The École vs Whitby School

	T The École New York, United States	W Whitby School New York, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $41,000 - 50,500	Fees / year $39,975 - 55,280
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (MYP), Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2009	Opened 1958
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The École is in New York City's Flatiron District, with two campuses a short distance apart. The Maternelle Building is at 206 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. The Elementary & Middle School Building is at 115 East 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010. The campus is easily accessible by foot or bike, and a city bus service is available for eligible grades.	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 Maternelle (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten), Elementary (1st to 5th), Middle School (6th to 8th), High School (9th to 12th); Léman High School with The École offers a French-American bilingual IB curriculum.	Stages Stepping Stones through Grade 8.
School type	School type Independent, French-American bilingual day school that teaches in French and English.	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 Counseling Department includes a school counselor and a French psychologist; Educational Support Team (EST) provides assessments and interventions; STRIVE Department delivers differentiated instruction with both push-in and pull-out support, including support for newcomers to English or French.	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) program; Lower School Language Acquisition focuses on oral language development.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation France (fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and a member of the AEFE network; affiliated with Mission Laïque Française).	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 Yellow School Bus is available for Kindergarten to 6th Grade; the service is provided by the City of New York and serves downtown, the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side; OMNYCards are provided for eligible students living more than 0.5 miles from the Elementary & Middle School Building. Bus inquiries: bus@theEcole.org.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees and one-time enrollment fees - Application fee: USD 300 per application. - One-time Enrollment Fee (first year only): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 1,000. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 3,500. - Tuition deposit: USD 5,500 required at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment; this deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from the overall tuition. Tuition fees by year group (annual) - Pre-Nursery and Nursery (full-year, full-day program): Tuition USD 46,500 per year. - Pre-K through 8th Grade (full-year, full-day program): Tuition USD 50,500 per year. Per-term / per-installment equivalents (by year group) - Two equal installments (each installment = 50% of the annual tuition): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 23,250 per installment. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 25,250 per installment. - Nine monthly installments (payments due monthly via FACTS): - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: gross installment ≈ USD 5,166.67 per month (9 payments). Note: the USD 5,500 deposit is deducted from the overall tuition when calculating the balance due. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: gross installment ≈ USD 5,611.11 per month (9 payments). Note: the USD 5,500 deposit is deducted from the overall tuition when calculating the balance due. - Payment in full (single payment) – early payment discount: - A USD 500 reduction in tuition is applied when full payment is made by the early deadline. Example amounts before deposit consideration: - Pre-Nursery and Nursery: USD 46,000 if paid in full by the early payment deadline. - Pre-K to 8th Grade: USD 50,000 if paid in full by the early payment deadline. - The USD 500 reduction is not available to recipients of financial assistance and does not apply when an employer is responsible for payment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrollment window referenced for the schedule: enrollment before April 30 (for the 2026–2027 schedule shown). The tuition-deposit is required at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment. - Payment-in-full option: single electronic payment due before the early-payment deadline (May 1). A USD 500 discount applies when paid by that date (subject to the exceptions above). - Two-installment option: first installment due before May 1; second installment due before October 1. Each installment equals 50% of the total amount due. - Nine-month plan via FACTS: payments due on the 1st of each month, beginning April 1 and ending December 1 (nine payments). - Mid-year arrivals: prorated tuition rules apply and must be paid in full before the student's start date: - Students beginning between December 15 and April 1: prorated tuition = two-thirds (2/3) of the full-year tuition, in addition to the one-time enrollment and application fees. Examples: Pre-Nursery & Nursery 2/3 = USD 31,000; Pre-K–8 2/3 ≈ USD 33,667. - Students beginning after April 1: prorated tuition = one-third (1/3) of the full-year tuition, in addition to the one-time enrollment and application fees. Examples: Pre-Nursery & Nursery 1/3 = USD 15,500; Pre-K–8 1/3 ≈ USD 16,833. Boarding fees - The École operates as an independent day school for Maternelle through Middle School in New York City; no boarding program or boarding fees are listed. Other costs and optional fees - Lunch program: The school's hot lunch program is provided by Little Green Gourmets; participation and pricing for hot lunch are arranged directly with that provider. Lunch program fees are not included in the standard tuition figures above. - Uniforms: All uniform items must be purchased from the school's designated retailer, Untold Horizons; a Uniform Guide is provided by the school. Uniform purchase costs are separate from tuition. - After-school activities, overnight field trips, and Camp activities: these are additional to the tuition and invoiced separately; some families may opt into a bundled “Global Tuition” that can include some of these options. Specific prices for after-school classes, trips, and camps are itemized separately from core tuition. - Transportation, specialty programs, supplies, or optional services where applicable may incur additional charges; these are not included in the base tuition figures above. Refund information - The USD 5,500 tuition deposit is explicitly stated as non-refundable and will be deducted from the overall tuition. No other explicit refund policy for withdrawals or mid-year departures is provided in the published tuition schedule. Mid-year arrivals are required to pay prorated tuition in full before their start date. Fee payment options (methods and platforms) - Payments may be made by electronic payment directly to The École for single or two-installment payments. FACTS is used for the nine-month payment plan (monthly installments). The early-payment reduction applies to electronic payments made by the early deadline. Specific payment instruments (for example, exact credit card or bank transfer acceptance) are handled through the school's electronic payment processes and through FACTS. Brief note on information gaps found - The published schedule provides clear annual tuition figures, enrollment/application fees, the USD 5,500 non-refundable deposit, payment schedules (dates and installment structure), the early-payment discount, and mid-year proration rules. Exact prices for uniforms, lunch, after-school activities, overnight field trips, and camp activities are not listed in the tuition schedule and are shown as separate costs (uniform vendor and lunch provider are identified). No additional refund/withdrawal policy beyond the non-refundable deposit is published on the tuition page.	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 Uniforms are available through Untold Horizons, and uniform items must be purchased from Untold Horizons; a Uniform Guide explains it as a set uniform policy, not a dress code. Every student must have at least one polo in their House color for House days, field days, and special events. The policy is gender-neutral; students may choose any item from the formal, casual, and physical education dress codes.	Uniform requirement All students from Primary 1 through Grade 8 are required to wear the Whitby School Uniform.
Food options	Food options The École offers a European-style hot lunch program with LiTTLE GREEN GOURMETS, with seasonal menus and options for dietary needs. If not participating, students may bring lunch; the school has a nut-free policy and prohibits sodas and candies; packed lunches should use plastic containers and Thermos bottles are allowed. Special dietary options include Vegetarian, Vegan, Kosher-style, Gluten-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free, Sesame-free.	Food options —
House system	House system The École uses a House system; every student must have at least one polo in their House color for House days, field days, and special events. House color polo is integrated into the Uniforms policy.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The École is an independent school in New York City. It is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is a member of AEFE; it is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française and a NAIS member; it is also a member of the Parents League of New York, AFSA, and FISNA.	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 The École is an independent French-American bilingual school serving students aged 2 to 14 in New York City's Flatiron District. It offers a bilingual curriculum in French and English for preschool through middle school. The program develops bi-literate, bi-cultural thinkers who see the world from two perspectives. In 2022, a high school track was opened in partnership with Léman High School, offering a French-American bilingual IB curriculum for graduates and French-speaking middle-school students. There are two classes per grade from 1st through 8th grade, and in 2025 the Elementary & Middle School Building moved to 115 East 22nd Street.	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 The École adopts a holistic approach to social, emotional, and academic development. The Counseling Department includes a school counselor and a French psychologist and provides counseling in French or English for individuals or groups. Social-emotional learning is central and is delivered through guidance lessons, advisory classes, and both short-term and longer-term counseling. The counseling team is a visible presence in all grades, offering crisis counseling and support for conflict resolution as needed. Regular guidance lessons cover friendship, bullying, diversity, feelings, and kindness, and Counselor Chats for parents complement the school program.	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) The Educational Support Team (EST) is composed of a French-speaking psychologist, a school counselor, special education teachers, administrators, and outside providers. They meet weekly to review students who require additional academic or social support and design tailored interventions, monitoring progress. If a deeper evaluation is necessary, EST guides families and teachers and refers to outside providers. The STRIVE Department provides flexible, personalized learning with push-in support in the classroom and pull-out small-group instruction to meet students where they are. STRIVE includes two full-time certified French teachers and two full-time certified English teachers who differentiate across all subjects and support newcomers to English or French, spanning Pre-Nursery through 8th Grade.	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 STRIVE supports students who are newcomers to English or French. The program uses push-in support delivered in the classroom and pull-out small-group instruction for targeted language development. The STRIVE team includes two full-time certified French teachers and two full-time certified English teachers who differentiate across all subjects, including English, French, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Instruction is designed to meet students where they are and to accelerate bilingual proficiency across Pre-Nursery through 8th Grade. Language support is integrated with the school's bilingual curriculum to support overall academic achievement.	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 The Counseling Department centers on social-emotional learning and mental health. They provide short-term, longer-term, and crisis counseling available in French and English across all grades. Counseling lessons cover mental health topics and preventive health classes (addictions, sex education, and digital wellbeing) to support overall wellbeing. Counselors maintain a visible presence in the school and collaborate with families and outside providers as needed. The STRIVE Department complements wellbeing by creating flexible, personalized learning environments that support students' social and emotional growth.	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 The École requires all students and parents/guardians to sign The École's Code of Conduct and Anti-Bullying Policy at the start of each school year. Crisis counseling is available to provide immediate support after traumatic events. The Counseling Department offers guidance on safety, and safeguarding is supported by collaboration among the EST and outside providers as needed. The school provides ongoing safeguarding resources through in-class guidance and advisory programs to support student safety and wellbeing.	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 The École has two campuses in Manhattan's Flatiron District: a Maternelle Building at 206 Fifth Avenue for Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten, and an Elementary & Middle School Building at 115 East 22nd Street for 1st through 8th grade. The Maternelle Building is five stories tall and houses seven light-filled classrooms, plus multi-purpose spaces that serve as a gym, auditorium, and cafeteria, with an outdoor rooftop playground and garden. The Elementary & Middle School Building contains sixteen classrooms, a dedicated library, and spaces for performing arts, music, art, sport, and STEM/design technology. In 2025, the school moved the Elementary & Middle School Building from 111 East 22nd Street to 115 East 22nd Street, doubling its square footage from 23,000 to 46,000 square feet over two and a half floors to support two classes per grade from 1st through 8th. The campuses combine tranquil learning spaces with active environments close to Madison Square Park.	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 The Maternelle Building includes a full-floor space that serves as a gym, an auditorium, and a cafeteria, and a rooftop playground and garden provide outdoor space for recreation. The Elementary & Middle School Building includes dedicated spaces for sports among other subjects. Baruch College provides access to state-of-the-art sports facilities and equipment for physical education year-round.	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 The Elementary & Middle School Building houses sixteen classrooms, a stunning library, and dedicated spaces for performing arts, music, art, sport, and STEM/design technology.	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 After-School offers over 110 activities in Semester 2 2025-2026 across four categories: Academic & Character, Art & Music, Sports & Fitness, and Science & Technology. Activities include language classes (Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian), SHSAT Enrichment, Little Ecologists, The Little Workshop; Construction Games and Lego, Chess, Genius Gems, Scratch Coding, Robot Genius League, Club STEAM, Weird Science Television, Kidz Architects; Model-Making Workshop, Cooking, Knitting & Crocheting, Studio Art, DJ, Broadway Musical, Theatre, Photo & Graphic Design, Embroidery; Judo, Swimming, Team Sports, Tennis, Capoeira, Gymnastics, Parkour, Intro to Taekwondo, Fencing, Dance, Momentum Athletics, Ping Pong, Pickleball, Yoga, Gravity Gym. The second-semester runs from January 26, 2026, to June 18, 2026.	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 Founded by the Wood family with Yves Rivaud and Clyde Javois in 2008, The École launched as Manhattan's first school of its kind. It opened on September 8, 2009 at 111 East 22nd Street with 22 Nursery–5th grade students. By its first eight years the school grew to over 200 students across Nursery–8th grade. Philippe and Laurence Roux joined the leadership in 2017 to refine the philosophy, expand the community, and restore the spirit of the original group for a bilingual French-American program. In 2020 Jean-Yves Vesseau became head of school, Pre-Nursery began in 2021, and a Léman High School bilingual IB track started in 2022; in 2025 the building moved to 115 East 22nd Street, doubling space and enabling two classes per grade.	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 The École serves an international community in New York City's Flatiron District as a French-American bilingual school. The community is strengthened by active parent involvement through the Parents Association, which partners with faculty and administrators to enhance student life. The Association has spearheaded numerous initiatives and helped form lasting bonds across the school. The leadership emphasizes bringing together a diverse group of international families in close friendships and collaboration.	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 Active and engaged parents are essential to The École's education and student life. The Parents Association has spearheaded many initiatives over the years and helped form lasting bonds across the community. The Association collaborates with school leadership on events, volunteer programs, and family activities to support students. The PA's work reflects the school's bilingual, international focus and commitment to a welcoming, inclusive community. The PA's activities are central to the school experience and contribute to a supportive school culture.	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 The École offers a French-American bilingual program across Maternelle to High School, built on two complementary educational systems for learning. In Elementary, humanities, math, and social sciences are taught in English and French by native-speaking teachers; art, STEAM, music, and theatre are taught in English or French, and Mandarin and Spanish begin in 3rd Grade. In Middle School, foundational subjects are taught in both French and English by native-speaking specialists, with art, STEAM, theatre, sport, and music taught by either French or American faculty; students continue studying Spanish or Mandarin through 8th Grade. In High School, Léman High School with The École provides a French-American bilingual IB curriculum, extending the dual-language program through 9th–12th grade.	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 The École extends Art & Music through after-school and daytime programs. Elementary students study art, STEAM, music, and theatre in English or French, guided by native-speaking teachers. The After-School program offers 110+ activities per semester, including swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, DJ Master, Broadway Musical, and studio art, led by school staff or partner organizations. Camps also feature daily art, music, and theater workshops in a bilingual immersion experience.	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 The École teaches in English and French through a French-American bilingual program across all grades. In Maternelle, the classroom is co-taught by a native English speaker and a native French speaker, delivering a fully immersive bilingual experience. In Elementary, Mandarin and Spanish begin in 3rd Grade, and in Middle School students continue with Spanish or Mandarin through 8th Grade. In High School, Léman High School with The École offers a bilingual IB curriculum, with electives taught in French as part of the two-language program.	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 The Student Council, recess clubs, and the House system provide regular opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and social skills in Elementary and Middle School. Elementary notes these initiatives build a strong sense of character, while Middle School highlights involvement in the student council, clubs, and the House system. After-School offers 110+ activities each semester across categories such as Academic & Character, Art & Music, Sports & Fitness, and Science & Technology, including options like swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, and language classes. Camps also include language and performance workshops that encourage social engagement and exploration.	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 The École has an active Parents Association that partners with faculty and administrators to enhance student life. The Parents Association has spearheaded numerous initiatives to support the school community. TEPA also maintains a scholarship fund to assist families with financial need for after-school programs, uniforms, and lunches. This reflects the school's commitment to community and family involvement.	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 development is embedded in programs across the grades. The Elementary program includes Student Council, recess clubs, and the House system, while Middle School expands these opportunities with clubs and leadership initiatives. In High School, Leadership and Service is emphasized as part of the bilingual IB pathway, with students participating in leadership-building activities and community service to prepare for university and global citizenship. The bilingual IB pathway strengthens collaborative and leadership skills through interdisciplinary learning.	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 Sports and Fitness are core components of After-School life, with activities such as swimming, judo, capoeira, parkour, tennis, and team sports. The campus includes outdoor recess during Camps at Madison Square Park or the rooftop, and maintains a nut-free environment to protect students with allergies. The school's European-style lunch program promotes healthy eating, with nut-free policies and locally sourced ingredients. Mindfulness and structured physical activity are integrated to support students' overall well-being.	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 French and English are the languages of instruction. Non-French-speaking students can enroll up to Kindergarten and receive STRIVE language support (Stimulate, Transform, Reach, Identify, Value, and Enrich). Each class maintains a minimum of 60% French-speaking students. The École serves an international community from Maternelle through High School, including a bilingual IB program at Léman High School for 9th–12th grade.	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 The École teaches in French and English as part of a French-American bilingual program. Instruction runs from Maternelle (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten) through Middle School, with Léman High School providing a French-American bilingual IB curriculum for 9th–12th grade. The École serves an international community across Maternelle to High School. Non-French-speaking children can enroll up to Kindergarten and receive personalized language support through STRIVE (Stimulate, Transform, Reach, Identify, Value, and Enrich). There is a minimum of 60% French-speaking students per class.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions A simple admission process with three steps for all grades: 1. an Open House for parents, 2) an online application, and 3) an invitation for the whole family to meet the head of school. If you wish to apply for financial assistance, consult the Financial Assistance information. Maternelle age requirements for the 2026-2027 school year: Pre-Nursery two years old by September 1, 2026; Nursery three by December 31, 2026; Pre-Kindergarten four by December 31, 2026; Kindergarten five by December 31, 2026; from Nursery onward, potty-training is required before the first day of school. Required documents for online application: a copy of your child's birth certificate, a copy of your child's passport, a copy of your child's visa (if applicable), a picture of your child, report cards, and a confidential recommendation form completed by your child's current teacher. Admissions Calendar highlights: Quick Acceptance Applications from September 2025 to December 31, 2025 (decision in less than two weeks; if accepted, one week to sign the contract and pay the deposit); Standard Applications from September 2025 to January 11, 2026 (open houses encouraged; deadline to submit complete application January 11, 2026; decision notice February 2, 2026; deadline to sign the contract and pay the deposit February 9, 2026); If accepted but you prefer to wait, the child will be placed on a waiting list with the seat guaranteed only after the enrollment agreement and tuition deposit are paid; Late Applications after January 11, 2026 are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis; if spaces remain, you will be invited to a family interview; depending on the grade, the child may be accepted or placed on the waiting list; if accepted, three days to accept (sign enrollment agreement and pay tuition deposit); if on the waiting list, an enrollment agreement will be sent as soon as a seat becomes available. Language requirements: 1st through 8th Grade students must speak French. Start the online application by creating an account in the online tool and submitting the required documents.	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 Financial Assistance: For 2026-2027, The École will allocate $2 million to enable more students to benefit from the dual French-American curriculum. The amount awarded is based on demonstrated financial need, and both financial need and academic excellence are considered for Middle School applicants. About 20% of families receive financial assistance. Financial assistance is open to all families and can complement grants provided to French citizens attending French-government-accredited schools through the French Consulate in New York. The need assessment is processed through NAIS School & Student Services; applicants must submit via the family portal using the school code and pay a submission fee. Third-party payments do not affect eligibility, and families enrolled for less than two years are not eligible to apply until after enrollment. French citizens may also apply for a bourse through the French Consulate; applicants must be registered with the Consulate and meet with its Social Services. For help with the process, contact Mireille Desalm, Director of Admissions.	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 If your child is accepted and you prefer to wait before enrolling, they will be placed on a waiting list; their seat will be guaranteed only when the enrollment agreement and tuition deposit have been paid. After January 11, 2026, late applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis; if accepted, you will be invited to a family interview; depending on the grade, the child may be accepted or placed on the waiting list. If accepted, you will have three days to sign the enrollment agreement and pay the tuition deposit; if placed on the waiting list, an enrollment agreement will be sent as soon as a seat becomes available.	Waitlist —
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