Birch Wathen Lenox is a K-12, coeducational, college preparatory independent school located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
At Birch Wathen Lenox, we embrace the transformative journey of learning through a classic yet innovative curriculum in a responsive environment.
Our devoted educators support every student, providing mentorship, opportunities, and wisdom to cultivate resilient and self-assured learners.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NY School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Yearly Tuition: $62,500
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Birch Wathen Lenox School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1916
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 40%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
100 teachers
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
11 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$62,500
Admissions Director
Andrew Weller
Admissions Associate
Constance Schaefer
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Affinity Groups, Chess, Community Service, debate, DEI, environment, Finance/Investment, Literary Magazine, Model UN, Peer Tutoring, robotics, sports
Arts and Music Programs:
A cappella, Drama, Photography, Rock Band
Affinity Groups, Chess, Community Service, debate, DEI, environment, Finance/Investment, Literary Magazine, Model UN, Peer Tutoring, robotics, sports
Arts and Music Programs:
A cappella, Drama, Photography, Rock Band
School Notes
- We invite you to visit our website for application information. You can apply through Ravenna and sign up for events.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Birch Wathen Lenox School cost?
Birch Wathen Lenox School's tuition is approximately $62,500 for private students.
What sports does Birch Wathen Lenox School offer?
Birch Wathen Lenox School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Birch Wathen Lenox School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New York for most sports offered.
What is Birch Wathen Lenox School's ranking?
Birch Wathen Lenox School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Birch Wathen Lenox School?
The application deadline for Birch Wathen Lenox School is Dec. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 12/8/2023
Significant changes at Birch!My daughter has been attending Birch since kindergarten. Over the years, I have noticed some subtle changes. However, when I visited the school recently, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it had changed considerably for the better. The school has implemented many new programs, such as an independent study program for any student who wants to apply, a robotics team, and an entrepreneurship program. Additionally, the school offers several clubs and sports to choose from. The small class sizes allow my daughter to learn on an incredible one-to-one basis. Teachers can provide her with work tailored to her individual needs and assist her with the work. Moreover, the school invites speakers to talk on several topics that many of our children face today. I am glad that we decided to keep her at Birch!!! It's refreshing to see my daughter want to come to school every day and put her best effort forward with the support of her teachers.
5 9/22/2023
A GEM OF A SCHOOL!!! I have 2 children who attend, and they could not be happier. Amazing teachers who care, administration who love what they do, great curriculum, and small class sizes. The community is diverse, warm and everything you want in a school.
5 5/5/2023
I am delighted with how well my daughter has been doing at Birch. Her education has thrived, and she has become a self-assured and self-reliant young lady. I attribute her success to the outstanding teachers who have been attentive to any issues or obstacles she may encounter, particularly during these unpredictable times. Thanks to Birch's small scale, my daughter has received individualized instruction, which has significantly contributed to her advancement. I wish to express my appreciation to BWL for creating such a supportive atmosphere for my child's educational and personal growth.
5 2/24/2020
BWL is the most incredible school on every level. The teachers are devoted, the administration is knowledgeable about each and every student, and the students who graduate are clearly prepared both emotionally, academically, and socially for their next steps of life. TOP SCHOOL.
5 12/16/2019
Birch is an amazing place and I love and enjoy my classes there. It's advanced, which is one reason I switched here from another school. Birch is by far an extraordinary school and the tuition is worth it.
5 3/10/2018
I have nothing but good things to say about this school. Coming from a good specialized Public School, I have been through a lot. Birch has by far been the best school I have ever attended. They accommodate everyone, the teachers actually know how to teach, and man does the kids get into good colleges. I personally wanna say that the STEM at Birch is probably the best in the city and that our robotics team has been quite successful. Not meaning to brag, but I am saying the truth. Overall, a phenomenal place.
5 5/17/2016
My child has been at BWL for 9 years. The lower school is nurturing and offers a great student to teacher ratio. Kids don't fall through the cracks. The teachers care. The middle school has a strong STEM emphasis that improves each year. Everyone is enthusiastic about Science. It is becoming a basketball powerhouse.
5 5/17/2016
I am very surprised at the review i just read below and felt compelled to write, as this sounds like an angry person. My two children attended Birch (for a total of 13 years experience with the school) and have now moved on to excellent boarding schools. I have nothing but admiration for the school and how they prepared my children academically for the next stage of their education. I found the teachers to be focused on each individual child and very attentive to the parents as well. I dont have anything to add about the sports programs as my children did not partake regularly- they were more involved with the excellent theater program. Socially we never came across any major problems, so I am really flummoxed by the previous review. My family's experience was very good to excellent with Birch, and I feel fortunate that my children were schooled there.
5 7/24/2015
Birch Wathen Lenox has placed our child in a tenuous situation. The administration has created a toxic learning environment for many of the children. Many of the kids have social; behavioral; emotional; academic; and maturation issues and, by mixing them in with the very few kids without such issues, the classroom has become a harmful habitat. Beware, as the school does not deny that this occurs and, they do nothing to address it. And, as Birch increases the number of enrolled students in the upper classes, they fill these seats with more kids with more issues, primarily with kids whom have been counseled out of other schools.
5 7/24/2015
I absolutely love this school! My kids have really thrived here. The academics are excellent--rigorous, but not homework for the sake of homework. The atmosphere is warm and nurturing. The teachers always go the extra mile for their students! Mr. Carnabuci runs a phenomenal school. From the minute you walk in the door and see the incredible artwork on the walls, you know this is a really special place!
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