Why American Families Choose BIS-NY

Why American Families Choose BIS-NY

A Unique International Education for American Families

 

Despite our name, BIS-NY is not just for Brits. Having started very much as an outpost for British families here in New York, BIS-NY has grown in popularity amongst local New York families who have come to appreciate the quality of a great British and international education. Combining the academic rigor of the English National Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate, BIS-NY provides a world class, global perspective here in New York, and qualifications which are highly respected by leading universities across the United States.

 

Testament to the successful approach is the fact that almost a third of our student population is American, many of whom are local New Yorkers for whom the balance of academic rigor and emphasis on pastoral care and wellbeing offer an appealing education option and bring the best of what it means to be growing up in NYC in 2023 to life! A robust local community softens the edges of growing up in New York City.

Why BIS-NY isn't just for Brits!

Global Perspective, Local Support

A unique offering in NY, ambitious academics and social-emotional support are at the heart of the school. The portability of the education offered successfully sets all our students up for success, wherever they’re headed next and at whatever stage of their education they’re moving onto. Good grades (A or B) at A-Level will usually count for up to a year’s college credit at most universities as a reflection of the depth and quality of study achieved.

 

Please feel free to contact us at admissions@bis-ny.org to find out why a BIS-NY education could be the right choice for you and your family.

FAQ

The typical BIS-NY student? Who attends BIS-NY?

We are very proud of our truly diverse community of 300 students which broadly comprises a 1/3 local US families, 1/3 international families and 1/3 British families.

Our families choose BIS-NY for its unique balance of ambitious academics alongside a deep rooted focus on pastoral care and wellbeing for each and every student.

In addition to all the experiences that make us all different, it is the mutual appreciation of a high-quality and caring education for our students that brings us all together at BIS-NY.

Given the unique offering at BIS-NY, the school has become a ‘destination’ school for many, traveling from across Manhattan and Brooklyn, and even New Jersey to attend the school.

 

We generally advise families to try to make the commute as straightforward as possible, looking at areas across Manhattan that are served by our school buses, or Brooklyn where the East River Ferry provides a wonderful commuting option, coming into 34th St, a short river walk away from the school.

We know there is so much to consider when choosing a school for your children, and how keeping things as streamlined and transparent as possible can make all the difference as families navigate the application process.

 

At BIS-NY we follow the ISAAGNY timetable in terms of reply-by dates, but endeavor to notify families of their admissions decision on a first come first serve basis in advance of the ISAAGNY dates.

 

  • Step 1: Complete an application by signing up for a TADS account online here.
  • Step 2: Email a copy of your children’s birth certificate or passport to admissions@bis-ny.org
  • Step 3 Email copies of current and prior year school reports to admissions@bis-ny.org
  • Step 4: Forward the relevant Teacher Recommendation Form to your child’s current school for them to complete and forward back to the school on admissions@bis-ny.org
 

Middle & Upper Applicants only:

 

  • Step 5: Schedule an informal interview with our Head of Middle School of Head of Upper School to ask any questions big or small!

At BIS-NY we know that sometimes school moves can be complex and timelines can change. Our admissions team is proud to work with families who are moving outside of the traditional school cycle where space is available.


Our school accepts “rolling admissions” throughout the year, which means you can apply to, and join our school when you need to, without worry about typical admissions deadlines. Places are of course space dependent and we do encourage families who know they might be looking for a space at BIS-NY to submit applications as soon as possible to reserve a space. We will then work with you to help you prepare for the start of school as your plans become clearer.

At BIS-NY we deliver a world-class inquiry based, child-centered educational approach, where every child is both stretched and supported to reach their full potential in an environment where they feel safe and happy.   Future schools, colleges and universities on both sides of the Atlantic have commented on how just how prepared BIS-NY students are which is testimony to the quality and portability of the curriculum.   For more information on the portability of our curriculum, please explore the links below:  
  • More about the IB and its benefits here.
  • More about the global recognition of the IGCSE and A-Level programmes here.
  • Review our latest list of college and university acceptances here.
  • Explore more from Cambridge about the recognition of the Cambridge Qualifications in the USA here.
    Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

📱 Tip: Swipe left or right to view the full table on mobile.

Year Group US Grade Age Birth Dates for 2024/25 Birth Dates for 2025/26
NurseryNursery2.9 – 41 Sep 2020 – 31 Dec 20211 Sep 2021 – 31 Dec 2022
ReceptionPre-K4 – 51 Sep 2019 – 31 Aug 20201 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2021
Year 1K5 – 61 Sep 2018 – 31 Aug 20191 Sep 2019 – 31 Aug 2020
Year 2Grade 16 – 71 Sep 2017 – 31 Aug 20181 Sep 2018 – 31 Aug 2019
Year 3Grade 27 – 81 Sep 2016 – 31 Aug 20171 Sep 2017 – 31 Aug 2018
Year 4Grade 38 – 91 Sep 2015 – 31 Aug 20161 Sep 2016 – 31 Aug 2017
Year 5Grade 49 – 101 Sep 2014 – 31 Aug 20151 Sep 2015 – 31 Aug 2016
Year 6Grade 510 – 111 Sep 2013 – 31 Aug 20141 Sep 2014 – 31 Aug 2015
Year 7Grade 611 – 121 Sep 2012 – 31 Aug 20131 Sep 2013 – 31 Aug 2014

Admissions & Application Info

To find out more about availability or the application process, we welcome you to get in touch so we can answer your questions about the school.