The Brearley School

Brearley, an independent school for girls, was founded in 1884 to provide its students with a college-preparatory education equal in rigor to that of boys, and, in the words of our mission statement today, to prepare them for active responsible citizenship in a democratic society.
Within a highly articulated 13-year curriculum, and with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, teaching methods are varied, flexible and pragmatic, taking into account individual patterns of development and ways of learning.
Our program is designed to challenge our eager, able students intellectually, and to give each one the opportunity to gain competence, self-reliance and self-knowledge through academic achievement as well as experience in the visual and performing arts, sports, community service and a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 762 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $66,800
  • Acceptance rate: 20%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Brearley School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History
School Resources

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1884
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Sep 5, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 13, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
762 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
47%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
The Brearley School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
99 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
20 courses

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Acceptance Rate
20%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Melissa Cassis, Middle & Upper School
Admissions Associate
Winifred Mabley, Lower School
Application URL
Endowment Size
$50 million

Sports

School Notes

  • School Motto: 'By Truth and Toil'
  • School Mascot: Beaver
  • Brearley, an independent school for girls, was founded in 1884 to provide its students with a college-preparatory education equal in rigor to that of boys, and, in the words of our mission statement today, to prepare them for active responsible citizenship in a democratic society. Within a highly articulated 13-year curriculum, and with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, teaching methods are varied, flexible and pragmatic, taking into account individual patterns of development and ways of learning. Our program is designed to challenge our eager, able students intellectually, and to give each one the opportunity to gain competence, self-reliance and self-knowledge through academic achievement as well as experience in the visual and performing arts, sports, community service and a wide variety of extracurricular activities.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Greta Garbo, Actress -
    • Martha Stewart, Businesswoman -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Brearley School cost?
The Brearley School's tuition is approximately $66,800 for private students.
What schools are The Brearley School often compared to?
The Brearley School is often viewed alongside schools like The Spence School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Brearley School?
The acceptance rate of The Brearley School is 20%, which is lower than the national average of 74%. The Brearley School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from The Brearley School?
The Brearley School famous alumni include: Greta Garbo, Actress and Martha Stewart, Businesswoman.
What sports does The Brearley School offer?
The Brearley School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. The Brearley School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is The Brearley School's ranking?
The Brearley School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for The Brearley School?
The application deadline for The Brearley School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

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Quick Facts (2025)

  • Top Ranked NY School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 762 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $66,800
  • Acceptance rate: 20%
  • Average class size: 15 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 $46,065 for elementary schools and $48,885 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York, NY is 57% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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