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Dwight School

United States, New York

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $42,000 - 67,900
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 742
Type Co-educational
Opened 1872
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Dutch, Russian, Latin, Swedish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Performing Arts, Sport, Languages
Clubs Leadership and Professional, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Dwight School New York is an independent day school in Manhattan that delivers the International Baccalaureate across the PYP, MYP and DP. The school educates students from ages 2 to 18 and operates across four Manhattan campuses within Dwight's nine-campus network. Preschool through Grade 10 participate in the PYP and MYP; Grades 11–12 may pursue the IB Diploma Program or the Dwight Courses Program, after a placement process and a two-year commitment. The Diploma requires six IB subjects (three Standard Level and three Higher Level), the IB Core (CAS, EE, TOK), and up to 45 points. A minimum of 24 points plus HL/SL thresholds and completion of CAS, EE and TOK are required. Dwight supports university readiness with a dedicated college counseling team. Facilities include a 40,000-square-foot Athletic Center, a Performing Arts Center with a black-box theater and recording studio, four campuses, and Quest Learning Center offering on-site academic coaching.

291 Central Prk W, New York, NY 10024, United States

The Essentials

Dwight School has 742 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Dwight New York operates across four campuses: North Campus at 291 Central Park West; CPW Campus at 18 West 89th Street (Main Office, Middle & Upper Schools: Grades 5–12); Riverside Campus at 144 Riverside Blvd (Early Childhood: Small Wonder–Pre‑K); and 94th Street Campus at 705 Columbus Ave (Early Childhood Division & Lower School: Preschool 3s–Grade 4). The Athletic Center is at 2116 1st Ave.

Stages
Dwight New York has four levels: Early Childhood; Lower School (Kindergarten–Grade 4); Middle School (Grades 5–8); and Upper School (Grades 9–12).

Type
Private day school

Pupil Nationality Mix
45 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Quest Learning Center provides learning support for students with learning differences and is integrated across Dwight to benefit all learners.

Country affiliation
United States

Bus service
The school provides a private bus service operated by Queens Children Transportation.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is a day school and does not provide boarding or homestays for international students.

Uniform Requirement
Lower School uniforms are provided through Lands' End. White long-sleeved dress shirt is worn with the Dwight School tie (hunter/classic navy plaid). A navy blazer with crest or navy cardigan is worn; the Dwight School crest is required on all polos, turtlenecks, sweaters, and blazers. Sneakers are permitted in solid neutral colors on regular days; on formal dress code days, sneakers are not permitted.

House System
Timothy House (Grades 1-5); Bentley House (Grades 6-8); Franklin House (Grades 9-10); Anglo House (Grades 11-12).

Governance and Ownership
Dwight School New York is an independent co-educational IB World Continuum School and Global Network.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dwight School ranges from USD 42,000 to USD 67,900 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- Non-refundable application fee: USD 75.
- Non-refundable registration (enrollment) fee: USD 1,500 (assessed at enrollment).
- Financial aid processing fee (for Clarity application): USD 65.
- Parents Association fee: USD 150 (annual).

Tuition fees by program / year group (annual amounts)

- 2s Programs (annual):
- 2 mornings (Tue & Thu, 8:30 am–12:00 pm): USD 17,900.
- 3 mornings (Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30 am–12:00 pm): USD 26,900.
- 5 mornings (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–12:00 pm): USD 36,500.
- Full days (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–2:30 pm): USD 42,000.
- Extended days (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–5:30 pm): USD 48,000.

- Preschool 3s (annual):
- 5 mornings (8:30 am–12:00 pm): USD 36,500.
- 5 full days (8:30 am–2:30 pm): USD 49,900.

- 4s Program (annual):
- 5 mornings (8:30 am–12:00 pm): USD 36,500.
- 5 full days (8:30 am–2:30 pm): USD 49,900.

- Pre-Kindergarten (8:30 am–2:30 pm): USD 49,900 (annual).

- Kindergarten (8:30 am–3:30 pm): USD 63,900 (annual).

- Grades 1–4 (8:30 am–3:30 pm): USD 67,900 (annual).

- Grades 5–12 (8:00 am–3:00 pm): USD 67,900 (annual).

Additional mandatory or regularly assessed fees (examples by division)

- Technology fee (Kindergarten and Grades 1–12): USD 1,975 (annual).
- International Baccalaureate (IB) program fee (Grades 11–12): USD 750.
- I-20 processing fee for international students (where applicable): USD 750 (non-refundable).
- Uniforms, textbooks, overnight/grade-level trip fees and some extracurricular-specific costs: amounts vary by grade and activity.

Per-term / per-instalment detail and billing schedule

- Tuition figures above are annual. The school issues initial billing statements in late spring and administers tuition collection through an online student-billing service (Smart Tuition). Families select a payment schedule; the Business Office offers multiple payment-plan structures (examples historically provided include one, two, four, or eight payments). Exact instalment dates and plan choices are administered through the billing service and appear on the initial statement.

- Example instalment calculations (for reference only):
- Single annual payment: full annual tuition in one payment.
- Two-payment plan: each instalment ≈ annual tuition ÷ 2.
- Four-payment plan: each instalment ≈ annual tuition ÷ 4.
- Eight-payment plan: each instalment ≈ annual tuition ÷ 8.
(These instalment amounts are mathematical divisions of the published annual tuition and will be adjusted to reflect any assessed fees, deposits, or credits on the billing statement.)

Payment terms, methods and late-payment policy

- Accepted payment methods include online debit/credit card, wire transfer (bank transfer), ACH, and payment by check; credit/debit card transactions may incur convenience fees. The school uses an online billing/payment platform (Smart Tuition) for statements and payments. A finance charge of 1% per month is assessed on delinquent accounts. Students with accounts in arrears may be prevented from attending school or receiving records/reports until the account is brought current.

Boarding

- Dwight School New York is a day school and does not provide boarding or homestay accommodation. Boarding fees are not applicable.

Refunds and withdrawal policy

- The application fee and registration fee are non-refundable. If a student is withdrawn after May 1 of the preceding school year (per the enrollment contract), the signator is responsible for the full year's tuition, payable immediately. Mid-year withdrawal and other refund responsibilities are governed by the enrollment contract; delinquent balances may result in withheld records.

Other routinely assessed or optional costs

- After-school and extended-day activities, special curricular or extracurricular program fees, certain language-course supplements, overnight trips, athletic tournament/away-trip costs, and some grade-specific materials or experiences can generate additional charges that vary by student and grade level. Families are billed for these items as applicable. A small number of optional services and fee-based programs may also appear on a student's account.

Summary of the most commonly billed line items for families

- Annual tuition (varies by program/grade) — see list above.
- Non-refundable application fee: USD 75.
- Non-refundable registration fee: USD 1,500.
- Technology fee (K+): USD 1,975.
- IB program fee (Grades 11–12): USD 750.
- I-20 processing fee for international students (if applicable): USD 750.
- Parents Association fee: USD 150.

Notes on administration of fees

- Billing and payment administration is handled through the school's Business Office and the online billing service; families receive an initial statement in late spring and ongoing statements according to their selected payment plan. Late or delinquent accounts incur finance charges and may affect a student's continued attendance and access to records.
Academics

Dwight School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Dwight School New York delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP). Preschool through Grade 10 participate in the PYP and MYP automatically, while Grades 11–12 may pursue the IB Diploma Program or the Dwight Courses Program, with a placement process and a two-year commitment for the Diploma Program. The Diploma Program requires six IB subjects (three at Standard Level and three at Higher Level), the IB Core (Creativity, Activity and Service; Extended Essay; Theory of Knowledge), and a total of up to 45 points to obtain the Diploma; a minimum of 24 total points plus HL and SL point thresholds and completion of CAS, EE, and TOK are required. There is no formal application to join the full Diploma Program; a placement process ensures commitment to the two-year program and completion of internal and external assessments. The college counseling team supports university readiness within the IB framework.

Student Teacher Ratio
Dwight has a low student-teacher ratio.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates matriculate at a range of domestic and international universities. Recent college matriculations include Brown, Bowdoin, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, UCLA, McGill, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, University of St. Andrews, Trinity College Dublin, Vanderbilt, University of Virginia, Wesleyan, and Yale. Additional matriculations include Columbia College Chicago, CUNY Brooklyn College, and Pennsylvania State University.

Gifted and Talented
Spark Tank is Dwight's K-12 incubator that empowers student-entrepreneurs to launch their own ventures, with guidance and funding through Dwight's Foundation innovation grants; the program develops entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership beyond the classroom.
Parent Experience

History
Dwight School New York's history dates back to 1872. It is part of a global network with nine campuses worldwide. It was the first school in the Americas to offer the full International Baccalaureate curriculum in 2014 and the first U.S. independent school to establish an overseas campus in 1972. The school serves 921 students in Manhattan and 3,775 worldwide, with 45 nationalities represented, and has 56+ years of leadership by Chancellor Stephen Spahn. The IB Primary Years Program was authorized in 1998 and the Middle Years Program in 2000.

Community
Dwight New York has an international community with 45 nationalities represented. The Arts program features faculty who are world‑renowned touring musicians, film composers, writers, actors and visual artists, with students performing in major NYC venues such as Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. News & Events showcase cross‑campus activities and performances, including global concerts and student productions like The Adventures of Pinocchio.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dwight New York operates across four Manhattan campuses: North Campus at 291 Central Park West; CPW Campus at 18 West 89th Street; Riverside Campus at 144 Riverside Blvd; and 94th Street Campus at 705 Columbus Avenue. The Dwight School Athletic Center is a 40,000-square-foot facility located at 2116 1st Ave. The Athletic Center features a regulation-size high school gym seating 200, a six-lane, 25-yard indoor swimming pool, exercise and dance rooms, learning spaces, locker rooms, and two rooftop turf tennis courts. The Performing Arts Center includes a black-box theater with professional LED fixtures and a state-of-the-art music recording studio, supporting performances in iconic New York venues such as Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. The campus houses a museum-quality art collection with more than 200 works, and Dwight is AFEC-accredited by the World Academy of Sport. Quest Learning Center provides on-site, strength-based one-on-one academic and organizational training across Lower and Upper School.

Sports Facilities
Dwight School Athletic Center is a 40,000-square-foot facility. It includes a regulation-size high school gym seating 200 and a six-lane, 25-yard indoor swimming pool. It also houses exercise and dance rooms, learning spaces, locker rooms, and two rooftop turf tennis courts. The center supports a broad athletics program across seasons including cross country, soccer, tennis, volleyball, swimming, basketball, fencing, indoor track and field, rugby, golf, and more. Dwight uses Hudl to livestream home competitions.

Academic Facilities
Quest Learning Center provides on-site, strength-based one-on-one academic and organizational training. Lower Quest serves Grades 1-8 with learning specialists; Upper Quest serves Grades 9-12. Quest teachers coordinate with deans and other staff to support all facets of school life. English Language Learning (EAL) provides English instruction and cultural immersion for non-native speakers across all ages, with pre-admission evaluation and a progression from beginner to advanced levels. World languages are offered from preschool through Grade 12, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin; mother-tongue instruction is available in some languages, with German offered for Grades 6-12 and additional languages available (some with extra fees).

Extra Curricular Facilities
Dwight offers an extensive after-school and clubs program across Preschool to Upper School, spanning sports, the arts, science, design and technology, and languages. Spark Tank is a K-12 entrepreneurial incubator that provides mentorship and funding for student ventures. Trips & Exchanges provide domestic and international travel and exchanges within Dwight's global network, including leadership and community service programs. Community Service engages students in service-learning with an annual Service Week and a range of projects across age groups.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Dwight uses the International Baccalaureate across Preschool 3s through 12th grade, with Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs. The IB curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, research, and complex problem-solving skills across disciplines. The Diploma Program includes Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirements that connect academic study to real-world experiences. The program emphasizes developing the whole student intellectually, emotionally, physically, and ethically.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts are organized around a planning, creating, and evaluating cycle, with media ranging from drawing to sculpture. Upper School offers micro-courses in ceramics, mixed media, and senior college portfolio development. There are after-school clubs and the chance to join Dwight's National Art Honors Society. Dwight hosts Art Exhibitions in fall, winter, spring, and a Senior Art Exhibition.

Cultural & Language
In Kindergarten, languages offered are Spanish, Mandarin, or French. Daily language study in Spanish, French, or Mandarin is part of the Kindergarten program. Students also visit museums, nature reserves, and interactive exhibits in New York City and participate in community and cultural sharing activities.

Social & Hobbies
Dwight offers a myriad of after-school programs spanning sports, the arts, science, design and technology, languages, and a host of other educational games and classes. An extensive range of extracurricular options in fall, winter, and spring are designed to spark minds, bodies, and imaginations. The Visual Arts Continuum notes the presence of after-school clubs as a program highlight. After-school clubs provide opportunities for student engagement across disciplines.

Community & Service
Dwight is committed to service learning within the IB curriculum. Students develop leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through a wide range of community service projects. Each fall, Dwight holds Service Week where students and families participate in activities for the greater good. Preschool and Grades K-5 participate in monthly service projects, including packing lunches for the New York Common Pantry and other community drives.

Leadership & Professional
The Middle School Student Council coordinates service initiatives to involve all students and build leadership capacity. Upper School students participate in service-oriented after-school programs such as WISER Club and SCOPE. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Program at Dwight promotes leadership, outdoor skills, service, and adventure, including WILD activities. Students plan collaborative projects with peers and reflect on their learning as part of CAS and related programs.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Dwight School Athletic Center includes a heated pool, a full gym, and a weight room. Group and private swim lessons are offered, with Saturday sessions available. A studio space supports indoor rehearsals, yoga, and dance lessons. Dwight also fields a broad athletics program with more than 30 Middle School, JV, and Varsity teams across levels.
Languages

Language Provision
Preschool teaches Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Grades K–5 offer Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese with mother tongue instruction in these languages; additional languages are available on request for an extra fee. Grades 6–12 offer Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese with mother tongue instruction in Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese (no fee); German is available for an extra fee, and language acquisition includes Italian and German. English Language Learning provides English instruction and cultural immersion for non-native speakers, and additional languages have been introduced most recently: Korean, Japanese, Dutch, Russian, Latin, ASL, and Swedish.

Bilingual Teaching
Dwight students can pursue bilingual IB Diplomas in English and numerous other languages.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
The Dwight School New York admissions process is personalized with open houses, community events, and individual sessions for each applicant family. The 2025-26 application opens on September 1, 2025 and closes on December 1, 2025. Prospective families can take a 360 Virtual Tour and register for open houses held in fall and winter. Dwight School New York is a member of ISAAGNY and does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

Scholarships
Dwight offers need-based financial aid; there are no merit or athletic scholarships. About 25% of Dwight students receive financial aid, and approximately $10 million is awarded annually. Financial aid awards range from small grants to full tuition for students in kindergarten through grade 12; preschool aid is limited to partial grants and preschool recipients are reevaluated at the kindergarten level. The financial aid decisions are confidential and based on demonstrated need. The deadline for the 2026-27 financial aid and admissions applications is December 1, 2025, and the financial aid process uses the Clarity platform (start by submitting required documents and a $65 processing fee).
School Events
The school has not added events
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