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Dwight School

PrivateUpper West Side
291 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
212-724-6360

Overview

Educational philosophy

Progressive / Play Based

Programs offered

Infant · Toddler · 2s · 3s · Pre-K · K+

Annual tuition

$19K – $70K / yr

School continues

Through Grade 12

Total students

~920

Financial aid

Aid: $$$

Sibling & legacy

Upcoming:No upcoming admissions dates — check back soon

Dwight School is a coeducational, nonsectarian independent school on Central Park West, serving students from Preschool 2s through Grade 12. Founded in 1872, it was the first school in the Americas to offer the full International Baccalaureate continuum and remains a leading IB World School, with an inquiry-based, personalized approach built around its 'spark of genius' philosophy of nurturing each child's individual talents. The campus features rooftop pavilions, makerspaces, and a global network of sister campuses abroad. Need-based financial aid supports roughly a quarter of students.

Programs & Schedule

3 yrs – 5 yrs3s · Pre-K

8:30am start · Mon–Fri · annual tuition by age & pickup time

AgeUntil 12pmUntil 2:30pmExt. to 5:30pm
3s$37,600$51,000
Pre-K$37,600$51,000

Extended Day to 5:30pm available

InfantUnder 1

Schedule

Monday – Friday · 8am–5:30pm

Extended hours

Yes · until 5:30pm

Tuition

Contact school; 2026-27 rate; [Detail: Small Wonder / infants ~6-12 months] Year-round care, Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm (8:30 drop-off in summer). Full- and half-day options on rolling registration. Tuition billed monthly, not published online (smallwonder@dwight.edu / 212-724-6360 ext. 770). Individualized infant feeding and nap schedules.

ToddlerAge 1–2

Schedule

Monday – Friday · 8am–5:30pm

Extended hours

Yes · until 5:30pm

Tuition

Contact school; 2026-27 rate; [Detail: Small Wonder / toddlers ~12-24 months] Year-round care, Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm. Full- and half-day options, rolling registration. Snacks and lunch provided; ~2-hour afternoon nap (roughly 1-3pm). Outdoor time twice daily, music, movement, Spanish enrichment. Tuition billed monthly, not published.

2s2 yrs – 3 yrs
Schedule optionTuition / yr
2 mornings Tue-Thu, 8:30am-12pm$18,900
3 mornings Mon-Wed-Fri, 8:30am-12pm$27,900
5 mornings Mon-Fri, 8:30am-12pm$37,500
Full days Mon-Fri, 8:30am-2:30pm$45,000
Extended days Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:30pm$49,000

Extended Day to 5:30pm available

K5 yrs – 6 yrs
Schedule optionTuition / yr
8:30am-3:30pm$65,900
8:00am-3:00pm$69,950
8:30am-3:30pm$69,950

This school continues through Grade 12. Enrolled students progress without reapplying.

Admissions

Applications open (register via Ravenna).Sep 1
2s early notification (ISAAGNY).Nov 22
Application deadline.Dec 1
Notification (ISAAGNY).Feb 25

Leadership

Dianne Drew

Head of Dwight School New York and Global Education Director for the Dwight Schools network; educator with 30+ years in global education (Australia, Asia, U.S.)

Culture & Community

Educational approach
Progressive / Play Based

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) from preschool through Grade 12. Inquiry-based, personalized learning built around Dwight's 'spark of genius' philosophy of identifying and developing each child's individual talents and passions; strong emphasis on global citizenship, innovation/entrepreneurship, and community.

GenderCo-ed
Language immersion
SpanishMandarin
Cultural programs
MusicArt
Outdoor spaceOwn outdoor space ✓
Enrichment
Makerspaces/design-engineering (STEAM), studio art, music, physical wellness, librarySpark Tank entrepreneurship programIB-based inquiry curriculum
After-school programs
After-school classes/clubs 2:30-3:30 pm and aftercare to 5:30 pm (preschool)after-school clubs and athletics for older grades

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