Compare International Schools in Forest Hills, United States

The Kew-Forest School

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees $31,500

Type Co-educational

The Kew-Forest School is an independent, co-educational day school in Forest Hills, Queens, serving students ages 3 through 18. The curriculum blends the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) with Advanced Placement courses and a bespoke program. In Lower School (Preschool–Grade 5), Social and Emotional Learning is supported by Responsive Classroom practices, with Social Studies taught through Inquiry Journeys alongside an NGSS-aligned, hands-on Science program. Middle School (Grades 6–8) provides core subjects and adds Grade 6 Study Skills, with Public Speaking, Debate, and Writers Workshop in Grades 7–8; the IB MYP framework develops inquiry, collaboration, and global citizenship. Upper School (Grades 9–12) offers a broad core plus two years of arts required and more than ten AP options, including AP English Language, AP World History, AP Spanish Language, AP Biology, and AP 2D Art. The campus features dedicated arts studios, science labs, libraries, and an on-site gym. Founded in 1918, the school emphasizes academic curiosity, community service, and global citizenship through programs like Inquiry Journeys.

Location

The Kew-Forest School is located in Forest Hills, Queens, New York. The campus address is 119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Arriving by subway, take the E or F train to the Union Turnpike/Kew Gardens station; the school is one block south from Queens Boulevard to the Union Turnpike entrance.

Stages

Preschool through Grade 12.

Type

Independent, co-educational, college preparatory.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Students represent more than 70 countries, with home languages spoken at least 30 languages.

Additional learning support

Student Learning Support is provided across Lower, Middle, and Upper School. The Lower School has a Counselor and a Lower School Child Study Team including the Head of Lower School and the Director of Learning Support. In Middle School, a Study Skills course supports Grade 6 students, along with Academic & Emotional Support. In Upper School, RULER supports social-emotional learning, alongside continued Academic & Emotional Support.

Religious affiliation

Nonsectarian; not affiliated with religious organizations.

School day structure

Lower School starts at 8:00 a.m. for Grades 1–5; Preschool through Kindergarten may arrive by 8:30 a.m. Lower School dismissal is 2:50 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. Middle and Upper School run 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with an activity period from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m. A supervised study space is available after dismissal until 6:00 p.m.

Application fees
- An application fee is used in the admissions process, and the school sometimes offers waivers (for example, prospective families attending certain admission events have had their application fee waived).

Annual tuition (per student)
- USD 31,500 per year for all grade levels (Preschool through Grade 12).

Tuition — per term / sample payment breakdowns (examples based on the published annual tuition and the school's payment-plan structure)
- The school publishes the annual tuition amount and offers multiple payment plans; the school does not publish a separate ‘‘per-term'' invoice amount. The following are example calculations using the published USD 31,500 annual tuition and the school's stated enrollment deposit and payment-plan rules (these are calculated examples derived from the school's published tuition and payment-plan terms).
- Enrollment deposit (non-refundable): equivalent to 10% of the family contribution. For a full-pay family (no tuition assistance), that equates to USD 3,150. The deposit is applied toward the full tuition amount.
- Balance after a full-pay deposit of USD 3,150: USD 28,350 (this is a derived/calculated balance for illustration only).
- Option A (one payment): One payment of the remaining balance of USD 28,350 due on or before June 15.
- Option B (two payments): First installment of 60% of the remaining balance (USD 17,010) due on or before June 15; second installment of 40% (USD 11,340) due on or before November 15. (Amounts shown are calculated examples based on the published tuition and plan percentages.)
- Option C (installments): Eight equal monthly installments of the remaining balance (USD 3,543.75 per installment, based on USD 28,350 ÷ 8), with the first installment due on or before June 15 and the last due in January. (Amount shown is a calculated example.)

Billing schedule and payment terms
- An enrollment contract and a non-refundable enrollment deposit (equivalent to 10% of the family contribution) are required to secure enrollment; the deposit is applied to tuition. Parents select a payment plan with the enrollment contract.
- Payment-plan deadlines as published: one full payment (balance due by June 15); two-part plan (60% of balance due by June 15, remaining 40% due by November 15); or an eight-month installment plan (monthly installments beginning on or before June 15 with final installment due in January). Installment payments, electronic check payments, and credit card payments incur additional service charges from the school's payment service provider.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- The Kew‑Forest School is a day school and does not provide boarding; no boarding fees apply. International students must arrange homestays themselves when required; homestays are subject to the school's homestay policies.

Other mandatory or regularly recurring costs
- Lunch and snacks program: USD 1,500 per student per year (same fee regardless of tuition-assistance status). The lunch program covers daily lunch plus snacks as described by division.
- International Student Fee: USD 3,900 per year for students in grades 6–12 who require the additional oversight and services provided to international students (this fee is also assessed to any student who requires the extra English Language Learning support identified by the school).
- Tuition Assistance application processing: a one-time per-family fee of USD 60 to submit a Clarity tuition-assistance application (when families apply for financial aid through the Clarity system).
- Afterschool / extended-day programs: An extended-day after-school program is available for Preschool–Grade 5 for an additional fee; the school publishes that additional programs carry separate fees but does not publish fixed amounts for all optional activities in the public pages reviewed.
- School-branded clothing / Jagwear: the school references Jagwear and branded apparel programs; a specific uniform or Jagwear price list is not published on the pages reviewed. Additional program fees (e.g., specialty camps, specific field trips, instrument rentals, elective course materials) may be charged as applicable.

Refund information
- The enrollment deposit is explicitly stated as non-refundable. Beyond the non-refundable deposit, the school does not publish a detailed public mid‑year withdrawal refund schedule on the admission and tuition pages reviewed; specific refund terms for tuition adjustments after enrollment or for mid‑year withdrawals are not provided in the publicly accessible pages examined. (Families should treat the enrollment deposit as non-refundable per the published policy.)

Fee payment options
- The school's published information identifies electronic check and credit card payment options (and that installment payments processed by the payment service provider will incur service charges). The tuition page indicates the use of a tuition-management/payment service for installment plans. Accepted payment methods include electronic check and credit card (service charges apply as noted).

Notes on omitted details found during the review
- The school publishes the annual tuition, the payment-plan structure and deadlines, the enrollment deposit rule (10% of family contribution, non-refundable), the lunch fee (USD 1,500), the international student fee (USD 3,900), and the Clarity fee (USD 60). However, a specific published dollar amount for the standard application fee was not available on the public pages that were reviewed (the school has promoted application‑fee waivers for some events), and specific published prices for uniforms/Jagwear, afterschool program fees, and a full mid‑year tuition refund schedule were not located on the public pages reviewed.

Boarding Arrangements

Day school; does not provide housing; international students on F-1 visas must arrange their own homestay arrangements in accordance with School policies.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required during the academic day; a separate PE uniform is required; uniforms are purchased through Lands' End; in 12th grade seniors may wear business casual attire; Jagwear Days are designated for school spirit.

Food Options

Lunch and snacks are offered separately from tuition for $1,500 per student per year. Lower School includes lunch and two daily snacks; Middle & Upper School include lunch and one daily snack. Options: join Lunch Program (annual $1,500) prepared by Butter Beans or Pack from Home (nut-free policy; no refrigeration or microwaves).

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by a Board of Trustees, composed of alumni, current and past parents, and independent school administrators; the Board sets major policies, ensures financial stability, and safeguards the school's mission and long-term success.

Curriculum

Lower School (Preschool–Grade 5) emphasizes Social and Emotional Learning through Responsive Classroom practices and teaches Social Studies via an integrated, inquiry-based curriculum (Inquiry Journeys) alongside a NGSS-aligned, hands-on Science program. Middle School (Grades 6–8) delivers core subjects—English, science, mathematics, history, Spanish, computer science, and physical education—and adds Grade 6 Study Skills, with Public Speaking, Debate, and Writers Workshop in Grades 7–8; the program incorporates the IB Middle Years Programme to develop inquiry, collaboration, and global citizenship. Upper School (Grades 9–12) provides a broad core in English, mathematics, science, history, world languages, computer science, and visual/performing arts; two years of arts are required, and Grade 10+ AP courses are available with more than ten options. AP offerings include AP English Language, AP World History, AP Spanish Language, AP Biology, and AP 2D Art. Electives and a robust college counseling program support students' college preparation, and the Upper School reports a 100% college matriculation rate.

Student Teacher Ratio

The Upper School has an average class size of 8 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 4:1.

Exam Results

The school has a 100% college matriculation rate. Graduates have been accepted to top universities including University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Cornell University, and Johns Hopkins University. Additional matriculations include Columbia University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Higher Education Progression

Through personalized college counseling, students develop a college list aligned with their goals. Graduates have been accepted to a wide range of institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Middlebury College, Northwestern University, Georgetown University, New York University, and Columbia University. College matriculation lists show graduates attending Cornell University, MIT, Williams College, and other selective colleges.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Kew-Forest School uses the RULER program from Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence to support social-emotional learning. RULER is an evidence-based approach to social-emotional learning that builds emotional intelligence. RULER stands for recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating emotions. Students participate in workshops with the Middle School and Upper School Counselor to develop emotional awareness and understand how emotions influence decisions. Social-emotional learning and counseling support are highlighted in Upper School Student Support and Middle School Student Support pages.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Middle School Curriculum includes the IB Middle Years Programme and an Inclusion Policy, showing commitment to including diverse learners. Grade 6 has a dedicated Study Skills course to support transition into Middle School. Upper School and Middle School provide Academic and Emotional Support to students. The school's Middle School materials reference an Inclusion Policy and related policies as part of program design. The presence of an Inclusion Policy indicates support for students with varied learning needs within the program.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Kew-Forest School offers an English Language Learner (ELL) course for students for whom English is a second language. The International Student Coordinator provides additional support, guidance, and in-language services to international students and their parents. For admissions, international applicants who are not native English speakers take an online English language assessment, and an intermediate level is typically required for transition to Middle and Upper School. The school is authorized by the US Department of Homeland Security to issue I‑20 forms to sponsor non-US citizens wishing to obtain an F‑1 student visa.

Mental Wellbeing

Social-emotional learning supports mental wellbeing through the RULER program from Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence. RULER provides training in recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating emotions. Students participate in counselor-led workshops to build emotional awareness and to apply this information to decision making. Upper School and Middle School Student Support explicitly describe academic and emotional support, reinforcing a focus on mental wellbeing.

History

The Kew-Forest School opened on September 25, 1918, after bonds financed the construction of three brick and stucco buildings on a two‑acre block in the Georgian style. Louis Durant Marriott and Guy Hinman Catlin served as co‑headmasters and founders of the school. The mission was to exert all its energies, to use every means at its command, to make every child an efficient worker, a helpful citizen, and a power for good. There were 50 children in attendance on opening day, and the very first students included David Millar, Jr. '24, and his sister Mildred Millar Graff. In its enduring legacy, the school emphasizes three pillars: academic curiosity, community service, and global citizenship.

Community

From alumni to parents to faculty to students to Board members across more than 54 zip codes, the Kew-Forest community forms a small, nurturing network that connects people across ages, backgrounds, and geography. The community is culturally diverse, with 30+ native languages spoken and representation from 60+ countries. It is described as a second home that anchors meaningful connections within a close-knit school environment. The school emphasizes inclusivity and global perspectives as part of its community identity.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Kew-Forest Parents Association (KFPA) focuses on two main objectives: making our children's time at Kew-Forest more vibrant and showing appreciation to faculty and staff. Traditions include a Gingerbread House Party, a Taco Tuesday for Cinco de Mayo, Pumpkins & Pizza Day, and the International Culture Potluck. KFPA partners with national aquariums and rural farms to bring science to life with in‑school learning opportunities, including a live reptile assembly, a life‑sized inflatable walk‑in whale, and chick egg‑hatching projects. Community service projects are organized to support overlooked needs in the community. The KFPA President is Kerry-Ann Holman, and volunteering is encouraged through a Volunteer Form with support for the Faculty & Staff Appreciation Fund.

Facilities Overview

The Kew-Forest School is located in Forest Hills, Queens. The campus serves the Lower, Middle, and Upper School with classrooms, libraries, and shared spaces. Specialized spaces include a Lower School Performing Arts Studio, a Middle & Upper School Art Studio, and a Middle & Upper School Music Studio. Science learning is supported by a Middle School Science Lab and an Upper School Science Lab. The on-site Gym, Locker Room, Cafeteria, and Lower School Play Yard support daily learning, physical education, and community life.

Sports Facilities

On-site Gym for physical education and indoor sports. Locker Room provides changing facilities for students and teams. Lower School Play Yard offers outdoor play and recreation.

Academic Facilities

Lower School Library and Middle & Upper School Library provide research space. Middle School Science Lab and Upper School Science Lab support science instruction. Lower School Performing Arts Studio, Middle & Upper School Art Studio, and Middle & Upper School Music Studio support arts education. Classrooms and Rotundas support learning across Lower, Middle, and Upper schools.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Lower School Play Yard supports outdoor activities and play. Lower School Performing Arts Studio, Middle & Upper School Art Studio, and Middle & Upper School Music Studio support arts-related extracurriculars. Libraries support clubs and study groups. Gym supports physical activity and team activities. Cafeteria provides space for events and gatherings.

Academic & Intellectual

The Upper School offers a rigorous college-preparatory program with core courses in English, science, mathematics, history, Spanish, computer science, and physical education. Students complete two years of visual and performing arts, and from Grade 10 may enroll in Advanced Placement courses with more than ten options, including AP English Language, AP World History, AP Spanish Language, AP Biology, and AP 2D Art. Personalized college counseling begins in Grade 9, and the program emphasizes critical thinking, clear communication, and intellectual growth. The school reports a 100% college matriculation rate for graduates.

Arts & Creative

Upper School Arts requires two years of visual or performing arts, with electives designed by student interest. The program offers four music electives and emphasizes performance, theory, and composition, with piano being a popular option.

Cultural & Language

Spanish is a core world language in the Upper School, and AP Spanish Language and Culture is offered. Electives include International Relations, Creative Writing, Myth and Identity, and Media Arts. The school is culturally diverse, reflecting an intercultural learning environment.

Social & Hobbies

Clubs are student-initiated and include Model United Nations, Drama, Student Council, and the Science Research Club. Current Middle and Upper School clubs include American Math Competition, Fall Film Festival, Forensics, Games & Strategy, LGBTQIA+ Awareness, Psychology, and Story Club. Upper School also includes Mock Trial, Kaleidoscope, and The Blotter as additional Upper School clubs.

Community & Service

Students pursue internships, community service, and research opportunities as part of their high school experience. Upper School offers service opportunities and emphasizes experiential learning.

Leadership & Professional

There are numerous opportunities to grow as leaders, with multiple avenues for leadership roles. A small student-to-teacher ratio (4:1) supports personalized leadership development. Clubs such as Model United Nations, Drama, and Student Council provide leadership experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Social-emotional wellbeing is supported by the Yale RULER program. The athletics program is part of the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA) and includes Fall, Winter, and Spring sports, plus Archery Club. Participation in athletics emphasizes growth across intellectual, social, and emotional domains.

Admissions

1. Begin Your Journey. The first step is to complete the inquiry form. Completing the inquiry form helps the Office of Admission check items off your application list and ensures ample time to gather required materials. Review the necessary action items and deadlines to avoid last-minute surprises.

2. Priority Consideration for September entry. The Kew-Forest School is a member of ISAAGNY and follows its notification and reply date guidelines. For applications submitted by December 15, 2025 and completed by January 8, 2026, notification dates are as follows: PS & PK: February 26 (10:00 a.m.); March 5; Kindergarten: February 5 (10:00 a.m.); February 12; Grades 1-8: February 11 (4:00 p.m.); March 27; Grades 9-12: February 20 (4:00 p.m.); March 12.

3. Rolling Admission for September entry. Applications submitted after January 9, 2026 will be considered on a rolling basis, as space allows, once priority notifications are released in February. Rolling admission applications submitted and completed by January 9 may be considered in the priority round.

4. Mid-Year Admission for 2025-2026 School Year. Applications for mid-year entry will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please indicate your intended date of entry on the application form. The actual start date will be confirmed by the school upon an offer of admission.

5. If you have questions, contact the Office of Admission.

Scholarships

Endowed scholarships are offered through The Kew-Forest School Endowment. Endowed donations are accepted at the $25,000 level and above. For a named Scholarship, a minimum donation of $100,000 is required, and donors may name a scholarship or a classroom; many naming opportunities exist, including naming the Main Rotunda, classrooms, or specific programs.

Waitlist

The school has a waitlist. Each year, the number of qualified applicants exceeds available spaces. The Admissions Committee will offer selected students a spot in the waiting pool if they are admissible, but there are no spaces available. The pool is not ranked, and there is no way to predict a candidate's chances of being called from the waitlist. If space becomes available, active candidates for the grade are considered.

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