· updated monthly
The five schools New york parents researched most this year, chosen from the 36 international schools in the city. Ranked by how many families opened each school’s profile and spent time reading it between July 2025 and June 2026, then the full picture on curricula, class sizes and fees.
The 2026 ranking
Ranked purely by parent interest — the number of families who opened each school’s profile and spent time reading it between July 2025 and June 2026.
Located in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, Avenues New York is an independent toddler to 12th-grade school with a campus and three divisions: Lower (1–5), Middle (6–8) and Upper (9–12). The school follows the World Elements framework, blending rigorous academics with real-world experiences and a broad outlook. Language immersion runs from 12 months through 5th grade, with Mandarin or Spanish taught in English-speaking classrooms connected to target-language spaces. The Early Learning Center (toddler through kindergarten) is housed in a modern facility designed for two-language immersion and learning through play. Avenues is NEASC-accredited, and graduates pursue universities worldwide. On-campus facilities include a gym, a Fitness Center, and a variety of arts and movement spaces; the campus supports a broad athletics program with 37 teams. The school is Apple Distinguished and features extensive libraries (63,587 books) and digital resources across campuses. Notable programs include HIP, AIAM, J-Term, and Global Journeys, with 136 student clubs.
Whitby School is an independent, co-educational day school in Greenwich, United States, serving ages 1 to 14. It blends Montessori philosophy in the early years with IB programs in the Middle Years. The Whitby Montessori Children's House serves infants through early childhood, while Lower School (Grades 1-4) and Middle School (Grades 5-8) follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Spanish is introduced from 18 months as part of a language-rich curriculum. The 32-acre campus houses 76,000 square feet of modern facilities, including an Athletics Center, a World Language classroom, a Design Technology lab, a Science Lab, and a Performing Arts Center for theatre and music. A library Makerspace supports hands-on learning, and the cocurricular program for Grades 5-8 is integrated into the school day. Notable offerings include Montessori Model United Nations, MATHCOUNTS, First LEGO League, and a broad athletics program with seasonal MSFAA teams. Welcoming international families with global perspectives.
International School of Brooklyn (ISB) is an independent, non-profit day school in Carroll Gardens serving children ages 3 to 14. ISB offers an IB World School program with the Primary Years Programme for Pre‑K 3 through fifth grade and the Middle Years Programme for sixth through eighth grade, alongside a French Curriculum. The school provides immersive language learning in French and Spanish, with native‑speaking teachers. Preschool–Lower School are accredited by the French Ministry of Education; the full program is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education, and the curriculum integrates New York State standards within the IB framework. Founded in 2005, ISB emphasizes inquiry‑based learning and multilingualism within a diverse community. On campus, facilities include a sunny courtyard, light‑filled classrooms, a learning garden, a full‑size gym, and dedicated art and music studios. The multilingual library houses about 14,000 volumes, and after‑school enrichment and athletic programs extend learning beyond the classroom.
Harrow International School New York sits on a 170-acre campus with 1,000 feet of waterfront on Long Island, home to the Bourne Mansion and 21st-century learning spaces. The school offers an international curriculum framework spanning British, American, and International Baccalaureate programmes, including MYP and the Diploma Programme for which it is an IB Candidate School. From Pre Shell (Grade 6) to Sixth Form (Grade 12), students graduate with the IB Diploma alongside a Harrow New York Diploma and a New York State High School Diploma. Lessons are delivered in English, with language offerings for modern and classical languages as appropriate. Three competencies—digital, social, and cognitive—shape learning and its real-world application. The campus supports extensive on-site sport and performing arts facilities, with further facilities planned, including a STEM building and an on-site athletic center. Rich co-curriculars, a Careers programme, and a House system foster leadership and community. A global community worldwide.
United Nations International School (UNIS) is a Pre‑K–12 day program affiliated with the United Nations and delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for ages 4 to 18. The campus network comprises a four‑story Manhattan site along the East River and a Queens campus serving K–8, with a combined footprint of 226,000 feet, 200 classrooms, 15 science laboratories, and three libraries. UNIS aligns its curriculum with Common Core Math Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, NY ELA standards, and British Columbia Social Studies Standards, while maintaining the IB learner profile across teaching and assessment. Distinctive features include a roof gym in a bubble and an outdoor running track, a language program (nine languages and a mother‑tongue offering), and travel, arts, and service opportunities. Students participate in UNIS‑UN and MUN conferences, perform at venues such as Carnegie Hall, and complete 30 hours of community service each year, alongside 38 interscholastic sports teams.
What’s on offer
The mix of programmes and teaching languages across all 36 schools. Many offer more than one curriculum, so totals run higher than the school count.
Number of schools teaching each curriculum.
Number of schools teaching in each language.
Size & classes
School size and class size shape day-to-day experience as much as curriculum does.
Schools grouped by total enrolment.
Average school size is 387 students · based on the 23 schools that report enrolment.
Schools grouped by typical class size.
Average class size is 15.5 students · based on the 21 schools that report it.
What it costs
Fees shown are one year for a 12-year-old (or the closest age available), excluding one-time enrolment costs.
Across the 26 schools that publish a price for a 12-year-old. All figures in USD.
How many schools sit in each annual-fee range.
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