Robert Louis Stevenson School

Our therapeutic program is designed so that children challenged with anxiety, depression and other mood issues can thrive, succeed and prepare for college and postsecondary life. Stevenson offers a full suite of academic coursework expected from top college preparatory independent schools.
Stevenson's academics develop student's interests and talents and prepare them for university curricula and campus life. Using best pedagogical practices, our school gives students daily practice in negotiating the demands they will encounter post high school-emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
Principles of mindfulness and the language of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are incorporated into academic classes.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 73 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $71,900
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Robert Louis Stevenson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild to moderate learning differences
Year Founded
1908
Summer School Offered
Yes

Student Body

Total Students
73 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Robert Louis Stevenson School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
8 students
Advanced Courses
Computer Science
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Although we are an independent school, many parents receive funding through the Special Education system
Summer Program Cost
$7,190
Admissions Director
Joe Surak
Admissions Associate
Ben Weeks

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
"Art Manifest" - a weeklong celebration of the arts, Literary and Art Journal - Foot in the Door, Stevenson Book Club, Student Council, Yearbook Club

Club or Organization:
Tabletop Games/D&D Club

School Notes

  • Stevenson students are bright, talented adolescents for whom the social and emotional pressures of the typical school environment have been particularly challenging. They are intelligent, social, resourceful, and creative. Many come from prestigious, competitive independent and public schools where they have demonstrated significant achievement in areas of particular interest. Students at Stevenson may be struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adjustment, anxiety, depression, or friendships with peers. Some students also have learning differences. Stevenson has a diverse student body. We prize a culture of acceptance and believe it makes a meaningful difference to our community. Stevenson provides comprehensive therapeutic support that informs every aspect of our work with adolescents. The blending of three key program components makes a Stevenson education unique: 1. Rich Academic Content 2. Integrated Clinical Support 3. One-of-a-Kind Advising (three times a day)
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Robert Louis Stevenson School cost?
Robert Louis Stevenson School's tuition is approximately $71,900 for private students and $7,190 for summer students.
What sports does Robert Louis Stevenson School offer?
Robert Louis Stevenson School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Track and Field.
What is Robert Louis Stevenson School's ranking?
Robert Louis Stevenson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Robert Louis Stevenson School?
The application deadline for Robert Louis Stevenson School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (7 reviews)
5  
Stevenson is an excellent place to teach. The school is very good to its faculty and working conditions are well above most other peer schools. The head of the school is one of the best in the business. Class size is excellent and resources are abundant. This is truly one of the best places I have ever worked!
- Posted by
5  
My son pretty much missed all of middle school, refusing to go or trying to go but leaving after 1 or 2 classes. He was in horrible pain, unable to cope with the anxiety and depression he was experiencing. We came upon Stevenson and they have taken him from a 'no show' at school to the honor roll. Their care, patience, integrated therapeutic programs and high academic standards have taken a bright kid and given him the ability to succeed. He is now even talking about wanting to go to college! We love love Stevenson and can't say enough good things about the school, staff, faculty and students - it's a great community!
- Posted by
5  
I went to RLS many years ago, graduating in 1979. RLS remains a cornerstone of my life. Even now years later I remember it with the fondness one remembers ones own life. This was the period in which Lucille Rhodes was the driving psychological force behind the philosophy of the school - which was an open environment in which one could pursue one's own interests at ones own pace. RLS had about 67 students back then as I recall. In terms of "academic rigour" RLS was just right and it prepared me well for college. I went on to Vassar College and then to the University of Pennsylvania to earn a PhD in Philosophy and then a PhD in Psychology at Duke University. What did RLS teach me? A cynicism for the "system", a health scepticism for authority and a commitment to always be true to myself. These values I consider priceless.
- Posted by
5  
My son is very bright but was depressed, oppositional and failing all his classes at Bronx Science. We enrolled him at Stevenson, and though it was not an immediate, magical solution to all his problems, over time and with the help of its caring and seemingly infinitely patient teachers and staff, he really changed. Each kid is part of an advisory group that can become quite close, and there's constant feedback, including student-teacher--rather than parent-teacher--conferences when grades are handed out (in the form of very detailed reports). One of the most immediate benefits of sending your child to Stevenson: you will never be asked to be a homework-enforcer, which in itself cuts down on tension at home. This is not the most academically rigorous environment (e.g., they offer no foreign languages, no A.P. anything; with a student body of at most 75, they can't offer a wide range of courses), but it was the right place for my son, who will go to college in the fall (incidentally, Stevenson's faculty and staff work with your child to handle the college application process, another way they help cut down on parent-child friction). My son needed to be at a place where teachers would meet him halfway and work with him where he was, rather than being baffled that he wasn't like all the other kids--Stevenson was that place, and I can't be more grateful to them.
- Posted by
5  
My son was on the verge of dropping out, attending as few classes as possible. In Stevenson, he is thriving, participating in art projects, musical entertainments, sports and going to school willingly and joyfully! He's on the honor roll. Thank God for Stevenson. Our home is at peace and my son is more secure in his skin!
- Posted by
5  
RLSS has a warm,welcoming environment and a wonderful sense of community. I am delighted that I chose to have our child attend this amazing school. The teaching staff and advisers have a genuine interest in the kids. My child's attitude about school has changed tremendously. He wants to be on time for school, he is responsible for his homework, interested in his classes and he has joined the after school sports team. I highly recommend this school.
- Posted by
5  
They provide the academic and emotional support kids need to succeed! The new Headmaster of Stevenson is wonderful and the teachers are tremendously dedicated to their students.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 73 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $71,900
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York, NY is $42,877 for elementary schools and $48,288 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York, NY is 61% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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