United Nations International School

Founded in 1947 by United Nations parents, the school is guided by the ideals of the United Nations and is committed to providing a rigorous international education while preserving students' diverse cultural heritages. It promotes a culture of peace, tolerance, and cross-cultural communication, making no distinction as to race, gender, language, or religion. The school focuses on the whole child, fostering innovation and creativity to prepare students to work together for the benefit of humankind.

The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K-12 curriculum that culminates in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, for which UNIS was a founding school. The academic structure is divided into the Junior School (Pre-K to 4th grade), Middle School (5th to 8th grade), and the Tutorial House (9th to 12th grade). The program emphasizes language acquisition, with nine languages offered, and includes specialized tracks such as the Sección Internacional Española and the Section Française Internationale.

The school’s internationally recognized academic standards and comprehensive Pre-K-12 curriculum prepare students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Graduates go on to study at top colleges and universities in the United States and worldwide. The school fosters global citizenship, aiming to educate students to become an active force in shaping a peaceful, compassionate, and sustainable world.

The school maintains an effective student support system focused on emotional and social resilience. The Health and Safety Committee works with the administration to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all students, including those with health-related issues.

The school accepts applications for Pre-K through 12th grade, with a priority for children of families transferring from abroad to work for the United Nations, Missions to the UN, and Consulates. The application process includes required documentation, interviews, or assessments to determine if the program is a suitable fit. Applications for the Manhattan campus for the 2026-27 school year are due by 15 November 2025, though the school continues to accept applications from UN families and those relocating internationally after this date.

The school year follows a structured academic calendar, with major dates available for download on the school website. Families can also access a live, daily calendar of school activities through the Veracross Parent Portal.

Located in Manhattan overlooking the East River, the campus is a four-story complex that includes specialized spaces for arts, athletics, and academics. Facilities support a variety of disciplines, including studio practice for visual arts, music, theatre, and film, as well as sports teams. The school also provides library resources and maintains green space and playgrounds.

UNIS encourages participation in a wide range of activities to support the development of the whole child, including student clubs, committees, publications, and community-service opportunities. The school also offers various travel programs, environmental programs, and camps. Additionally, there is an extensive athletics program featuring 38 school teams across three seasons (Fall, Winter, and Spring) for students in 7th through 12th grades.