21 Jun Manhattan Independent Schools

New York City has a plethora of fabulous independent schools from Pre-K-12, and the search for the perfect fit for your family may be a bit daunting. We are highlighting some amazing Manhattan schools below to hopefully make your search a little easier.

Pusteblume International Preschool

Pusteblume International Preschool is NYC’s only non-profit, fully licensed, independent preschool offering German and Spanish language immersion. Some of our children participate in both language programs in a weekly rotation.

We combine the best of international and American teaching methods in a nurturing setting, that cultivates the growth and development of your child. Our unique, NY State approved curriculum is built around inquiry and exploration in the classroom, the school community and the vibrant city that surrounds us. Our licensed, native-speaking faculty teaches music, movement, mathematical concepts, literacy and visual arts in a fun and warm learning environment.

Pusteblume’s beautifully appointed, light-filled facility features a large play room that allows children to move freely even when the weather does not cooperate. We are conveniently located near multiple playgrounds and parks and only steps away from various major transportation options. 

Our preschool program admits children 2 to 5 years of age; the activity-based after school/enrichment programs welcome children up to 12 years old, and are open to students from other schools.

At Pusteblume we have created a multilingual, multicultural environment that prepares your child to participate and succeed in our international world.

Pusteblume International Preschool
244 West 14th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues)
New York
NY 10011

Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram | 212-206-1137

BASIS Independent Manhattan

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, a PreK–grade 12 private school, students are inspired to learn at the highest international levels in a world-class liberal arts program with advanced STEM offerings built from the top educational systems in the world. Our program is centered on the belief that students can do more than what is typically expected of them and offers a robust schedule of courses, including Mandarin, music, engineering, humanities, advanced math, performing arts, and more. Subject Expert Teachers lead each subject, using their expertise and enthusiasm for their discipline to help students discover their passions and grow into excellent problem solvers poised to tackle whatever comes their way. We work to facilitate a joyful learning culture where hard work is celebrated and intellectual pursuits result in extraordinary outcomes.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Lower School (PreK–Grade 5)
795 Columbus Avenue
New York
NY 10025

BASIS Independent Manhattan Upper School (Grades 6–12) – opening fall 2021
556 West 22nd Street
New York
NY 10011

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The École

Located in New York’s vibrant Flatiron District, The École is an intimate and independent, N-8th Grade French-American school that cultivates an internationally-minded community of students. At The École, the goal of education is to develop well-informed, well-rounded, responsible and compassionate students who can create and connect to a world filled with possibilities. This belief is at the heart of our uniquely-designed bilingual program, in which students learn to not just speak, read, and write in two languages, but also to think, feel, and act in ways that are informed by two cultures. To always see, explore, and understand the world around them from two perspectives is the gift of the deeply bi-literate student, succinctly captured in our school’s motto, “Light through language”.

The École
111 E 22nd St
New York
NY 10010

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The IDEAL School of Manhattan

Experience The IDEAL Difference

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is New York’s only K-12 independent inclusion school. Our mission is to affirm and accept the full identities of all people while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world.

The school’s core principles are Inclusion, Diversity, Excellence, Acceptance, and Leadership. Every aspect of the IDEAL experience–instruction, assessment, program, enrichment–reflects a research-based commitment to inclusion education as a means for academic excellence.

IDEAL teachers design instruction that builds upon the unique talents and strengths of the learners in their room, allowing students to learn at multiple levels of complexity within the same classroom. Supportive faculty, low student to teacher ratios, small class sizes, and partnerships between experienced general educators and learning specialists create a nurturing community where every student can succeed and every student has a voice.

The IDEAL School of Manhattan
314 W 91st St
New York
NY 10024

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Looking for more New York City private school choices? Check out our concise NYC Education Guide.