Located on the Upper East Side, The Birch Wathen Lenox School is a coeducational, college-preparatory independent school serving 375 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Our one-building model fosters a close-knit, intentional community where Upper School students are deeply known and supported as they grow into independent, self-driven young adults.
In Grades 912, students engage in a rigorous and balanced academic program that emphasizes intellectual exploration, personal voice, and leadership.
Small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a culture of trust create space for students to challenge themselves, pursue meaningful interests, and prepare with confidence for college-and life beyond it.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Yearly Tuition: $65,000
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 9 / 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
Advanced Degrees
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1916
Colors
White, Blue, Green, Gold
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 15, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 40%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
100 teachers
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
11 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 9 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$65,000
% on Financial Aid
18%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Andrew Weller
Admissions Associate
Constance Schaefer
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Affinity Groups, Chess, Community Service, debate, DEI, environment, Finance/Investment, Literary Magazine, Model UN, Peer Tutoring, robotics, sports
Arts and Music Programs:
A cappella, Drama, Photography, Rock Band
School Notes
- School Motto: Integrity, Loyalty, Civility
- School Mascot: Lions
- Located on the Upper East Side, The Birch Wathen Lenox School is a coeducational, college-preparatory independent school serving 375 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Our one-building model creates a tight-knit community where students are known, challenged, and supported across every stage of their educational journey.From the Lower School, students benefit from a joyful, structured academic foundation rooted in strong literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, and creative exploration. In classrooms filled with warmth, curiosity, and personal attention, our youngest learners grow into confident, capable thinkers.
- Student-Faculty Ratio of 6:1 Every student receives individualized attention.
- Home of the K12 Constructive Dialogue Initiative, teaching students how to think, not what to think.
- Emphasis on classical education enhanced by innovation:Hydroponic & Aquaponic science labs, Entrepreneurship program, and electives in neuroscience, dissent literature, and banned books.
- Daily Specialist Instruction Beginning in Kindergarten, students receive instruction in visual arts, performing arts, Spanish, PE, technology, and library.
- Social-Emotional Learning Built In Our Lower School emphasizes empathy, resilience, and collaboration through structured guidance and embedded SEL curricula. Checkout out our partnership with Let Grow and MindUp.
- Early Public Speaking & Performance From classroom presentations to Lower School assemblies, students are supported in finding their voice and confidence.
- Our graduates go on to attend top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
- EXCEL Program for students with executive functioning needs-supporting rigor without compromise.
- Robust Arts & Athletics Programs: Upper School students participate in 14+ sports and 15+ arts offerings annually.
- Central partnerships with Weill Cornell, UNC, and Northwell Health provide applied learning in STEM and wellness.
- With our Constructive Dialogue framework and non-partisan, open inquiry philosophy, BWL graduates are uniquely prepared to lead in a diverse and evolving world.
- Early years at BWL help children grow not just as learners, but as thoughtful, kind community members-ready to lead in small ways now, and big ways later.
- Graduates of the Lower School step into Middle School with a clear sense of self, voice, and readiness to take on increased challenges.
- BWL students thrive in college and beyond-armed with confidence, empathy, and independence.
- Our alumni make lasting impact in industries spanning tech, media, medicine, law, and the arts.
Connect With Us
We'd love to share more.
Please contact our Office of Admissions
Email:admissions@bwl.org
Phone: 212-861-0404 ext 135
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Birch Wathen Lenox School cost?
Birch Wathen Lenox School's tuition is approximately $65,000 for private students.
What schools are Birch Wathen Lenox School often compared to?
Birch Wathen Lenox School is often viewed alongside schools like Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School by visitors of our site.
What sports does Birch Wathen Lenox School offer?
Birch Wathen Lenox School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
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 percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Birch Wathen Lenox School?
The application deadline for Birch Wathen Lenox School is Jan. 9 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 9 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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!
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