Pine Street School - Middle School vs Whitby School

	P Pine Street School - Middle School New York, United States	W Whitby School New York, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $26,100 - 62,250	Fees / year $39,975 - 55,280
Age range	Age range 1 - 14 years	Age range 1 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 170	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish, Mandarin	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1958
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Whitby School is located at 969 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06831, United States. Greenwich is in Fairfield County, about 45 minutes from New York City. The campus sits in a residential area of Greenwich and serves students from the local community and surrounding towns.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Stepping Stones through Grade 8.
School type	School type —	School type Independent, co-educational private day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Diverse student body represents 27 countries and more than 22 languages.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) program; Lower School Language Acquisition focuses on oral language development.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application fees - A student application fee is charged for each applicant; commonly listed as USD 75. - The student application fee is waived for families applying for financial aid. Tuition fees (annual) — by year group - Stepping Stones (18 months to 3 years): - Half Day Program (Mon–Fri mornings): USD 34,400 per year. - Full Day Program (Mon–Thu full days; Fri half-day): USD 42,300 per year. - Primary 1 (3 years by Aug 1): - Half Day Program (Mon–Fri mornings): USD 43,900 per year. - Full Day Program (Mon–Thu full days; Fri half-day): USD 51,100 per year. - Primary 2 (4 years by Aug 1): - Full Day Program: USD 51,100 per year. - Primary 3 / Kindergarten (5 years by Aug 1): - Full Day Program: USD 51,100 per year. - Lower School (Grades 1–4): - Grades 1–4 Full Day Program: USD 52,900 per year (Grades 1–2 and Grades 3–4 listed at this amount). - Middle School (Grades 5–8): - Grades 5–8 Full Day Program: USD 55,280 per year (Grades 5–6 and Grades 7–8 listed at this amount). Per-term / billing note - Tuition is published as annual amounts above; deposits, billing schedules and installment options are handled through the school's enrollment and billing process (Enrollment Contract / Finance Office and the Veracross Parent Portal). Families receive billing details and the formal payment schedule through the school's enrollment/billing process. One-time and recurring additional fees (examples by grade) - Parents' Association fee: USD 210 per student (annual). - Field trip / activity fees (one-time annual or trip-specific, by grade): - Grades 1–2: USD 300 per student (annual field trip fee). - Grade 3: USD 500 (one-time annual field trip fee). - Grade 4: USD 600 (one-time annual field trip fee). - Grades 5–6: USD 850 (one-time annual field trip fee). - Grades 7–8: USD 3,900 (one-time annual field trip fee; includes the international trip week). - Before-school and after-school program charges: Daily or seasonal rates apply for before-school and after-school care; published tuition above covers standard program hours only. - Spiritwear / optional uniform items: SpiritWear and uniform items are offered through the school's online store; spiritwear purchases are optional and sold through the school store. Boarding fees - Whitby is an independent co-educational day school for students ages 18 months through Grade 8; no boarding program or boarding fees apply. Refund information - Whitby makes available a Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) to reduce family financial loss in the event of withdrawal for covered reasons. The TRP terms include: - Medical withdrawal or medical absence due to injury or sickness: the Plan will pay 100% of unused yearly insured fees (less a four-day deductible) if withdrawal/absence exceeds four consecutive days. - Mental health withdrawal or absence: the Plan will pay 60% of unused yearly insured fees (less a four-day deductible) if withdrawal/absence exceeds four consecutive days. - Withdrawal for non-medical reasons (examples: move, change of objective, voluntary withdrawal): the Plan will pay 60% of unused yearly insured fees provided the student has attended more than 14 consecutive calendar days from their first day of attendance in the academic year. - Enrollment deposit refund related to financial aid: when financial aid is awarded, the enrollment deposit is computed as 20% of the tuition amount net of the financial aid award; that deposit is refundable if the family formally withdraws within two weeks of notification of the financial aid decision. Billing schedule and payment terms (contract and deposit) - An enrollment deposit is required as part of the Enrollment Contract; for families receiving financial aid the deposit is computed as 20% of tuition net of the award. Final billing terms, schedules and payment deadlines are set in the Enrollment Contract and administered by the Finance Office and the Parent Portal. Fee payment options (documented options) - Financial-aid application payments (Clarity/Parent Financial Statement) may be paid by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express). - Spiritwear and uniform store purchases are processed through the school's online store (card payments). - The school's Admissions Center and Parent Portal (Veracross) manage enrollments, billing and the family account; deposits and tuition balances are processed and recorded through the school's Finance Office and parent portal. Other notes on fees - Tuition assistance (need-based financial aid) is available beginning in Primary 3 (Kindergarten); the student application fee is waived for families applying for financial aid. Family eligibility and award amounts follow the school's published financial aid process. The financial aid program does not reduce additional costs such as Parents' Association dues, trip fees, the Tuition Refund Plan premium, or after-school activity fees.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Day school; no boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement All students from Primary 1 through Grade 8 are required to wear the Whitby School Uniform.
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Whitby School is governed by a Board of Trustees that sets strategic direction and oversees fiduciary responsibilities, in partnership with the Head of School. Board committees include Finance, Governance, Building and Grounds, and Development.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details Whitby offers Montessori-based early childhood education (Whitby Montessori Children's House) for ages 18 months through early childhood years, with Lower School (Grades 1–4) and Middle School (Grades 5–8). The Middle School follows the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 5–8, and Spanish is taught beginning at 18 months.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 5:1
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Whitby graduates are accepted at their first choice of high school; they attend competitive secondary schools including Brunswick School, Greenwich Academy, Greenwich Country Day School, Greenwich High School, and other regional day and boarding schools.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Social and emotional learning (SEL) is embedded in the curriculum through Montessori and IB frameworks. The timetable includes dedicated time for community building and SEL instruction. SEL helps students manage and communicate feelings, understand health and safety, build relationships across diverse backgrounds, resolve conflicts, and develop self-management to become successful learners.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Whitby supports the educational, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of all students and works to remove barriers to learning, reflecting a commitment to inclusive education.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Whitby runs an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Lower School EAL students in phases 1-2 attend EAL classes with an EAL teacher in place of Spanish, while continuing to reinforce language learning in the context of classroom units. The EAL program provides instruction to promote English language proficiency. All students learn additional languages of either Spanish and/or Mandarin starting in Stepping Stones and through Middle School.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through social-emotional learning, a zero-tolerance bullying policy, and programs that foster empathy, resilience, and leadership.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Whitby has safeguarding policies focused on protecting the welfare and safety of children, including inclusion policies that support removing barriers to learning and addressing the educational, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Whitby School sits on a 32-acre campus in Greenwich. The campus features 76,000 square feet of modern facilities and resources. The Athletics Center was completed in February 2016, doubling the gymnasium. In November 2014, four classrooms were added, including a Grade 4 classroom, a World Language classroom, a Design Technology lab, and a Science Lab. The grounds include a separate Performing Arts Center used for theatrical performances and cultural events, plus tennis courts and outdoor playing fields, with a library featuring a Makerspace in the Lower School.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Whitby's Athletics Center was completed in February 2016, doubling the gymnasium. The campus includes tennis courts and outdoor playing fields. Whitby is a full member of the Middle School Fairchester Athletic Association (MSFAA), with three seasons of sports. Seasonal sports include soccer (5th–6th and 7th–8th), cross country, winter basketball, and spring baseball, softball, and tennis. The athletics program emphasizes participation and teamwork and develops transferable skills such as time management, resilience, and leadership.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities An expansion in November 2014 added four classrooms, including a Grade 4 classroom, World Language classroom, Design Technology lab, and Science Lab. The main building houses separate wings for the different divisions, each with its own entrance. The campus includes modern academic spaces such as language, technology, and science facilities. The library houses a Makerspace that supports hands-on learning in the Lower School.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Whitby offers a mission-driven cocurricular program with activities for Grades 5–8 that are a required part of the school day, while programs for younger students are optional. From Primary 2 to Grade 4, Enrichment programs extend learning after the normal school day and include science and nature activities, sports, robotics, digital animation, and chess. Grades 1–4 participate in Intramural Sports, while Grades 5–8 join athletic teams as part of the Middle School Fairchester Athletic Association. The Performing Arts program offers options to pursue musical instruments or participate in two annual musical productions. Grades 3–8 have access to clubs and electives, including Montessori Model United Nations, MATHCOUNTS Team, and Outdoor Club.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Whitby School began in 1958 when Greenwich families formed a school rooted in the Montessori philosophy. It became the birthplace of the American Montessori Society and led a revival of Montessori education in the United States. In 2007, Whitby integrated the International Baccalaureate program, and IB accreditation followed in Spring 2010, making Whitby the first U.S. school to be accredited by both AMS and the IBO for ages 18 months through Grade 8. Today, the Whitby education is built on these Montessori and IB foundations.
Community	Community —	Community Whitby has a structured Parent Community with events and parenting workshops to support families. Special Visit Days invite grandparents, parents, and other special friends to visit classrooms; Student-Led Assemblies showcase student work; Grade-Level Coffees provide opportunities to connect with school leaders. The Annual Gala and Mayfair are signature Whitby events that bring families together. These activities create meaningful opportunities to be part of the Whitby community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Whitby has a Parents Association that invites parents to get involved and support students. As a member, you can volunteer as a classroom mystery reader, welcome new families, share cultural experiences, lead an event, or lend a hand at family socials. The association engages in a range of volunteer opportunities and coordinates involvement in school-wide events. It supports events such as Special Visit Days, Student-Led Assemblies, Grade-Level Coffees, the Annual Gala, and Mayfair. Participation strengthens the Whitby community and supports student learning.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The cocurricular program supports academic enrichment through STEM and competitions. STEM enrichment includes Little Robotics w/ Sphero Indi Scratch Jr, Bright Ideas Circuitry, JR Scientists Discovery Lab, Spark Jr., LEGO Robotics SPIKE Essentials, and Minecraft Club: Rise of Civilization. The program also features the MATHCOUNTS team and Montessori Model United Nations, as well as First LEGO League and Open Lab Design. Some electives are semester-long and culminate in presentations, expanding knowledge beyond the core curriculum.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Whitby offers a performing arts program that includes theatre and music ensembles. Theatre (Grades 3–8) produces a fall musical and a spring play; past productions include Oliver! and Romeo and Juliet. Music includes Beginner Band, Concert Band, Chorus, and private lessons, with ensembles performing twice a year. The program integrates theatre and music with other arts to showcase student collaboration and public performance.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Spanish is taught beginning at 18 months. Montessori Model United Nations is offered as a cocurricular activity for students. Language and cultural experiences are integrated through enrichment and global projects, supporting a broad international perspective.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The cocurricular program offers a broad spectrum of clubs and electives, including chess, design technology, world dance and hip-hop, tennis, and outdoor activities. Enrichment offerings also feature technology and arts experiences, fostering exploration of personal interests and collaboration across grades. Students have opportunities to engage in performance-related activities and group projects that build social and teamwork skills.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Whitby's Community Service Program connects students with local organizations such as Adopt a Dog, American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Bruce Museum, Domus, Family Centers, Greenwich United Way, Nathaniel Witherell, Neighbors Link, SoundWaters and Special Olympics. Students in Grades 7 and 8 begin by meeting representatives from these organizations to learn about service opportunities. The program develops empathy, humility, leadership, and an understanding that individual actions can positively impact others.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Public Speaking & Business-Minded Activities include Broadcast Journalism, Reader's Theater, Money Makers, Kidtrepreneurship, and Debate Team. Upper School electives and clubs offer leadership opportunities, and participation in organizations like Montessori Model United Nations and the MATHCOUNTS team reinforces collaboration, problem-solving, and professional skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics offers seasonal sports for Grades 5–8, including soccer, cross country, winter basketball, baseball, softball, and tennis, emphasizing physical health, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. The Wellness Studio provides yoga, mindfulness, and emotional wellness practice as part of enrichment, supporting overall well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision Spanish and Chinese are offered as world languages in the Lower School. The Lower School Language Acquisition Program focuses on oral language development and aims to build language skills and cultural understanding. The program is integrated with the IB Program of Inquiry and connects language learning to transdisciplinary units. Teaching uses three proficiency levels—emergent, capable, and proficient—across six phases; most learners begin in Grade 1, entering the Chinese program, with the option for students with prior Chinese knowledge to join Grades 2–4.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions Step 1: Submit Inquiry Form. Submit the Online Inquiry Form to request information about Whitby School. The Inquiry initiates the admissions process. After submission, you receive a login to the Online Admissions Portal to continue with the application and supporting materials. Step 2: Schedule a Virtual Overview and/or Campus Tour. Schedule a Virtual Overview and/or Campus Tour. The overview introduces Whitby's classrooms, programs, and co-curricular activities and helps families learn about Whitby in a first-hand way. The Admissions Team coordinates these experiences as part of the process. Step 3: Apply. Submit an Application for Admissions after completing the inquiry. You will receive login access to the Online Admissions Portal to submit the online application and any required recommendations and transfer documents. Whitby uses the Standard Application Online (SAO) framework and rolling admissions begin in early March, space permitting. Step 4: Submit Records, Recommendations, and other Relevant Forms/Information. Submit Records, Recommendations, and other Relevant Forms/Information. These materials provide the Admissions Committee with a complete view of the applicant. The online portal is used to submit these documents and additional information as requested. Step 5: Schedule Candidate Visit and Assessment. Schedule Candidate Visit and Assessment. The candidate visit and assessment help evaluate readiness for Whitby's program. The Admissions Committee reviews the results as part of the file and moves toward a decision. Step 6: Candidate File Reviewed by Admissions Committee. Candidate File Reviewed by Admissions Committee. The committee reviews the complete file and determines placement. Whitby offers rolling admissions; decisions depend on space. Applicants with English as an Additional Language are assessed and placed according to Whitby's language-proficiency procedures (including interviews, language assessments, and appropriate placement).
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Financial Aid Options. Whitby School offers Financial Aid Options to support a diverse community. Financial aid is available for new and existing Whitby families and covers tuition costs based on need; the process uses Clarity for information collection. Tuition assistance is available beginning in Primary 3 (Kindergarten). The financial aid application must be completed through Clarity, including submission of required financial information; awards are determined by the Whitby Financial Aid Committee and are contingent on available funds and timely submission. The aid includes tuition remission and need-based awards; the enrollment deposit remains 20% of tuition net of aid and is refundable if withdrawal occurs within two weeks of notification.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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