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HOW TO APPLY

Frequently Asked Questions

We know the application process can raise many questions, and we’re glad to help. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear about admissions and ECFS in general. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, reach out any time.

Ethical Culture
718-329-7574 | admissions-ethical@ecfs.org

Fieldston Lower
718-329-7313 | admissions-fieldston-lower@ecfs.org

Fieldston Middle and Fieldston Upper
718-329-7306 | admissions-fieldston@ecfs.org

Approximately 1,700 students are enrolled across our two campuses.

6 to 1.

Ethical Culture: The average class size for Pre-K through Kindergarten is 16 students; the average class size for 1st–5th Grade is 18 students.

Fieldston Lower: The average class size for Pre-K through Kindergarten is 18 students; the average class size for 1st–5th Grade is 22 students.

Fieldston Middle: The average class size is 16 students.

Fieldston Upper: Class sizes at Fieldston Upper vary depending on the grade level and subject matter. Classes typically range between 15 and 24 students.

Two. Our Manhattan campus on Central Park West is home to Ethical Culture (Pre-K–5th Grade). Our campus in the Riverdale section of the Bronx is home to Fieldston Lower (Pre-K–5th Grade), Fieldston Middle (6th–8th Grade), and Fieldston Upper (9th–12th Grade).

Both serve Pre-K through 5th Grade, and the main difference is location. Ethical Culture is on our Manhattan campus, and Fieldston Lower is on our Bronx campus.

Students in good academic standing move from Ethical Culture, Fieldston Lower, and Fieldston Middle into the next division automatically, with no application required.

Yes, the application fee is $75. Contact our office with any questions about fee waivers.

ECFS has a long-standing commitment to financial aid. We award over $18 million each year, and 22 percent of our student body receives assistance, placing us among the top independent schools in the country. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.

Our academic program is grounded in progressive education, a student-centered approach built on learning through experience, critical thinking, and active citizenship. Progressive education prepares students to become curious thinkers and confident leaders in the world they’ll graduate into.

Ten core tenets shape every part of our curriculum: ethical, challenging, relevant, playful, inclusive, responsive, empowering, experiential, healthy, and interdependent. Together, they reflect our commitment to raising curious, compassionate learners. Visit our Core Tenets page to see how each one comes to life.

Our college destinations page lists where graduates have enrolled over the last five years.

Yes, transportation is available to both campuses from multiple locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, and New Jersey.

Yes, at Ethical Culture, Fieldston Lower, and Fieldston Middle. Visit our After School page to learn more.

Homework becomes part of the routine starting in 3rd Grade.

Many. The Parent and Teacher Association (P+T) offers ways to join committees, help plan events, and take on leadership roles within your grade and division.

Ethical Culture Fieldston School offers a world-class progressive education in Pre-K–12th Grade at two historic campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx. The core of our educational program is the study and practice of ethics, which prepares us — and compels us — to take care of our world, ourselves, and each other.
CFS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to be a welcoming community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to hiring practices that ensure all candidates are given fair consideration in alignment with our institutional mission and goals.

Ethical Culture Fieldston School; ECFS; Fieldston; and the distinctive Starburst logo are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as trademarks of Ethical Culture Fieldston School.
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