EF Academy New York vs United Nations International School
EF Academy New York and United Nations International School are both in New York, about 45 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. EF Academy New York also offers American and Advanced Placement (AP), and United Nations International School also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are $43,700 - 76,600 at EF Academy New York and $48,456 - 53,767 at United Nations International School, which puts EF Academy New York roughly 18% higher. EF Academy New York takes pupils from 14 to 18, and United Nations International School from 4 to 18. United Nations International School is the larger school, with around 1,450 pupils to EF Academy New York's 290. Typical class sizes are 15 at EF Academy New York and 19 at United Nations International School.
American Curriculum, IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)
Curriculum
IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
290
Pupils
1,450
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
19
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
1947
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Thornwood, Westchester County, New York, USA. The campus sits on 97 acres in a suburban setting, a short train ride from downtown Manhattan.
Location
New York, United States. Campus: 24-50 FDR Drive, New York, NY 10010-4046.
Stages
Stages
High school. Students graduate with a U.S. high school diploma; the program also offers the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or IB/AP courses.
Stages
Pre-K through 12th grade (PreK-12).
School type
School type
Private boarding high school in New York. On-campus boarding is available; day students are also accepted.
School type
Day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
60+ nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
97 countries are represented by UNIS students.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
The UNIS Student Support Team provides assistance to UNIS students and families from Pre-K through 12, including social, emotional, health and wellness support, learning support, and college preparation.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
International
Country affiliation
Affiliation with the United Nations.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
EF Academy New York operates a mixed day- and boarding-school model. Local students may enroll as day students or board five days a week with weekends at home.
School day structure
Junior School begins around 8:30 a.m. with homeroom at 8:45 a.m.; JA pick-up is at 2:55 p.m.; Tutorial House ends around 2:50 p.m., with some courses meeting until 4:10 p.m.; lunch lasts about 30–60 minutes and there are scheduled recess periods.
Bus service details
Bus service details
A weekend shuttle operates from campus to Pleasantville train station, from which trains go to Manhattan and other destinations.
Bus service details
There are free NYC school buses for students in kindergarten through sixth grade who live within five miles of the school; private buses may be arranged by parents; UNIS students may also receive MetroCards.
Annual tuition and boarding — fees by student type - Full seven‑day boarding (annual): Tuition USD 47,200 + Boarding fee USD 29,400 = Total USD 76,600. - Five‑day (weekly) boarding (annual): USD 68,700. Student Life & Activities fee for weekly boarders: USD 3,900/year. - Day student (annual): USD 43,700. Student Life & Activities fee for day students: USD 3,500/year.
Per‑term items and room upgrades - Annual charges are invoiced; room upgrade (single room or other upgrade) is charged in addition and is billed per term where applicable (example: single‑room upgrade listed as USD 2,000 per term in published fee inserts). - Examination and some optional items may be billed per term or locked after course add/drop deadlines; invoices will show exact per‑term installments.
Mandatory Student Life & Activities fee and exam fees - Student Life & Activities (mandatory): amounts vary by student type (examples published: Full boarding USD 4,900/year; 5‑day boarding USD 3,900/year; Day students USD 3,500/year). - Exam fees (applied depending on course selection): IB Diploma fee (example published) USD 895; IB Certificates USD 495; Advanced Placement (AP) exams incur an additional fee. Exam fees depend on actual exams taken and are charged accordingly.
What is included in tuition and boarding (cost items) - Included in tuition: academic support and tutoring, university advising, English language support, materials and books, school‑related apps/tech support, and specified domestic immersion trips. - Included in boarding: airport transfers at start of term, standard shared rooming, Welcome Days, weekend activities and transportation (entrance fees/tickets may not be included), laundry card, and meals (weekday meals and weekend brunch/dinner as applicable by boarding option). - Travel insurance: group travel/medical insurance coverage is included for non‑US/Canadian residents; US and Canadian residents are required to provide their own evidence of adequate insurance.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued ahead of each academic year; the invoice sets the instalment amounts and deadlines. By paying the First Installment a place is secured and the family becomes responsible for the full cost of tuition subject to the school's cancellation/refund provisions. - Methods of payment: payments can be made via the school's payment partner (Flywire) or by bank transfer; bank charges for sending/receiving banks are payable by the sender and may be applied to the student's account. - Payment timing for new students: an initial deposit/first instalment is payable immediately upon admission; each student receives an individual payment schedule with the initial invoice, and final balances are required by the deadline on the invoice (continuing‑student guidance shows 50% of program fee due as part of securing a place and final balances due by June 30 in the calendar year of course start in published agreement examples). Late fees and additional charges apply where invoices are not paid by their due dates.
Refunds, cancellations and withdrawals - Cancellation and refund rules are applied according to the school's published cancellation schedule and the date the written cancellation notice is received. The school's standard terms state that: cancellations made well before the start of the course may receive full or partial refunds (subject to specified non‑refundable fees); cancellations closer to arrival will incur larger retention amounts; withdrawals after the course start are generally charged the full annual tuition and mandatory fees; expulsion results in no refund. The school's enrollment agreement defines the exact timelines, monetary amounts, and forfeiture rules.
Other costs and typical extras - Refundable security deposit (USD 1,000) to cover potential damage. - Optional/occasional extras that may be charged separately: entrance fees or tickets for certain weekend activities, some off‑campus trips, certain elective program supplements, AP exam fees when applicable, and room upgrades. - Uniform: there is no formal uniform requirement for students; therefore no standard uniform fee is charged.
Important notes about payments and penalties - Application and enrollment fees are one‑time fees and are non‑refundable. - If fees become overdue the school may suspend or cancel enrollment and apply late fees; outstanding financial obligations can affect a student's ability to remain on campus.
Summary of the most common numeric items (USD) - Tuition (example full boarding split): Tuition USD 47,200; Boarding fee USD 29,400; Total USD 76,600. - Weekly boarding: USD 68,700; Day student tuition: USD 43,700. - Mandatory Student Life & Activities fee: USD 3,500–4,900 depending on student type. - Application fee USD 75; Enrollment fee USD 700; Refundable security deposit USD 1,000.
If you need a precise instalment amount or an exact invoice schedule for a specific enrolment date or student type, that instalment information is provided on the individual invoice and in the school's enrollment agreement and payment schedule documents.
Fee details
Application and acceptance fees - Admissions fee (payable upon acceptance): USD 250. - Tuition pre-payment (payable upon acceptance): USD 1,000. - Security deposit (refundable upon graduation or withdrawal, subject to the school's conditions): USD 300. - One-time New Parent Levy (per new family, payable upon acceptance): USD 3,500. Total payable on acceptance (Admissions fee + Tuition pre-payment + Security deposit + New Parent Levy): USD 5,050.
Tuition fees (2026–27) — annual amounts by year group - Junior School (Pre-K through Junior 4 / Grade 4): USD 46,856 per year for each grade in this range. - Middle School - Middle 1 (Grade 5): USD 48,592 per year. - Middle 2 (Grade 6): USD 48,592 per year. - Middle 3 (Grade 7): USD 48,592 per year. - Middle 4 (Grade 8): USD 49,259 per year. - Tutorial House (Grades 9–12) - Tutorial 1 (Grade 9): USD 50,911 per year. - Tutorial 2 (Grade 10): USD 50,911 per year. - Tutorial 3 (Grade 11): USD 51,390 per year. - Tutorial 4 (Grade 12): USD 52,167 per year.
Billing schedule and payment terms (2026–27) - Re-enrolling students: a nonrefundable re-enrollment deposit of USD 4,000 is due on March 12, 2026; the balance of tuition is paid in two installments: 70% of the annual tuition due on August 1, 2026, and 30% due on January 1, 2027. - Payable upon acceptance (new enrolments): Admissions Fee (USD 250), Tuition Pre-Payment (USD 1,000), Security Deposit (USD 300), and One-time New Parent Levy (USD 3,500) for a total of USD 5,050 due when the place is accepted.
Additional and incidental fees - Capital surcharge: USD 1,400 per child, charged in addition to tuition. - UNIS Parents' Association membership dues: USD 200 per family. - Textbooks and field trips: variable (as required by Middle School and Tutorial House). - 1:1 device assignment insurance deductible deposit (Grades M1 to T4): USD 250 per family; refundable upon return of devices in good condition subject to the school's device-return conditions. - Optional fees (examples): after-school programs, lunches (contracted on an annual basis), private music lessons and instrument rental; these are charged in addition to tuition and other mandatory fees.
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. UNIS is a PreK–12 day school; there are no boarding facilities or boarding fees.
Refund information - All payments are generally non‑refundable, with stated exceptions for return of computer devices in good condition and the security deposit upon graduation (or withdrawal where the school's policy allows refund of the security deposit). Specific refund timing and conditions for the New Parent Levy and the Security Deposit are stated in the school's fee policy (examples for prior-year enrollment deadlines are included in the school's terms).
Fee payment options - The school provides a Parent Portal (portal access is available for families) for account management. For other electronic payment channels used by the school for financial transactions (including donations), accepted methods include online credit-card payments, electronic funds transfer, Venmo, checks, phone payments, and securities transfer where applicable. (These electronic and check/EFT channels are used by the school for institutional payments and giving transactions.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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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
EF Academy New York awards a U.S. high school diploma, with the option to pursue the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or select individual IB or Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Learners tailor their schedules with IB and/or AP courses aligned to their goals and strengths. Advisors help each student design a personalized pathway to graduation, supported by daily mentorship and a 24/7 care team. Classes emphasize immersive, student-centered learning with hands-on projects and field studies in smaller groups. The campus welcomes a global community of 60+ nationalities on a 97-acre setting near New York City, and offers opportunities such as the Nobel Prize Museum partnership to broaden experiences.
Curriculum details
The UNIS curriculum is a Pre-K-12 International Baccalaureate program. The school is accredited by the International Baccalaureate, the Council of Independent Schools, and the New York State Association of Independent Schools. The UNIS curriculum aligns to Common Core Math Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, NY Next Generation ELA standards, and British Columbia Social Studies Standards. UNIS is a founding IB school, and the IB learner profile is reflected in UNIS's approach to learning.
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
One-to-one university counseling helps students gain admission to universities, and customized counseling supports the admissions process as students prepare their applications. Daily mentorship and university counselors guide students through planning for higher education.
Higher education progression
Graduates attend colleges and universities across the United States and in many other nations. UNIS students apply to and enroll at universities in ten or more countries. The College Counseling Office provides a structured program with events such as the UNIS College Fair, which hosts over 150 colleges, and a College Counseling Timeline to guide students through the process.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Advisors tailor a personalized academic plan for each student based on talents and strengths, helping set growth goals and select courses and co-curricular activities.
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
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
EF Academy New York uses English in all programs. English level should be appropriate for the student's grade and program; fluency is not required, but English proficiency is demonstrated. For international applicants, English listening, reading, writing, and speaking are tested and a personal interview is conducted to place students on the right track. If English support is needed, the EF Academy Preparation Program is available for students entering 9th or 10th grade to accelerate language development. How to apply provides the steps to apply to EF Academy New York. There are three enrollment options: full boarding, weekly boarding, or day student. Tuition, fees, and scholarships are described under Tuition, Fees, & Scholarships. There are upcoming deadlines: November 14: Early admissions applications due; November 21: All early admissions recommendations and transcripts due; November 26: Recommendations and transcripts, including progress reports; December 5: Early admissions decisions announced; December 12: Early admissions deadline to enroll with early enrollment discount of $1,000; January 8: Application deadline for regular decision admissions and EF Academy Community Scholarships; January 17: Recommendations and transcripts including semester 1 reports; February 20: Regular admissions decisions announced; March 12: Parent reply and enrollment deadline for Fall 2026. A visa can be arranged with assistance if needed; take a virtual tour or visit the campus.
Admissions
1. Create a Ravenna account to begin the UNIS application. Through Ravenna you submit the UNIS application, register for a tour and assessment, email a teacher recommendation form directly to your child's teacher, submit additional admissions materials, and check the status of your application. The $75 application fee is paid by credit card and is waived for financial aid applicants. 2. Submit the UNIS application in Ravenna. 3. Schedule the assessment or interview: Prekindergarten to Fourth Grade participate in an in-person assessment; parents attend a panel discussion led by the Director of Admissions; Fifth to Eighth Grades may have a group activity or an interview; Ninth to Twelfth Grades are interviewed. 4. Send the ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet via Ravenna to delegate to your child's current teacher. 5. Take an Admission Test: ISEE or SSAT; testing can be online or at a Prometric testing center; MAP or PSAT may be submitted as substitutes. 6. Receive the Admission Decision: PK decisions on February 26, 2026; Kindergarten on February 5, 2026; 1st–4th on February 11, 2026; 5th–8th on February 11, 2026; 9th–12th on February 20, 2026. For entry in 2026-27, the Manhattan campus window runs September 1, 2025 to November 15, 2025 with interviews by mid-January 2026; midyear entries are possible when spaces exist, with midyear applications due by March 1, 2026 and enrollment by March 17, 2026.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships range from $1,500 to $15,000, subject to availability. EF Academy offers merit scholarships and need-based financial aid to help make an EF Academy education possible. All merit scholarship and financial aid applications must be submitted with the completed application for admission. Terms and conditions apply.
Scholarships
A need-based financial aid program provides awards to newly admitted students based on demonstrated financial need. Financial aid is based on need and UNIS uses its own Financial Aid form; an aid application will not prejudice admission decisions. Financial aid decisions are coordinated after admissions decisions, and submission timing helps the process. SSS begins processing financial aid information on November 1, 2025; it is recommended to submit by December 31, 2025 for consideration in the February/March notification cycle. For more information on eligibility and process, contact Margaret Chiu at (212) 584-3034 or mchiu@unis.org.
