Upper East Side prep school serving K-12 with specialized ADD/ADHD support, small classes of 15, and individualized attention
Birch Wathen Lenox School is a coeducational, college-preparatory independent school on the Upper East Side serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school explicitly offers ADD/ADHD support, recognizing that students with attention and executive function differences require tailored resources. With an average class size of 15 and a one-building model, the school creates an intentional community where students are deeply known by faculty—a structure that benefits learners who thrive with consistent relationships and individualized attention.
The academic program emphasizes intellectual exploration and personal voice, supported by 100 classroom teachers, 95% of whom hold advanced degrees. For students with learning differences or attention challenges, the combination of small classes, dedicated faculty, and a culture of trust provides the scaffolding many need to build confidence and independence. The school's peer tutoring program and structured extracurricular options also support students in finding their strengths and managing academic demands.
Enrollment is 375 students, with admission rolling through January 9. Yearly tuition is $65,000, and 18% of the student body receives financial aid. Families interested in learning more about the school's ADD/ADHD support services and accommodations for students with learning differences should contact Admissions Director Andrew Weller at (212) 861-0404 or visit bwl.org.
At a Glance
GradesKindergarten-12
Class Size15:1 ratio
Tuition$65,000
Fin. Aid18% receive aid
Est.1916
DeadlineJan. 9 / rolling
Accreditation & Memberships
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
School Information
| Year Founded | 1916 |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $65,000 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 100 |
| Percent of Faculty with Advanced Degree | 95 |
| Average Class Size | 15 |
| Grades Offered | Kindergarten-12 |
Admissions Information
| Admissions Director | Andrew Weller |
| Admissions Associate | Constance Schaefer |
| Admission Deadline | Jan. 9 / rolling |
| Percent on Financial Aid | 18 |
Student Body Information
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| Percent of Students of Color | 15 |
Academic Programs Information
Special Education Programs
ADD/ADHD Support
List of Courses Offered
Link to List of Courses
Matriculation DataView data
Sports and Extracurricular Information
| Sports | Baseball · Basketball · Cross Country · Golf · Soccer · Squash · Swimming · Tennis · Track and Field · Ultimate Frisbee · Volleyball |
| Clubs and Organizations | 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 |
Additional Information
| Classroom Dress Code | Formal |
| School Memberships | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) · New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |