Dwight School
Part of Dwight Schools, Secular, Founded 2014
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB Diploma
Advanced Placement
CogniaLanguages
EnglishDwight Schools are a global network of premier International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools with a 150-year legacy of visionary leadership. The network provides a world-class, personalized education that prepares students to become innovative global leaders.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school’s guiding philosophy is to "ignite the spark of genius in every child." It emphasizes personalized learning, innovation, and character building, fostering grit and resiliency to help students reach their full potential. The educational approach is inquiry-based, encouraging students to become independent, critical thinkers who can cross disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries.
Programmes
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs. It is an IB continuum school, providing a comprehensive academic pathway from preschool through grade 12. Additionally, the network offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, online and blended learning models through Dwight Global Online School, and specialized programs like the Spark Program.
Outcomes
Graduates of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Dwight are prepared for admission to top colleges and universities internationally. IB Diploma Program graduates often receive college credit for their coursework and are noted for high performance on university campuses. The school maintains a strong focus on preparing students for the 21st-century working world.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides the Quest Program, which is dedicated to learning support. This program is designed to offer pastoral care and academic assistance to ensure students are supported in their educational journey.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Dwight School offer?
- Dwight School offers IB Diploma and Advanced Placement.
- How much is tuition at Dwight School?
- Annual tuition at Dwight School is $43.6K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Dwight School hold?
- Dwight School holds accreditations including IB and Cognia.
- Is Dwight School co-educational?
- Dwight School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Dwight School located?
- Dwight School is an international school in New York City, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 6 | 11–12 | $43.6K |
| Grade 7 | 12–13 | $43.6K |
| Grade 8 | 13–14 | $43.6K |
| Grade 9 | 14–15 | $43.6K |
| Grade 10 | 15–16 | $43.6K |
| Grade 11 | 16–17 | $43.6K |
| Grade 12 | 17–18 | $43.6K |
Other fees(2)
| Materials· Tuition does not include fees for textbooks and occasional lab materials. | — |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· A late enrollment fee will be charged for students joining after the end of Trimester 1. | — |
Admissions
Prospective families can engage with the school through virtual and in-person events, including open houses and campus tours. Applications are managed through the Ravenna database, and the school offers need-based financial aid, evaluated via the Clarity system, to both domestic and international families. Admissions inquiries are categorized by division: preschool, grades K-8, and grades 9-12.
Calendar
The school operates on a global network schedule with specific events, such as open houses, listed on its online calendar. The academic year includes standard holiday closures, and the school provides opportunities for cross-campus collaborations and trips throughout the year.
Facilities
About the campus
The New York network includes multiple specialized campuses: the Riverside Campus (Early Childhood), the 94th Street Campus (Preschool-Grade 4), the Central Park West Campus (Grades 5-12), and the Dwight School Athletic Center. Facilities across the network feature vibrant classrooms, lending libraries, studio spaces for science and woodworking, private outdoor playgrounds, indoor gyms, and rooftop play areas.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a wide range of activities, including after-school clubs, community service, and athletics. Signature programs include Spark Tank, an incubator for entrepreneurial and leadership skills, and the Sparkathon. Additionally, the school offers specialized travel teams, such as the Dwight Global Travel Tennis Team, and partnerships like the Manchester City Football School in Hanoi.
- Stephen SpahnChancellor
Chancellor of Dwight School since 1967, Stephen Spahn is the longest-serving school leader in the United States. He is a pioneer in international education, a founding member of the Guild of International Baccalaureate Schools of the Northeast, and has spearheaded the growth of the Dwight global network of schools.
- Blake Spahn '89Vice Chancellor
As Vice Chancellor, Blake Spahn has oversight of all Dwight School operations across the global network. He holds BA and MBA degrees from Columbia University and Doctorate degrees from Oxford, and has taught English and philosophy in the U.S., U.K., and Japan.
- Dianne DrewHead of School and Global Education Director
Dianne Drew is the Head of School at Dwight New York and Global Education Director for the Dwight Schools network. She is an internationally acclaimed educator who served as an elected member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Heads Council and as Chair from 2018 to 2021.
- Louisa ChildsHead of School, Dwight Global
Louisa Childs is the Head of School for Dwight Global and General Counsel for The Dwight Schools. She is a cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College and New York University School of Law, and has worked as an attorney at the international law firm King & Spalding.
- Eric DaleHead of Upper School
Eric Dale is the Head of Upper School at Dwight School New York.
- Ron PosnerHead of Middle School
Ron Posner is the Head of Middle School at Dwight School New York.
- Steve PrestiHead of 94th Street
Steve Presti is the Head of the 94th Street campus at Dwight School New York.