Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in New York

New York, a melting pot of cultures and languages, offers a variety of international and bilingual schools catering to the diverse expat community. With a significant number of options available, families can choose from schools that offer various international curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and French systems, among others. Some of the most popular international schools in the area include the United Nations International School and the Lycee Francais de New York, known for their rigorous academics and multicultural environments.

United Nations International School (UNIS)

Grades: K-12
Location(s): Manhattan and Queens
Website: www.unis.org

The United Nations International School offers a unique educational experience with a curriculum designed to foster an international perspective. The school serves the children of United Nations employees as well as those from the international community in New York. UNIS is known for its diverse student body, representing over 120 nationalities, and for offering the IB program. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Lycee Francais de New York (LFNY)

Grades: Nursery-12
Location(s): Upper East Side, Manhattan
Website: www.lfny.org

Lycee Francais de New York provides a bilingual French-English education and follows the French National Curriculum, leading to the French Baccalaureate. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, LFNY also encourages students to engage in arts, athletics, and community service. The school's modern facilities and supportive environment make it a popular choice among French-speaking expat families.

British International School of New York (BIS-NY)

Grades: Nursery-8
Location(s): Waterside Plaza, Manhattan
Website: www.bis-ny.org

BIS-NY offers a unique curriculum that combines the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with the English National Curriculum. The school is known for its strong academic program, nurturing environment, and commitment to developing well-rounded students. With a waterfront location, BIS-NY provides excellent facilities, including a theater, science labs, and art studios, alongside a variety of extracurricular activities.

International School of Brooklyn (ISB)

Grades: Nursery-8
Location(s): Brooklyn
Website: www.isbrooklyn.org

International School of Brooklyn is a bilingual school offering French and Spanish language immersion programs. ISB follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. The school is dedicated to fostering a multicultural environment and developing students' critical thinking and language skills. ISB's facilities include a library, gymnasium, and outdoor play spaces.

Dwight School

Grades: Preschool-12
Location(s): Upper West Side, Manhattan
Website: www.dwight.edu

Dwight School is an independent international school that offers the IB curriculum for all grade levels. With a focus on personalized learning, Dwight prides itself on fostering the talents of each student. The school's global network provides opportunities for exchange programs and international collaboration. Dwight's facilities include a performing arts center, athletics fields, and innovation labs.

The German School Brooklyn (GSB)

Grades: K-8
Location(s): Brooklyn
Website: www.germanschoolbrooklyn.org

The German School Brooklyn offers a bilingual German-English education and follows the curriculum of the German state of Thuringia, adapted to the New York setting. GSB aims to provide a nurturing environment that promotes both academic excellence and cultural understanding. The school's curriculum is enriched with arts, music, and physical education, and it emphasizes the importance of community and sustainability.

Scandinavian School of Jersey City (SSJC)

Grades: Nursery-5
Location(s): Jersey City, NJ
Website: www.scandischool.com

Located just across the river from Manhattan, the Scandinavian School of Jersey City offers a progressive education inspired by Scandinavian educational practices. The school provides a bilingual environment with a focus on sustainability, outdoor learning, and child-led exploration. SSJC's facilities include natural playgrounds and a greenhouse, and the school is known for its warm, community-oriented atmosphere.