Our Campus in Manhattan

A Private School in Manhattan With a Purpose-Built Campus

The British International School of New York is a leading private school in NYC, offering a world-class K12 education in the heart of Manhattan. Our campus is located on East 23rd Street in the Kips Bay neighborhood, in a discreet riverfront setting with stunning East River views and an abundance of natural light. This calm and inspiring environment provides the perfect backdrop for learning, just a short walk from the energy of New York City.

We are surrounded by some of Manhattan’s most family-friendly neighborhoods, including Gramercy Park, Murray Hill, Stuyvesant Town, and the East Village. Our location also offers easy access from across the river, with families commuting daily from Long Island City and Greenpoint.

Our purpose-built facilities reflect the needs of children at every stage of their education. As a private international school in New York, we combine a peaceful, secure setting with access to the culture, diversity, and excitement of NYC.

Students benefit from multiple outdoor playgrounds, an onsite swimming pool, fully equipped science labs, art studios, libraries, and a dedicated language and music wing. From our youngest learners to those preparing for university, every student has the space and resources to explore their passions and develop both academically and socially.

For younger children, classroom transitions are minimal, helping them feel settled and supported. As they grow, students gain confidence and independence within a campus designed to match their educational journey. Our approach supports every age and stage from early years through K12.

Whether you live nearby or in another part of New York City, our Manhattan campus is a welcoming and accessible choice for families seeking a high-quality private school education.

We invite you to explore the interactive campus map below and schedule a personal tour to see firsthand what makes our school environment so special.

BIS-NY Campus Overview

01 - River View - Main School Entrance

02 - BIS-NY Upper

After extensive preparation work The British International School of New York is delighted to have welcomed its inaugural Year 10 (Grade 9) class in September 2018.

The program at BIS-NY Upper has been built around respected and rigorous Cambridge International Examinations courses of study leading to International General Certificates of Secondary Education (IGCSE) at 16 and Advanced Level Examinations (A Level) at 18.

These courses are taken by over a million students in more than 160 countries around the world and are highly regarded by universities in the USA, UK and internationally. Successful completion of A Levels not only meets the entrance requirements of universities in the US, but can even qualify students for up to one year’s credit at some of America’s leading institutions. More information can be found at www.cie.org.uk and below.

03 - Garden View - Music Wing, Lunch Hall, MYP

This section of the school is dedicated to our multi-purpose lunch hall and Music.

The music program at BIS-NY plays an integral part in the comprehensive framework of the IB Curriculum. Knowledge and understanding are enriched in collaboration with other subjects. The children’s natural inquisitiveness is enhanced by exploring music from various times and cultures, as well as developing students’ musicianship and skills with a wide variety of offerings.

04 - Plaza View - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

BIS-NY is proud to offer a rich STEM program which encourages students to explore the applications of these subjects beyond the classroom.

Inquiry based learning is at the heart of Sciences and Technology at The British International School of New York. Speakers, field trips, presentations, lab-work, research and interdisciplinary units are vehicles used to drive exploration and depth of learning in the sciences at BIS-NY. Concepts in mathematics, art and technology are all integrated to reinforce the broad reach of the application of science across the world.

05 - Art

During their visual art education at The British International School of New York, students develop lifelong traits such as creative thinking, risk-taking and confidence.

In the art studio we encourage students to find their unique voices, points of view and ways of working through various mediums such as painting, drawing, animation, collage and sculpture.

At BIS-NY we are proud to offer two dedicated Art Studios catering to the specific programs of our different age groups.

06 - Lower Playground

Our Lower Playground is purposefully built to encourage creative and imaginative play.

The playground is used by Nursery and Early Years students for play and outdoor activities.

07- Upper Playground

The BIS-NY campus provides ample opportunity for outside play, in a safe, supportive environment.

As students progress through the school they are able to explore the campus, accompanied or in small groups, and enjoy the outdoor facilities.

08 - Swimming Pool

We are proud to offer a swim program from Early Years, geared not only to working on the motor skills and physical skill associated with learning to swim, but also helping all children to secure the vitally important understanding of water safety.

Later on, students go to Asphalt Green for swim classes and team events.

09 - Urban Garden

Our Urban Garden provides lower year students with the opportunity to learn about planting and take responsibility.

10 - Modern Languages

At The British International School of New York, World Languages are at the heart of student learning. Beyond learning to speak another language, the acquisition of a second tongue enables a learner to gain a more profound understanding of their own culture through learning about that of others.

Foreign language acquisition begins immediately at BIS-NY, as our Nursery students (age 3) begin studying French or Spanish. They continue through the Early Years programme, building upon the foundations of daily, oral-based lessons that allow students the frequency of exposure to the language that age requires. As they move into the PYP and then subsequently within the MYP, students are taught in increasingly longer lessons three times per week to allow time for the deeper assimilation and practice of the language.

11 - Waterside Cafe

Waterside Plaza is ideally located for those looking for the advantages of the big city, but with a small town feeling and room to breathe.

The Plaza sits atop the East River in Manhattan, at 25th Street and can be accessed by footbridge at 25th Street or by direct access from 23rd Street or via the underpass at 34th Street. Its four residential towers and grand plaza form an island community, bounded by the East River and shielded from the bustle by the FDR Drive. As well as our school there is a Health Club with a pool, Supermarket, Nail Bar and General Store.

The British International School is privileged to be part of this community, to share in the secure feeling promoted by the attentive Waterside team, to revel in the breath-taking views whatever the weather and enjoy the community spirit which pervades the campus.

Why Choose BIS-NY?

Inspiring Environment

Located at Waterside Plaza, BIS-NY offers a safe and scenic campus with stunning river views and thoughtfully designed learning spaces.

Supportive Community

A warm, inclusive atmosphere where students are known by name and supported through specialist programs, including English as an Additional Language.

Designed for Growth

Facilities include art and science studios, an urban garden, a library, playgrounds, and a pool, all tailored to spark creativity and foster development.

Extracurricular Activities

Students at BIS-NY enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, creative clubs, and after-school programs that support personal growth and teamwork.