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VOOZH | about |
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VOOZH | about |
Welcome to British International School Of New York
The British International School of New York (BIS-NY) is an international private school located in Waterside Plaza, Manhattan, New York, offering a warm, child-first environment that stands out among private schools NYC.
Our educational pathway begins in Early Years (2.9 – 5 years), continuing through Lower School (5–11 years), Middle School (11–14 years) and Upper School (14–18 years).
BIS-NY blends the English National Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate’s inquiry-based methodology in the Lower and Middle Schools, and the Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE & A-Level) in Upper School, offering an internationally recognised education that prepares students for future success.
As a full K–12 school in New York, we equip students with the preparation and global recognition needed to access top universities worldwide.
With more than 40 nationalities represented across the school, small class sizes and a strong culture of care, our diverse community provides enriching experiences in academics, arts, sports and co-curricular activities, delivering a truly international education where every child is supported to thrive in the heart of New York.
Our curriculum combines the rigour of the English National Curriculum with the inquiry-based approach of the International Baccalaureate.
This unique blend promotes depth of knowledge, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning. Students are well prepared for future success, wherever their path may lead.
With small class sizes and specialist teachers, every child is known and supported as an individual.
From Early Years through to Upper School, our commitment to pastoral care ensures students feel confident, valued and ready to engage with the world around them.
At BIS-NY, learning is enriched through music, drama, sport, community action and outdoor experiences.
Purpose-built spaces, dedicated staff and a vibrant co-curricular programme provide opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop new skills and enjoy school life to the fullest.
“What I love about BIS-NY is how the students and teachers really connect, and throughout the years I have built a better relationship not just with my classmates but with my teachers as well.“
“When I first joined the school I was quite shy but I found that as I progressed through the years I became more confident because you can foster relationships with many students from nursery through to year 13.“
“At BIS-NY our students are at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make whatever their age, and we know that a happy child is a successful child. It’s a vital part of what sets us apart; our child-first approach, our global perspective, and our warm welcome.
For families embarking on those first steps into school, and for those based elsewhere and planning a relocation to New York, we’re here to help. We know just how daunting it can be to find and select a school, and so we’re here to lend support, making choices and transitions as seamless as possible for all the family.
The quality and the portability of the education offered at BIS-NY sets all our students up for success, regardless of where their future might take them.
We encourage you to explore the site to get a sense of the energy, warmth and purpose that permeates the corridor and classrooms of BIS-NY and to contact us directly to organise a private tour and explore just what makes BIS-NY so special, and so much more than just a school.”
Jason Morrow
Head of School
From the very first days at BIS-NY, families are supported to feel at home.
Playdates before term begins, introductions to local classmates, and a warm Parents’ Association ensure children arrive reassured, with familiar faces and a sense of belonging in a community where everyone is known by name.
With over 40 nationalities represented, we celebrate the values that unite our families: respect, kindness, and a shared commitment to student happiness.
Our culture is built on inclusion and the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and free to express themselves without judgment.
Our small student-teacher ratios, dedicated form teachers, division leaders, and specialist staff ensure every child has trusted adults who know them well.
Families have direct access to leadership, and regular communication creates a transparent, supportive environment where students feel comfortable speaking up and asking for help.
A full-time Nurse, School Counselor, Special Educational Needs team, EAL specialists, and highly trained staff work together to prioritise student wellbeing.
Guided by international safeguarding standards and the Affinitas Culture of Care, we ensure daily practices—not just policies—keep students safe, heard, and supported to thrive.
2.9 months
to 5 years old
5 – 11 years old
11 – 14 years old
14 – 18 years old
BIS-NY is a school that welcomes students and families from around the world. We view diversity as a great strength and strive to be a community that is accepting and inclusive. We value and seek to support the identities of every member of our community in an environment which is open and built around mutual respect.
Located at 20 Waterside Plaza via 23rd Street and the East River, BIS-NY sits in the Kips Bay neighborhood on Manhattan’s East Side, just south of Midtown and north of the East Village. This riverfront setting offers a calm, light filled environment with open views and space to breathe, while still being moments from Gramercy Park, Murray Hill, Stuyvesant Town and other family friendly areas. Many families also reach us easily from Long Island City and Greenpoint.
Students enjoy purpose built facilities that include multiple outdoor playgrounds, an onsite swimming pool, fully equipped science labs, art studios, libraries and dedicated spaces for music, languages, STEM and design. Younger children benefit from minimal transitions that help them feel settled, while older students gain independence within spaces designed for their stage of learning. As a leading private school in New York, BIS-NY offers a secure and inspiring campus that supports students from Early Years through Upper School.
At The British International School of New York we prepare students to succeed wherever their future may take them, ensuring they are academically, socially and emotionally ready for the transition to university.
Our team guides families through every stage of the process identifying suitable universities in the US, UK, and beyond, mapping timelines, preparing for exams and interviews, and advising on final decisions. With the Cambridge IGCSE and A Level pathway, students follow a globally respected academic route that opens doors to leading institutions around the world.
Our dedicated college counselors offer personalised support throughout the entire application journey, meeting regularly with students and families and working directly with colleges and universities. Cambridge qualifications are accepted by more than 880 universities in the United States including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus institutions and by every university in the UK, with strong A Level results often earning up to one year of university credit.
Since our first graduating class in 2021, BIS-NY students have earned places at leading institutions around the world, and graduating classes have earned over 2 million dollars in merit scholarships each year.
The British International School of New York stands out not only among schools NYC families consider but nationwide, ranking within the top 4 to 7 percent of private schools across the U.S., according to Niche’s data-driven evaluations:
With an A+ Overall Grade, BIS NY is recognized among the strongest private school environments in the country.
Across New York State and the metropolitan area, BIS NY is consistently positioned among the best private schools in NYC, performing in leading percentiles in multiple categories:
These results highlight our strong placement in NYC private school rankings and reflect our commitment to academic excellence.
Please use the link below to submit an inquiry form, schedule a video call or a private tour with the admissions team, to learn more about the school and ask any questions you may have.
Complete the online application form via TADS, which includes family contact details and additional information.
BIS-NY supports busy New York families with drop off from 8.15 am, a full-day program ending at 3.30 pm, and late care until 5.30 pm.
Nursery families can choose full-day or half-day schedules, with the half-day option ending at 12.30 pm including lunch.
Our onsite Elior (fka Cater to You) team prepares nutritious, balanced meals from scratch each day, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Lunch is provided for all BIS-NY students, offering hot entrées, vegetarian options, soups, sandwiches, fresh fruits and vegetables, and dessert on Fridays.
All meals are nut free, hormone and antibiotic free, and include a healthy morning snack.
As a truly global community, BIS-NY welcomes families from many language backgrounds.
Our EAL program offers focused small-group and in-class support from Nursery through Year 9, helping students build the English skills they need to access the curriculum with confidence and feel fully included socially and academically.
BIS-NY offers a rich after-school program that helps students explore new interests, grow in confidence, and build friendships across the school.
Our competitive sports include soccer, basketball, swimming, and track and field, giving students the chance to represent the BIS-NY Bulldogs with pride.
Creative and academic clubs such as Robotics, Debate and the student-led Green Team offer engaging pathways for students who love to build, experiment, and lead.
Performing arts are a standout at BIS-NY. Middle and Upper School students have opportunities to participate in mainstage musicals or plays, while younger students enjoy smaller showcases throughout the year that build confidence and collaboration.
BIS-NY is also proud to partner with the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art for additional in-school and extracurricular performance opportunities.
The British International School of New York belongs to Affinitas, an international network of bilingual and international schools united by a shared purpose: delivering an ambitious, nurturing and globally focused education.
Being part of Affinitas strengthens our commitment to academic excellence, innovation and the wellbeing of every student. It also gives our school access to a wider community of educators and best practices while preserving what makes BIS-NY unique.
For students, this means learning in a school that blends the warmth and personal attention of a close-knit Manhattan community with the perspective and opportunities of a global organisation. For families, it brings the confidence of choosing a school backed by a stable, forward-thinking educational group with a long-term vision.
Affinitas supports our growth while ensuring we remain true to who we are: a school that knows every child well and puts their success and happiness at the center of everything we do.