FAQS

Authorised as an IBO World School in Spring 2009, we are proud to offer a distinctive curriculum combining the inquiry based approach of the IB Primary Years and Middle Years Program with the content and rigour of the English National Curriculum for students in Nursery through to Year 9. 

In Upper School, where students take IGCSE's, AS and A Levels, we deliver the Cambridge International Examinations. 

Across BIS-NY we aim to develop confident young learners with a truly global outlook in a cross–curricular, supporting and engaging teaching environment.

At The British International School of New York our faculty are as diverse as our students. Given the curriculum we offer, it's no surprise that many of our staff are British or British-trained, but alongside our Brits we have a number of highly-qualified, world class faculty from all over the world including New Zealand, France, Australia and of course the United States!  One thing all our teachers, specialists, assistants and administrators have in common is a true commitment to education and enriching the lives of the children in our care.

At The British International School of New York we know that smaller class sizes promote deeper learning and enable greater individualization for the students and therefore it is our general principle to keep our classes at 20 students or below. The staff-pupil ratio across the whole school is 1:7, although in the Early Years it is closer to 1:5.

Yes, there are a wide variety of afterschool options on offer, depending on the age and interests of your individual child. The clubs on offer vary each term to allow students access to a breadth of activities. Examples include Yoga, Musical Theatre, Soccer, Basketball, Robotics and Ballet.

BIS-NY will consider each situation very carefully with the most important question being: will the child flourish in our school and fit into the classroom environment?
For children in school with SEN requirements, our SEN Coordinator works with the family, the class teacher, and subject specialists to ensure your child is able to thrive. 

We know there is so much to consider when planning a move, and how securing school places can be one of the first and most important elements to pin-down. Our application process for international families is designed to minimise pressure and streamline the process as much as possible.

We encourage families to contact us and let us help guide and support them through the admissions process, we are here to help.

Step 1
Complete an application by clicking the orange TADS box online here.

Step 2
Email a copy of your children's birth certificate or passport to admissions@bis-ny.org

Step 3
Email copies of current and prior year school reports to admissions@bis-ny.org

Step 4
Forward the relevant Teacher Recommendation Form to your child's current school for them to complete and forward back to the school on admissions@bis-ny.org

Where an in person visit is not possible we enjoy the opportunity to connect with the family over a Telephone or Video Call, so that we can answer any questions you and your children may have about the school or life in New York.

Underpinned by the content and rigour of the English National Curriculum at BIS-NY we deliver a world-class inquiry based, child-centered educational approach, where every child is both stretched and supported to reach their full potential in an environment where they feel safe and happy.

Future schools on both sides of the Atlantic have commented on how just how prepared BIS-NY students are which is testimony to the quality and portability of the curriculum.

For more information on the portability of our curriculum, please explore the links below:

• More about the IB and its benefits here.
• More about the global recognition of the IGCSE and A-Level programmes here.

Curriculum Overview

BIS-NY is delighted to be able to issue F1 Visas for students studying at the school in Year 1 and above. Please contact admissions@bis-ny.org for more information.

As The British International School of New York is truly an international school, we have many students who are learning in a language other than those they speak at home.

For students who need support in learning content in the English language, we offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) to ensure all the students reach their full potential and can fully participate in both our curriculum and socially. In collaboration with class teachers, the EAL teacher supports students through small group pull-out lessons in lieu of French or Spanish, as well as with in-class support.

During pull-out EAL classes, students in Reception through Year 9 receive small group lessons that are catered to accommodate each student’s individual language needs within the context of each class unit. We focus on supporting the development of language learners’ vocabulary and grammar, as well as the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Student learning is scaffolded with the use of visual and practical aids, dramatization, graphic organizers, and hands-on demonstrations in order to provide a more concrete context for understanding.

For more information on how we can support your child with their EAL requirements, please contact the school directly.

At BIS-NY we know that planning a relocation can be complex and timelines can change. Our admissions team is proud to work with families who are relocating from the UK, Internationally or from elsewhere in the United States to ensure your relocation is as smooth as possible. 

Our school accepts "rolling admissions' throughout the year, which means you can apply to, and join our school when you need to, without worry about typical admissions deadlines. Places are of course space dependent and we do encourage families who know they are relocating to submit applications as soon as possible to reserve a space. We will then work with you to help you prepare for the start of school as your plans become clearer. 

BIS-NY students enjoy a range of educational day trips throughout the year which compliment and enhance their studies. We also offer some residential trips throughout the school, some of which are a course requirement. Residential trips are not included in our Tuition Fees and support is available where needed. 

The range of After School Clubs on offer changes every term and is based on interest and resources. Parents are notified well in advance and students are given ample opportunity to explore a range of skills and interests through this very rich program of events. See a sample schedule here. 

The typical day at BIS-NY is 8:15 to 15:30 and extended day options are provided. 
Drop off is 8.15am to 8.40am. Pick up for Early Years i

Although morning drop off starts from 8.15am - 8.40am, (and ends at 3.20pm for the younger children and 3.30pm for older students) we know how busy life in New York gets and so where possible we aim to offer as much help as we can in making the timings of the school day work for you.