Upper East Academy

Upper East Academy is a premier college-preparatory independent school on Manhattan's Upper East Side, widely recognized for its rigorous academic standards and exceptional track record of placing graduates at the nation's most selective colleges and universities. The school serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, ages 5 to 18, following an American college-prep curriculum enriched by Advanced Placement (AP) offerings and a classical emphasis on critical writing, laboratory science, and the humanities. The school's landmark building on East 79th Street has been expanded and modernized over the decades, now featuring advanced science laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics, a competition-level swimming pool, a full-size gymnasium, a 350-seat auditorium for assemblies and performing arts productions, a digital media center, and a rooftop athletic complex. The library houses over 25,000 volumes and provides access to major academic databases. Upper East Academy offers more than 20 Advanced Placement courses across all disciplines, and students routinely score 4s and 5s on AP examinations. SAT and ACT averages rank among the highest in New York City. Graduates regularly matriculate at Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, MIT, Stanford, and other top-tier institutions, with the college counseling office beginning its guidance in Grade 9. The school also provides robust offerings in French and Latin, maintaining a classical tradition in language instruction. The school holds accreditation from both NYSAIS and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and is registered with the New York State Education Department. Admissions are highly competitive — the school receives approximately eight applications for every available seat. Applicants submit ISEE or SSAT scores, academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, and participate in a full-day visit that includes a student-led interview and writing sample. Varsity athletics include swimming, cross-country, basketball, fencing, lacrosse, and tennis, with teams competing in the Ivy Preparatory School League. The performing arts program stages multiple theatrical and musical productions each year. Community engagement is woven into the school's mission, with required service hours and partnerships with organizations across all five boroughs. Tuition fees range from USD 45,000 to USD 65,000 per year. The school's endowment supports a generous financial aid program, awarding need-based grants to roughly 25 percent of the student body. The school participates in SSS by NAIS for financial aid assessment.