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Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, High School
Introduction
Rudolf Steiner School in New York is an independent day school offering a Waldorf Steiner Curriculum for Nursery through Grade 12 on two Manhattan campuses. Lower School (Early Childhood to Grade 6) is at 15 East 79th Street; Upper School (Grades 7–12) is at 15 East 78th Street. Founded in 1928, it was the first Waldorf School in North America and remains part of a Waldorf education network serving 1,000 schools in eighty countries. The school enrolls about 265 students, with small classes rarely exceeding 25 per grade. The Liberal Arts program weaves academic disciplines with artistic expression and practical work, reflecting the Waldorf conviction that education develops intellect, imagination, and will. Regular hours run 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with After School Programs 3:00–5:30 p.m. Highlights include Main Lesson Seminars, language study, and a commitment to community service, peer tutoring, and meaningful field experiences such as a Kimberton Hills trip for students.
Rudolf Steiner School - Upper School has 266 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.
Location
Lower School is located at 15 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075. Upper School is located at 15 East 78th Street, New York, NY 10075. Rudolf Steiner School operates on two campuses on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Stages
Lower School includes Early Childhood (2s–K) and Elementary School (1–6). Upper School includes Middle School (7–8) and High School (9–12).
Type
The school is a college preparatory, coeducational, independent day school.
Country affiliation
Affiliated with the United States; the school was the first Waldorf School in North America to join an international Waldorf Schools community.
School day structure
Regular School Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. After School Programs: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Fees
Annual tuition at Rudolf Steiner School - Upper School ranges from USD 10,500 to USD 24,450 for 2026/27.
Application fee
- A non‑refundable application fee of USD 75.00 is charged with each new student application.
Enrollment deposit and refund conditions
- A one‑time enrollment deposit of USD 1,000.00 is required for each new student when the enrollment contract is submitted. This deposit is applied to subsequent enrollment years. The deposit is refundable upon graduation, or if the family provides written notice of intent to disenroll for the following school year on or before April 15 of the current school year. The deposit is not refundable for new students who withdraw within the first provisional 60 calendar days beginning with the first day of attendance.
Tuition fees by year group (annual, plus per‑term and monthly breakdowns)
- Grades 1–5: USD 24,450 per academic year. - Per term (calculated as one‑third of the annual tuition): USD 8,150 per term. - Monthly (if paid on the 10‑month FACTS monthly schedule July–April): USD 2,445 per month.
- Grades 6–8: USD 24,450 per academic year. - Per term (one‑third): USD 8,150 per term. - Monthly (10 payments July–April): USD 2,445 per month.
- Grades 9–12: USD 28,850 per academic year. - Per term (one‑third): USD 9,616.67 per term (rounded to USD 9,616.67). - Monthly (10 payments July–April): USD 2,885 per month.
- Kindergarten / PreK and Early Childhood options (annual rates): - Kindergarten or PreK‑5 Full Days: USD 20,450 per year (Per term: USD 6,816.67; Monthly: USD 2,045). - PreK‑5 Mornings: USD 17,125 per year (Per term: USD 5,708.33; Monthly: USD 1,712.50). - PreK‑4 Full Days: USD 16,800 per year (Per term: USD 5,600; Monthly: USD 1,680). - PreK‑4 Mornings: USD 14,175 per year (Per term: USD 4,725; Monthly: USD 1,417.50). - PreK‑3 Full Days: USD 12,750 per year (Per term: USD 4,250; Monthly: USD 1,275). - PreK‑3 Mornings: USD 10,500 per year (Per term: USD 3,500; Monthly: USD 1,050).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Two FACTS payment plan options are offered: - Option 1 — Annual Payment Plan through FACTS: tuition due in full on or before July 1, 2026 (or upon enrollment if after July 1). FACTS charges a non‑refundable fee of USD 25.00 to cover billing for field trips, childcare, lunches and other year‑long charges. Tuition insurance is recommended for this option. - Option 2 — Monthly Payments through FACTS: payments scheduled July 2026 (or within 30 days of enrollment) through April 2027 (10 monthly payments). FACTS charges a non‑refundable fee of USD 55.00 for monthly payments and billing for field trips, childcare, lunches and other charges. Tuition insurance is required for the monthly plan. The tuition insurance premium rate for the 2025–2026 school year was 1.55% of tuition after Tuition Assistance and Tuition Grants (premium rate subject to change annually).
- Contract automatic renewal and withdrawal responsibility: - Contracts automatically renew under the same terms unless written notice of non‑renewal is given on or before April 15 of the prior academic year or the student graduates from Grade 12. - If a family disenrolls after April 15 but before September 1, they are responsible for 25% of the full year's tuition. If a family disenrolls after September 1, they are responsible for 100% of the full year's tuition.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; the school does not operate residential boarding. International students are expected to reside with a parent or local host family or make their own housing arrangements; the school assists community outreach for housing but does not provide residential boarding. (No boarding fees apply.)
Other costs and typical additional fees
- Enrollment and application‑related fees: FACTS charges a USD 75 per‑family application fee for tuition assistance applications.
- Additional expenses that may arise during the year include: field trips, instrument rentals, afterschool athletics and clubs, occasional special events, and supply‑related costs. A list of estimated additional expenses by grade is available by request from the school. Charges for these items are billed through the school's billing system.
- Aftercare (PreK–Grade 8): Aftercare is charged by the hour at USD 11.00 per family (one‑hour minimum invoiced). Aftercare charges are billed to the credit card on file through the school's Aftercare platform. Late pick‑up fees are assessed at USD 1.00 per minute per child for students remaining after 5:30 pm.
- Athletics and uniforms: Athletic teams are issued required game uniforms (the school provides initial items such as home/away jerseys and initial socks for some teams). Replacement or extra athletic gear and required personal equipment (e.g., cleats, athletic shoes, shin guards) are the family's responsibility. Instrument rental fees and other activity‑specific costs may apply.
Refund information and tuition protection
- Enrollment deposit refund rules (summary): the USD 1,000 enrollment deposit is refundable upon graduation or if written notice to disenroll is provided on or before April 15 of the current year; it is not refundable for new students who withdraw within the first 60 calendar days of attendance.
- Withdrawal penalties for tuition liability: families who withdraw after April 15 but before September 1 are responsible for 25% of the full year's tuition; families who withdraw after September 1 are responsible for 100% of the full year's tuition.
- Tuition insurance: tuition insurance is recommended for the annual payment option and required for the monthly FACTS payment option; the premium rate shown for 2025–26 was 1.55% of tuition after tuition assistance and grants (this premium rate is subject to change).
Fee payment options and how charges are collected
- The school uses FACTS for tuition billing and payment plans (annual or monthly FACTS plans with the stated non‑refundable billing fees of USD 25 and USD 55, respectively). Aftercare charges are billed to the credit card on file through the school's Aftercare platform. For tuition assistance, families apply through FACTS (FACTS charges a USD 75 application fee for that service). For specific accepted payment instruments (for example, whether ACH, bank transfer, or credit card is accepted for tuition or plan enrollments), families should use the school's finance office contact to confirm available payment instruments for the chosen plan.
Summary notes (concise)
- Application fee: USD 75.00 per new student. - Enrollment deposit: USD 1,000.00 (refundable only on graduation or if disenrollment notice provided by April 15; not refundable within the first 60 days for new students). - Annual tuition (selected examples): Grades 1–5 USD 24,450; Grades 6–8 USD 24,450; Grades 9–12 USD 28,850; Kindergarten/PreK and other early childhood options listed above. - Payment: Annual or monthly FACTS plans (non‑refundable FACTS fees: USD 25 annual, USD 55 monthly); monthly schedule July–April for the monthly plan. - Boarding: Not offered. - Additional charges: aftercare (USD 11.00/hr per family), late pick‑up (USD 1.00/min per child), field trips, instrument rental, athletics/clubs, and other occasional event fees.
(Amounts and policies are listed for the 2026–2027 school year schedule of tuition and fees.)
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Mental health and social-emotional support are provided through a dedicated Mental Health Counselor, KerriAnne Sejour, and a Learning Support Coordinator for grades 1-12, Lisa Mandel. Upper School students can serve as peer tutors to younger children, promoting mentorship and social connections. The Community Engagement Program connects students with New York City institutions to foster empathy and responsibility. A capstone of the community engagement program is the class trip to Kimberton Hills in Junior year. The school emphasizes relationships, belonging, and service as core elements of social and emotional development.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning support is provided through a Learning Support Coordinator for grades 1-12, Lisa Mandel.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing support is provided by a Mental Health Counselor, KerriAnne Sejour.
Admissions
Scholarships
Financial aid is available to eligible families.
FAQs
Which campuses does Rudolf Steiner School operate, and which grades are on each campus?
The school operates on two Manhattan campuses on the Upper East Side. The Lower School (Early Childhood 2s–K and Elementary 1–6) is at 15 East 79th Street, and the Upper School (Middle School 7–8 and High School 9–12) is at 15 East 78th Street.
Is Rudolf Steiner School a day school or does it offer boarding?
Rudolf Steiner School is a co-educational independent day school. It does not offer residential boarding.
When was Rudolf Steiner School founded and how many students does it currently serve?
The school was founded in 1928, making it the first Waldorf School in North America. It serves Nursery through Grade 12 with about 265 students in total.
What are the tuition costs by grade level at Rudolf Steiner School?
Tuition is 24,450 per year for Grades 1–5 and Grades 6–8. Grades 9–12 tuition is 28,850 per year. Kindergarten and early childhood options vary, for example Full Day Kindergarten/PreK-5 is 20,450 per year, while other PreK options range from about 10,500 to 17,125 depending on age and schedule.
What are the application and enrollment deposit requirements?
There is a USD 75 non-refundable application fee for new students, and a USD 1,000 enrollment deposit due with the enrollment contract. The deposit is refundable upon graduation or if a disenrollment notice is provided by April 15; it is not refundable for new students who withdraw within the first 60 days.
What payment options exist and are there any related fees?
Tuition can be paid annually or via a 10-month monthly plan through FACTS. Annual payments incur a USD 25 billing fee and monthly payments incur a USD 55 fee; a tuition insurance policy is required for the monthly plan.
Is financial aid available, and how can families apply?
Financial aid is available to eligible families. Applications for tuition assistance are processed through FACTS, which also charges a USD 75 application fee for that service.
What is the overall academic approach at Rudolf Steiner School?
The school follows a Waldorf liberal arts approach, with Main Lesson Seminars forming a central daily rhythm and a balance of academic, artistic, and practical work to cultivate intellect, imagination, and will.
What are class sizes like at Rudolf Steiner School?
Class sizes are small, with rarely more than 25 students per grade, which supports individualized attention within the Waldorf program.
Which languages are taught, and when do students start learning them?
Spanish and German are taught beginning in Grade 1, providing two language options from the early years.
What are the school hours and the after-school schedule?
Regular school hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. After-school programs run from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
What lunch and aftercare options are available?
Lunch is provided to all students, faculty, and staff through a school lunch program. Aftercare is available for Nursery–Grade 5, billed by the hour at USD 11 per family, with a USD 1 per minute late pickup fee after 5:30 PM.
What kinds of after-school activities are offered?
After-school offerings include Morning Run, Chess Club, Junior Chorus, Silk Painting, Homework & Robotics, and an Academic Lab, with various days assigned to different activities.
Are students involved in leadership or community service activities?
Yes. High school students can volunteer as peer tutors and participate in campus services. The school also runs a Community Engagement Program that connects students with New York City institutions and includes a capstone class trip to Kimberton Hills in Junior year.
How is governance and collaboration approached at the school?
Rudolf Steiner School emphasizes ongoing collaboration among teachers, students, and families within the governance framework typical of independent Waldorf schools.
What mental health and learning support resources are available?
The school provides a Mental Health Counselor (KerriAnne Sejour) and a Learning Support Coordinator for grades 1–12 (Lisa Mandel) to support social-emotional wellbeing and academic needs.
Are there specific supports for social-emotional development or mentoring?
Upper School students can serve as peer tutors to younger students, fostering mentorship and social connections as part of the school's approach to wellbeing and community.
Is boarding offered for international students?
Boarding is not offered. International students are expected to reside with a parent or host family, or arrange housing locally; the school can assist with community housing outreach but does not provide residential housing.
What is the school's lunch policy and dining provision?
Lunch is provided daily through the school lunch program for students, staff, and faculty.
What affiliations or accreditations does the school have?
Rudolf Steiner School is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that is a member of AWSNA and NYSAIS, reflecting its connection to the broader Waldorf and independent school communities.
