The Birch Wathen Lenox School ("BWL") is a highly competitive independent, traditional, coeducational college preparatory school serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Comprising three divisions the Lower, Middle and Upper schools BWL offers an easy transition for students that is focused on educational excellence in a state-of-the-art facility. BWL offers a rich curriculum, including an innovative STEAM program that combines Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math, in an interdisciplinary and applied approach that is supported by enriched extracurricular programs and competitive athletics. From Kindergarten through graduation, BWL creates an open, welcoming, and inclusive community.
Quick Stats (2024)
- Top Ranked NY School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 383 students
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Birch Wathen Lenox School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1916
Student Body
Total Students
383 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
100 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
11 courses
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1410
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Between $47,031 and $48,304 Plus Fees
% on Financial Aid
15%
Acceptance Rate
17%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Julianne Kaplan
Admissions Associate
Constance Schaefer
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
debate, DEI, drama, environment, poetry, robotics, sports
debate, DEI, drama, environment, poetry, robotics, sports
School Notes
- We invite you to visit our website for application information. You can apply through Ravenna directly. Upon receipt of your application, we will contact you to schedule a family tour and student interview.
- https://www.bwl.org/admissions/visit-and-apply
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Birch Wathen Lenox School?
The acceptance rate of Birch Wathen Lenox School is 17%, which is lower than the national average of 79%. Birch Wathen Lenox School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Birch Wathen Lenox School offer?
Birch Wathen Lenox School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Winter Track. Birch Wathen Lenox School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is Birch Wathen Lenox School's ranking?
Birch Wathen Lenox School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Highest average SAT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Birch Wathen Lenox School?
The application deadline for Birch Wathen Lenox School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Birch Wathen Lenox School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Diwali (School closed)
November 01, 2024 (Friday)
Professional Development Day (School closed)
November 18, 2024 (Monday)
Lunar New Year - School closed
January 29, 2025 (Wednesday)
Eid al-Fitr --School closed
March 31, 2025 (Monday)
Good Friday --School closed
April 18, 2025 (Friday)
School Reviews
5 12/8/2023
Significant changes at Birch!My daughter has been attending Birch since kindergarten. Over the years, I have noticed some subtle changes. However, when I visited the school recently, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it had changed considerably for the better. The school has implemented many new programs, such as an independent study program for any student who wants to apply, a robotics team, and an entrepreneurship program. Additionally, the school offers several clubs and sports to choose from. The small class sizes allow my daughter to learn on an incredible one-to-one basis. Teachers can provide her with work tailored to her individual needs and assist her with the work. Moreover, the school invites speakers to talk on several topics that many of our children face today. I am glad that we decided to keep her at Birch!!! It's refreshing to see my daughter want to come to school every day and put her best effort forward with the support of her teachers.
5 9/22/2023
A GEM OF A SCHOOL!!! I have 2 children who attend, and they could not be happier. Amazing teachers who care, administration who love what they do, great curriculum, and small class sizes. The community is diverse, warm and everything you want in a school.
5 5/5/2023
I am delighted with how well my daughter has been doing at Birch. Her education has thrived, and she has become a self-assured and self-reliant young lady. I attribute her success to the outstanding teachers who have been attentive to any issues or obstacles she may encounter, particularly during these unpredictable times. Thanks to Birch's small scale, my daughter has received individualized instruction, which has significantly contributed to her advancement. I wish to express my appreciation to BWL for creating such a supportive atmosphere for my child's educational and personal growth.
5 2/24/2020
BWL is the most incredible school on every level. The teachers are devoted, the administration is knowledgeable about each and every student, and the students who graduate are clearly prepared both emotionally, academically, and socially for their next steps of life. TOP SCHOOL.
5 12/16/2019
Birch is an amazing place and I love and enjoy my classes there. It's advanced, which is one reason I switched here from another school. Birch is by far an extraordinary school and the tuition is worth it.
5 3/10/2018
I have nothing but good things to say about this school. Coming from a good specialized Public School, I have been through a lot. Birch has by far been the best school I have ever attended. They accommodate everyone, the teachers actually know how to teach, and man does the kids get into good colleges. I personally wanna say that the STEM at Birch is probably the best in the city and that our robotics team has been quite successful. Not meaning to brag, but I am saying the truth. Overall, a phenomenal place.
5 5/17/2016
My child has been at BWL for 9 years. The lower school is nurturing and offers a great student to teacher ratio. Kids don't fall through the cracks. The teachers care. The middle school has a strong STEM emphasis that improves each year. Everyone is enthusiastic about Science. It is becoming a basketball powerhouse.
5 5/17/2016
I am very surprised at the review i just read below and felt compelled to write, as this sounds like an angry person. My two children attended Birch (for a total of 13 years experience with the school) and have now moved on to excellent boarding schools. I have nothing but admiration for the school and how they prepared my children academically for the next stage of their education. I found the teachers to be focused on each individual child and very attentive to the parents as well. I dont have anything to add about the sports programs as my children did not partake regularly- they were more involved with the excellent theater program. Socially we never came across any major problems, so I am really flummoxed by the previous review. My family's experience was very good to excellent with Birch, and I feel fortunate that my children were schooled there.
5 7/24/2015
Birch Wathen Lenox has placed our child in a tenuous situation. The administration has created a toxic learning environment for many of the children. Many of the kids have social; behavioral; emotional; academic; and maturation issues and, by mixing them in with the very few kids without such issues, the classroom has become a harmful habitat. Beware, as the school does not deny that this occurs and, they do nothing to address it. And, as Birch increases the number of enrolled students in the upper classes, they fill these seats with more kids with more issues, primarily with kids whom have been counseled out of other schools.
5 7/24/2015
I absolutely love this school! My kids have really thrived here. The academics are excellent--rigorous, but not homework for the sake of homework. The atmosphere is warm and nurturing. The teachers always go the extra mile for their students! Mr. Carnabuci runs a phenomenal school. From the minute you walk in the door and see the incredible artwork on the walls, you know this is a really special place!
Endorse Birch Wathen Lenox School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Montessori Schools
Montessori schools are popular world-wide with parents of children in the primary grades.
How To Find A Summer Program
Sending your children to a summer program or camp keeps them active in fun-filled settings. We explore your options.
Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
We explore the key elements contributing to the success of leading private schools, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, a rich legacy, and a focus on comprehensive learning experiences.