The Brearley School
General Information
About (Overview)
The Brearley School is a prestigious all-girls private school located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1884, it has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence, cultivating intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to civic engagement among its students. Brearley offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum designed to prepare young women for top colleges and universities worldwide.
The school emphasizes individualized attention, small class sizes, and a nurturing environment that encourages students to develop critical thinking, creativity, and ethical responsibility. Beyond academics, Brearley is known for its extensive extracurricular programs, including athletics, arts, community service, and clubs that foster personal growth and leadership. With a mission to empower young women, Brearley maintains high standards of scholarship and character development, blending tradition with innovative teaching practices to create a transformative educational experience.
Contact Informations
- Address: 520 East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028
- Phone: (212) 744-1776
- Email: admissions@brearley.org
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1884 |
| Motto | “Educating Young Women to Think and Lead” |
| Type | Private, All-Girls |
| Grades | K–12 |
| Enrollment | Approximately 850 students |
| School Colors | Blue and White |
| Mascot | The Brearley Blue |
The Brearley School Rankings
| Ranking Organization | National Rank | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Niche | 8 | N/A |
| Private School Review | Top 10 | N/A |
| Best Schools in NYC | 1 | N/A |
The Brearley School Academics
The Brearley School Faculties / Departments
- English / Literature
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies / History
- Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, Latin)
- Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Theater)
- Physical Education / Athletics
- Technology / Computer Science
- Guidance and Counseling
The Brearley School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses in core subjects
- Honors courses across disciplines
- STEM-focused programs and labs
- Humanities and Social Sciences enrichment programs
- Global Studies and International Programs
- Arts and Performance Programs
- Community Service and Leadership Initiatives
- College Preparatory Programs
Online Learning
The Brearley School incorporates blended learning with online resources complementing in-person instruction. The school uses secure digital platforms to provide assignments, assessments, and supplemental learning materials. Students have access to online research databases, interactive learning tools, and virtual collaboration spaces to enhance engagement and academic performance, while in-person classes maintain the school’s tradition of hands-on learning and discussion-based education.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1480 |
| ACT | 34 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Brearley boasts a near-perfect retention rate and a 100% graduation rate. Its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and supportive faculty ensure students are well-prepared to graduate on time and pursue higher education at elite colleges and universities worldwide.
The Brearley School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to The Brearley School is highly selective. Successful applicants generally demonstrate exceptional academic performance, strong standardized test results, and a record of extracurricular achievement. While exact GPA requirements vary, students typically maintain high honors throughout middle school, with standardized scores reflecting top percentile performance in comparison with peers.
The Brearley School Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024 | ~7% |
The Brearley School Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores. Additionally, a personal essay and interview are typically part of the process to assess intellectual curiosity, character, and alignment with Brearley’s mission. The admissions committee looks for students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, leadership potential, and a commitment to the school’s values.
Application Process
- Submit online application by deadline
- Provide academic transcripts and teacher recommendations
- Complete entrance exams or standardized tests
- Submit personal essay
- Participate in an admissions interview
- Await admissions decision
The Brearley School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | December 1 |
| Interview Period | January–February |
| Admissions Notification | March |
Essay Prompt
Applicants typically respond to prompts regarding personal goals, intellectual interests, and how they hope to contribute to The Brearley School community, highlighting character, leadership, and academic curiosity.
The Brearley School Scholarships
As a private school, Brearley offers limited need-based financial aid to eligible students. Aid is awarded based on demonstrated financial need and is intended to ensure that talented students from diverse economic backgrounds can attend.
The Brearley School Tuition and Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $58,200/year |
| Fees | $1,200/year |
The Brearley School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
- Gender: 100% female
- Age: Typically 5–18 years old
- Race/Ethnicity:
- White: 48%
- Asian: 25%
- Hispanic: 10%
- African American: 7%
- Multiracial: 10%
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The Brearley School offers a modest percentage of students financial assistance, making the school accessible to some low-income families. Support services are available for students with learning differences, ensuring inclusive participation in all academic and extracurricular programs.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~850 |
| International Students | 5–10% |
University Diversity
The Brearley School embraces diversity in its student population, representing a range of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through targeted programs and initiatives, students are encouraged to develop cultural awareness, respect for different perspectives, and global citizenship. Diversity enriches classroom discussions, extracurricular activities, and school-wide events, fostering an inclusive and empathetic community.
Average Earnings
While The Brearley School does not track alumni earnings directly, its graduates typically attend highly selective universities, equipping them with strong academic and professional foundations. Alumni often pursue successful careers in fields such as medicine, law, business, science, arts, and public service, benefiting from the school’s rigorous academic preparation and leadership development.
The Brearley School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The school employs a highly qualified faculty of educators specializing in their respective disciplines. Small class sizes enable personalized instruction, mentorship, and close guidance to support student growth and achievement.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty members at Brearley hold advanced degrees and bring extensive experience in pedagogy, research, and leadership. Many have received awards for teaching excellence and contribute to curriculum innovation and extracurricular programs, maintaining Brearley’s tradition of academic distinction.
The Brearley School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Brearley School is located in a historic Upper East Side building, offering state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, art studios, and athletic facilities. As a day school, there is no on-campus housing; students commute from throughout New York City. The school encourages student participation in arts, athletics, and community service, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
Transportation
Students typically commute via the extensive public transit system in New York City, including subway lines and bus routes. The school’s central location on the Upper East Side makes it accessible for families across Manhattan and nearby boroughs, facilitating daily attendance and involvement in school activities.