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 Stats (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
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
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
School Motto
'By Truth and Toil'
School Mascot
Beaver
Student Body
Total Students
762 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
47%
State avg.: 40%
Students 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
$66,800
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
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
School Notes
- 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).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Brearley School vs. The Spence School
People that viewed The Brearley School also viewed these schools: The Spence School, Dalton School, Marymount School Of New York, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School and Convent Of The Sacred Heart.
The nearest high school and elementary school to The Brearley School is The Chaplin School (0.1 miles away)
The nearest preschool is The Caedmon School (0.3 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
The Spence School
All-girls
Grades: K-12 | 781 students 1 miles 22 E 91st St
New York, NY 10128
(212) 289-5940
New York, NY 10128
(212) 289-5940
1
K-12
781
Grades: PK-12 | 1,319 students 0.8 miles 108 E 89th St
New York, NY 10128
(212) 423-5200
New York, NY 10128
(212) 423-5200
0.8
PK-12
1,319
Grades: NS-12 | 761 students 0.9 miles 1026 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(212) 744-4486
New York, NY 10028
(212) 744-4486
0.9
NS-12
761
Grades: PK-12 | 1,156 students 1.6 miles 5 W 93rd St
New York, NY 10025
(212) 749-6200
New York, NY 10025
(212) 749-6200
1.6
PK-12
1,156
Grades: PK-12 | 684 students 1 miles 1 E 91st St
New York, NY 10128
(212) 722-4745
New York, NY 10128
(212) 722-4745
1
PK-12
684
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