International School - Upper School vs Pine Street School - Lower Elementary School
Kennedy International School - Upper School and Pine Street School - Lower Elementary School are both in New York, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. Kennedy International School - Upper School also offers French, Japanese and American, and Pine Street School - Lower Elementary School also offers Montessori. Published annual fees are $24,000 - 45,000 at Kennedy International School - Upper School and $26,100 - 62,250 at Pine Street School - Lower Elementary School, which puts Pine Street School - Lower Elementary School roughly 28% higher. Kennedy International School - Upper School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Pine Street School - Lower Elementary School from 1 to 9.
French Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (DP)
Curriculum
IB (PYP), Montessori Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
201
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
7
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, French, Japanese
Instruction language
English, Spanish, Mandarin
Opened
Opened
1964
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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Location
Lower Elementary Campus: 25 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005; Middle School Campus: 156 William Street, New York, NY 10038. Nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan. The school operates on two campuses in Manhattan.
The school is an International Baccalaureate World School.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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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
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
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Fee details
Application fee - No public, published application fee amount is available in the school's admissions or tuition pages. The school uses an online admissions portal for applications.
Tuition fees by year group (2026–2027 academic year) - Half Day Nursery Ones & Twos — Annual: USD 26,100. - One‑payment: USD 26,100. - Two installments (50% / 50%): USD 13,050 per installment. - Nine installments (1/9): USD 2,900 per installment. - Nursery Ones — Annual: USD 50,500. - One‑payment: USD 50,500. - Two installments: USD 25,250 per installment. - Nine installments (1/9): approximately USD 5,611.11 per installment. - Nursery Twos — Annual: USD 49,250. - One‑payment: USD 49,250. - Two installments: USD 24,625 per installment. - Nine installments (1/9): approximately USD 5,472.22 per installment. - Preschool Threes — Annual: USD 52,750. - One‑payment: USD 52,750. - Two installments: USD 26,375 per installment. - Nine installments (1/9): approximately USD 5,861.11 per installment. - Junior Kindergarten — Annual: USD 57,700. - One‑payment: USD 57,700. - Two installments: USD 28,850 per installment. - Nine installments (1/9): approximately USD 6,411.11 per installment. - 1st–2nd Grade — Annual: USD 58,700. - One‑payment: USD 58,700. - Two installments: USD 29,350 per installment. - Nine installments (1/9): approximately USD 6,522.22 per installment. - 3rd–5th Grade — Annual: USD 59,700. - One‑payment: USD 59,700. - Two installments: USD 29,850 per installment. - Nine installments (1/9): approximately USD 6,633.33 per installment. - Middle School (Grades 6–8) — Annual: USD 62,250. - One‑payment: USD 62,250. - Two installments: USD 31,125 per installment. - Nine installments (1/9): approximately USD 6,916.67 per installment. (Annual tuition figures and the availability of one, two, or nine installment plans are published for 2026–2027.)
Sibling discount - A 10% tuition discount is applied for the youngest sibling when multiple children from the same family are enrolled (applies to Pine Street School and its sister school Battery Park Montessori).
Billing schedule and payment terms - The school offers flexible payment plans with the option to pay tuition in one, two, or nine installments. The one‑payment option is full annual tuition; the two‑payment option divides the annual tuition into two equal installments; the nine‑payment option divides the annual tuition into nine equal installments. Exact billing dates, installment due dates, and any administrative payment fees are not published on the public tuition page.
Boarding fees - Pine Street School is a day school serving Nursery through Grade 8; it does not operate a boarding program. There are no boarding fees.
Other costs and fees - Items explicitly included in tuition: books and materials, snacks and lunch, access to educational technology (iPads and MacBooks), field trips, and transportation during the school day. These items are stated as included in the published tuition coverage. - After‑school care / extended day: After‑school care is available until 6:00 pm for a nominal fee; co‑curricular clubs and many enrichment classes are included in tuition, while specialized enrichment offered by external providers may carry separate fees. Exact prices for extended‑day or external enrichment programs are not published on the public pages. - Uniforms and clothing: No public, published uniform fee or uniform cost schedule is shown on the school's public pages. - One‑time or routine additional charges: The public tuition statement does not list explicit one‑time registration, enrollment, or tuition‑deposit amounts on the tuition or admissions pages. If any registration or enrollment deposit applies, it is not published on the pages used for this summary.
Refund information - A public refund, withdrawal, or tuition‑deposit refund policy is not published on the school's tuition, admissions steps, or parent‑FAQ pages. No specific refund schedule or percentage (for mid‑year withdrawal or cancelled enrollment) is available on those public pages.
Fee payment options (methods) - The school uses an online parent/admissions portal for inquiries and admin processes. The tuition page lists flexible installment options but does not publish specific accepted payment methods (for example: which card types, ACH/bank transfer, checks, or third‑party tuition processors are accepted). Those method details and any administrative payment fees are not publicly listed on the tuition, admissions, or parent FAQ pages.
Brief summary of findings and gaps - Published and available: clear annual tuition figures for each grade band for 2026–2027, the fact that tuition covers books/materials/lunch/technology/field trips/transportation, availability of one/two/nine installment payment plans, and the 10% youngest‑sibling discount. - Not published on public pages: a specific application fee amount (if any), any enrollment/registration deposit amount and its refundability, the full billing calendar (exact due dates) and administrative payment fees, specific per‑service pricing for extended‑day/enrichment items, a uniform fee schedule, and the school's formal refund/withdrawal policy. The school's online parent/admissions portals are used for billing and enrollment administration but these portals require account access for detailed billing items and schedules.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
Before-school care starts at 7:45 am; after-school care until 6:00 pm; enrichment programs available.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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Curriculum details
Pine Street School is an International Baccalaureate World School. The IB framework guides learning from Nursery through Middle School, and the school is an authorized IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and a candidacy school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The IB emphasizes inquiry-based learning, a global perspective, balanced growth, and action that connects learning to real-world contexts. Language immersion is central to the curriculum, with Spanish and Mandarin taught through immersion for Kindergarten–Grade 5, and Ones & Twos offered in a tri-lingual English/Spanish/Mandarin format; German is added in Middle School. Early childhood and elementary programs integrate IB principles with hands-on, transdisciplinary learning, supported by Montessori materials in the preschool years. Technology is integrated across grades to enrich inquiry, collaboration, and problem-solving, and the program aims to develop basic interpersonal language skills (BICS) and higher-level academic language (CALP) through immersive lessons.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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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
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Higher education progression
The inaugural 8th grade class was accepted to a broad range of high schools and independent schools in New York City and beyond, including Avenues: The World School, Berkeley Carroll, Birch Wathen Lenox, Brooklyn Friends, Brooklyn Latin, Calhoun, Dwight, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, Spence, UNIS, and many others. All applying students were admitted to their first-choice school. The school partners with Smart City Kids for high school placement, providing tutoring, workshops, and 1:1 consulting starting in 7th grade.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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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
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
Two downtown Manhattan campuses: Lower Elementary School at 25 Pine Street and Middle School at 156 William Street. The school uses technology-enabled learning with a 1:1 Apple device program, and Pine Street School has Apple Distinguished School status since 2022.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
Athletics & PE are a core part of the program, focusing on lifelong wellness, resilience, and teamwork. Students compete in Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Track & Field, and the downtown Manhattan location enables partnerships with local athletic facilities to broaden access.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
Technology & Innovation support learning with hands-on coding and robotics; elementary students use iPads for coding, animation, and math practice. Middle School students study Technology & Innovation with AI, drones, and app development using platforms like Swift Playgrounds, Scratch, Sphero, and micro:bit. Pine Street School is an Apple Distinguished School, reflecting its tech-enabled, innovative approach. Language immersion is a core academic feature across grades: Kindergarten–5th Grade dual immersion in Spanish/English or Mandarin/English; Preschool 3s & 4s dual immersion; Ones & Twos are trilingual in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extended Day offers after-school care until 6:00 pm, with general care and an array of enrichment programs. Enrichment options include Coding & Robotics, Taekwondo, Music Lessons, Cooking, and Dancing, with programs run by external providers and refreshed each trimester. Co-curricular programs for upper elementary and middle school include Drama, Debate, Jr. Model UN, Math Club, and seasonal league team sports. Before-school care begins as early as 7:45 am.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
Located in Lower Manhattan, Pine Street School is a multilingual International Baccalaureate World School offering Spanish and Mandarin immersion from Nursery through Elementary and German in Middle School. The downtown location makes New York City a living classroom. A dedicated Middle School building operates at 156 William Street, with expansion plans underway at 25 Pine Street. The school is accredited by NEASC and has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its one-to-one MacBook program and technology-forward approach. Head of School Anna Rita Pergolizzi-Wentworth leads the school, guiding an IB-informed, globally experienced faculty who strive to know, value, challenge, and celebrate every student.
Community
Community
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Community
Education thrives through collaboration and connection at Pine Street School. The school partners with organizations such as NORY for STEM programming, Little Green Gourmets for healthy school lunches, German School Manhattan, ACIS, Smart City Kids, Real Asia, the Parents League of NY, and Pace University to extend opportunities and support for students and families. These partnerships help build a vibrant, informed, and engaged learning community beyond the classroom.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
The Pine Street School Spirit Store, run in partnership with Battery Park Montessori, is open and 10% of proceeds benefit the PTA. The store demonstrates the school's commitment to supporting the PTA through community-driven fundraising.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
Pine Street School is a multilingual International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in early childhood and elementary, and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in middle school. The inquiry-based approach is rooted in the IB framework, emphasizing deep thinking, collaboration, and real-world connections. It is described as the only authorized IB PYP school in the area, with a curriculum that combines rigorous academics with language immersion and global citizenship.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Arts, music, and drama are integral to the Pine Street experience. Visual arts encompass drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art taught through inquiry-based learning. Music education includes vocal and instrumental performance, ensemble work, and music theory, while drama develops confidence, collaboration, and communication.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
Preschool 3s and 4s participate in dual immersion with two teachers—one for each language (Spanish/English or Mandarin/English). Ones and Twos feature tri-lingual immersion with English, Spanish, and Mandarin led by a rotating team of teachers. Kindergarten through 5th grade uses dual immersion with two teachers—one for each language (Spanish/English or Mandarin/English). In 6th–8th grade, students study in Spanish/English or Mandarin/English, with German offered as a third language.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
International Night brings the Pine Street School community together through music, dance, and diverse cultures. The community is described as curious, energetic, and heartwarming, with strong academics. Student life includes leadership and project work, such as the Pine Street Monthly run by Student Government and student-led events like Shared Breakfasts.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
The school engages in partnerships with organizations such as NORY (STEM programming), Little Green Gourmets (healthy school lunches), German School Manhattan (IB affiliation), ACIS (education travel), Smart City Kids, Real Asia, Parents League of NY, Pace University, and others. These partnerships reflect a commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and extending learning beyond the classroom.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Middle School Student Government leads initiatives such as shared breakfasts for younger students, showing student-led leadership and community-building. The Pine Street Monthly is produced by Student Government, giving students opportunities to lead and publish. These activities illustrate formal and informal leadership experiences across the Middle School.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Athletics and physical education are central to the school's holistic approach, fostering lifelong habits of wellness, resilience, and teamwork. The program offers a range of sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and track & field. The goal is building confidence, collaboration, and healthy habits both on and off the field.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
English, Spanish, and Mandarin are taught through immersion programs from Preschool through 8th grade. German is studied in middle school as a third language. The program uses differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning styles and focuses on developing Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) through culturally rich, immersive lessons.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
Preschool 3s–4s: dual immersion with two dedicated teachers for English and another language (Spanish or Mandarin). Ones & Twos: trilingual immersion led by a rotating team of three teachers—English, Spanish, Mandarin. Kindergarten–5th Grade: dual immersion with two dedicated teachers for each language (Spanish/English or Mandarin/English). 6th Grade–8th Grade: advanced study in Spanish/English or Mandarin/English with German added as a third language.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
Preschool 3s–4s: dual immersion with two dedicated teachers for English and another language (Spanish or Mandarin). Ones & Twos: trilingual immersion with English, Spanish, Mandarin led by three teachers rotating. Kindergarten–5th Grade: dual immersion with two teachers for each language (Spanish/English or Mandarin/English). 6th Grade–8th Grade: continued study in Spanish/English or Mandarin/English, with German taught in middle school as a third language.
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
:[
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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Admissions
Admissions steps are provided for Nursery Ones, Preschool, Kindergarten through Grade 3, and Grades 4 through 8. Inquire Now connects families with the Admissions Team for personalized support.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Financial assistance is available for Kindergarten through Grade 8; families are encouraged to reach out to the Admissions Team.