Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #8 - Our academic program is built around ten core tenets of progressive education. Developed by our own faculty and staff, these tenets guide us in all grades and in all areas of our curriculum- Ethical, Challenging, Relevant, Playful, Inclusive, Responsive, Empowering, Experiential, Healthy and Interdependent.

Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS)

previous
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #1 - The Ethical Culture Fieldston School offers a world-class progressive education in Pre-K12th Grade at two historic campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx. The core of our educational program is the study and practice of ethics, which prepares and compels us to take care of our world, ourselves, and each other.
next
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #1 - The Ethical Culture Fieldston School offers a world-class progressive education in Pre-K12th Grade at two historic campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx. The core of our educational program is the study and practice of ethics, which prepares and compels us to take care of our world, ourselves, and each other.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #2 - One of Ethical Culture Fieldston School's two elementary divisions, Ethical Culture, is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and serves students in Pre-K through 5th Grade.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #3 - One of Ethical Culture Fieldston School's two elementary divisions, Fieldston Lower, is located on our campus in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and serves students in Pre-K through 5th Grade.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #4 - Located on our campus in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, Fieldston Middle serves students in 6th Grade through 8th Grade. These years are filled with transition, and our focus is on supporting students` social and emotional learning. Our instructional methods are rooted in our commitment to academic excellence, progressive education, and ethical learning.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #5 - Located on our campus in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, Fieldston Upper serves students in 9th through 12th Grade. Fieldston Upper exemplifies the best of progressive education and serves students who are highly engaged in both the school and the world around them. Our classes emphasize intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, ethics, and community involvement.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #6 - A successful interscholastic athletics program is vital to the sense of pride that members of our community feel. Participation in interscholastic athletics promotes the development of physical, mental, and social skills, a positive self-image, an understanding of teamwork and cooperation, and a sharing of personal experiences.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #7 - At Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Ethics is a core academic subject. We require all our students to complete coursework that identifies moral and social intersections, draws on the School`s ethical humanist traditions, and expands their understanding of the larger field of ethics. A key component of our Ethics curriculum is our Community Service Learning (CSL).
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #8 - From the earliest Music classes in Pre-K to electives in photography, graphic communications, stagecraft, and more at Fieldston Upper, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School weaves artistic practice into our students` education. At ECFS, arts education focuses on both individual artistry and community-building and gives students the foundation for a sustainable, fulfilling artistic practice.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Photo #9 - Our academic program is built around ten core tenets of progressive education. Developed by our own faculty and staff, these tenets guide us in all grades and in all areas of our curriculum- Ethical, Challenging, Relevant, Playful, Inclusive, Responsive, Empowering, Experiential, Healthy and Interdependent.
The Ethical Culture Fieldston School offers a world-class progressive education in Pre-K through 12th Grade at two historic campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx.
The core of our educational program is the study and practice of ethics, which prepares and compels us to take care of our world, ourselves, and each other. At ECFS, we don`t teach students what to think, what to question, or what to explore - but how to think, how to question, and how to explore.
Our tenets of progressive education focus on the whole child, ensuring that education is responsive, relevant, experiential, and playful, among other traits.
With an enduring commitment to excellence, equity, and inclusion, we inspire a diverse and joyful community of passionate learners, critical thinkers, and ethical individuals who aim to make the world more humane and just.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 1,662 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $65,540
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1878

Student Body

Total Students
1,662 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
21%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
270 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average SAT score
1440
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
33
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Nov. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
In both Fieldston Middle and Fieldston Upper, students pay for books, supplies, and other expenses related to their courses. Lunch, the yearbook, and student accident insurance are already included in tuition.
% on Financial Aid
22%
Admissions Director
Victoria Daley

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
104 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
African Students Association, Afya Club, Architecture and Urban Planning Club, Art with a Heart, Asian American Affinity Group, Athletic Exchange, Aviation Club, Baking for a Cause, Black Student Union, Challah Bakers, Challenge Cancer, Chess Club, Classics Club, Computer Science Club, Conversations to Guatemala, Criminal Justice Reform Club, Crocheting and Knitting Club, Cubing Club, Cultural Cuisine Club, Curation Club, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Days for Girls, Debate Club, Digital Defenders, Dunks for Diabetes, Eager ENGins, Eagle Business and Entrepreneurship, Eagle Eye Marketing Club, Eagle Innovators, Eagle TV, Eagles Unscripted, Engineering Club, Environmental Equity and Education Project, Ethics of Artificial Intelligence with MIT Lab, Fantasy Football Club, Fashion Exchange Club, Fashion Show Committee, Females in Finance, FieldSTEM Magazine, Fieldston Cheerleading, Fieldston Environmental Club, Fieldston for Reproductive Rights, Fieldston Journal Club, Fieldston Magic Society, Fieldston Muse, Fieldston News, Fieldston Photographic Journal, Fieldston Sports Bulletin, Film Analysis Club, Finance and Investment Club, Friendly Fridge, FTC Robotics Club, Future Medical Professionals, Gardening Club, Girls’ Golf Club, Glamour Gals and Pals, Hiking Club, Invisible Hands at Fieldston, Jewish Student Union, Jewish Women In Society, Jewish Youth Climate Club, Juice and Cheese Club, Korean Culture Club, Latin Rhythm, Le Cercle Francophone, Math Club, Mental Health Club, Mental Health In Sports, Migrant Relief Club, Mock Trial, Model UN, Music Production and the Music Industry, Opportunity Music Project, Pause for Paws, Powerful Multicultural Women’s Club, Robin Hood Giving Back Club, SketchUp Club, Ski Club, Sneaker Economics, Spanish Club, Special Olympics Club, Sports Analytics Club, Sports Management Club, Sports Medicine Club, Student Artists for Humanity Club, Students of Color Matter/Sunseeker Newsletter, Swish Hoops, TedXECFS, The Black/Jewish Alliance, The Fieldston Political Journal, The Sher Organization, Tutor Tots, Whiskey Bravo Club, Women in Policy & Economics, Women in STEM Club, Yearbook Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Dance, Graphic Communications, Musical Theater, Performing Ensembles, Photography

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball Rec League, Fencing Club, Strength and Conditioning Club

School Notes

  • The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has four divisions spread across two historic campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx. Our two elementary school divisions- Ethical Culture in Manhattan and Fieldston Lower in the Riverdale section of the Bronx- serve students in Pre-K through 5th Grade. Fieldston Middle, for students in 6th through 8th Grade, and Fieldston Upper, for students in 9th through 12th Grade, are both located on our Fieldston campus in the Bronx. Both Ethical Culture and Fieldston Lower have automatic admission into Fieldston Middle.
  • Ethical Culture: Located directly across from Central Park, Ethical Culture uses its environment and surroundings as lenses to engage students in Pre-K through 5th Grade. The social studies curriculum provides the starting point for all subjects. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice are woven into each study. Social and academic curricula are equally important. Each grade designs its curriculum to present our students with the skills that they will need for the 21st century, specifically cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills. Through engaging lessons and activities, students learn about each other as individuals and as members of the larger class and school community while simultaneously engaging in their studies of math, science, social studies, and language arts. Our constant goal is to foster their motivation, participation, and learning. As students progress through the grades, they learn additional subjects in specials taught by teachers who specialize in a given discipline. These specials- including art, ethics, music, physical education, and social studies workshop- complement the learning that happens in students` homeroom classes.
  • Fieldston Lower: At Fieldston Lower, students in Pre-K through 5th Grade are immersed in developmentally appropriate academic study through year-long themes. Students engage in their study in the classroom and make use of the campus right outside their door. The curriculum places a special focus on the local environment, including the Hudson Valley. Social and academic curricula are equally important. Each grade designs its curriculum to present our students with the skills that they will need for the 21st century, specifically cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills. Through engaging lessons and activities, students learn about each other as individuals and as members of the larger class and school community while simultaneously engaging in their studies of math, science, social studies, and language arts. Our constant goal is to foster their motivation, participation, and learning. As students progress through the grades, they learn additional subjects in specials taught by teachers who specialize in a given discipline. These specials - including art, ethics, music, physical education, and social studies workshop- complement the learning that happens in students` homeroom classes.
  • Fieldston Middle: Fieldston Middle serves students in 6th through 8th Grades. These years are filled with transition, and our focus is on supporting students` social and emotional learning. Our instructional methods are rooted in our commitment to academic excellence, progressive education, and ethical learning.
  • Fieldston Upper: Fieldston Upper, serving students in 9th through 12th Grades, exemplifies the best of progressive education and serves students who are highly engaged in both the school and the world around them. Our classes emphasize intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, ethics, and community involvement. Fieldston Upper fosters skills, coursework, and values that prepare our students for higher education while simultaneously providing space and support for them to engage in community service, which is at the core of our mission.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) cost?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS)'s tuition is approximately $65,540 for private students.
What schools are Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) often compared to?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) is often viewed alongside schools like Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School by visitors of our site.
What sports does Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) offer?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) offers 20 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Water Polo and Winter Track. Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS)'s ranking?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS)?
The application deadline for Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) is Nov. 15.
In what neighborhood is Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) located?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) is located in the West Bronx neighborhood of Bronx, NY. There are 5 other private schools located in West Bronx.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
Our daughter attended Ethical Culture Fieldston for 13 years and she loved it! We were drawn to its values, with a focus on ethics and community service, as well as its commitment to diversity. It was a well-rounded and rigorous academic curriculum that encouraged our kids to think and learn. I also appreciated their strong focus on the arts and the opportunity that all kids had to excel in sports if that is what they chose. The school's commitment to extracurricular activities like Model UN, Mock Trials, and travel abroad is also amazing. We consider ourselves lucky to be part of the ECFS family!
- Posted by
5  
We made the right decision 13 years ago when we chose Ethical Culture Fieldston School for our daughters. The faculty is excellent. Progressive education can feel low-key to the kids, but the thinking, engagement, and instruction are quite rigorous. As we begin to turn the corner, it is clear that our children have developed into well-rounded thinkers who will do well in college and beyond. The student body is diverse and the school nurtures students' interests in the world beyond themselves.
- Posted by
5  
EC (the lower division of Fieldston on Central Park West) is a true gem. Incredible teachers, community, and administration. The parent body is very engaged and involved, we've met so many friends and felt welcomed and at home. People choose the school because they believe in the ethical mission -- empowering students to make positive change in the world. This shared value really defines the experience and the community. It's a very well-rounded program; arts, sports, Spanish, tech, shop, and my children have been well-prepared for middle school. We love that it is a true elementary school experience (they don't see older kids day to day which preserves their youthful innocence) with Central Park as their backyard, but it leads into a beautiful campus experience when they enter middle school. A unique and wonderful school with happy kids.
- Posted by

Endorse Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS). 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
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Inside DoDEA Schools: Qualifications, Costs, and Accreditation
Inside DoDEA Schools: Qualifications, Costs, and Accreditation
Explore the world of Department of Defense Schools (DoDEA), offering quality education to military families globally. Learn about their history, academic performance, teacher qualifications, and unique benefits for service members' children.
Overcoming the Tech Divide
September 23, 2024
Overcoming the Tech Divide
This comprehensive guide offers insights and strategies for educators, administrators, and policymakers to bridge the technology gap in education, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality, tech-enabled learning experiences.
AI for Teachers: An Introduction
September 05, 2024
AI for Teachers: An Introduction
We provide practical steps for identifying and implementing AI tools that address specific classroom needs, focusing on solutions that save valuable prep time and are easy to learn. From widely adopted platforms to education-specific applications, discover how AI can enhance your teaching efficiency without overwhelming your schedule.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 1,662 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $65,540
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Bronx, NY is $12,379 for elementary schools and $18,299 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Bronx, NY is 75% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Quick Links