The Brearley School
The Brearley School
Brearley School is a private, all-girls institution situated in the Manhattan neighborhood of Upper East Side. The school has three divisions - lower, middle, and upper schools - each accommodating around 50 to 60 pupils per grade. Besides being a member of the New York Interschool Association, Brearley also has strong ties with other schools such as Collegiate School, Spence School, and Chapin School, with whom they share some classes and after-school programs. Brearley aims to challenge girls from diverse backgrounds and adventurous intellect to think creatively and critically and prepare them for ethical engagement with the world. With a committed community of educators, students cultivate a comprehensive knowledge base, develop a love for learning, and acquire an unwavering and compassionate attitude. The Brearley School fosters a strong bond between students and teachers, grounded in a vibrant exchange of ideas and a recognition of each individual's distinctive contributions. The education received at the Brearley School is meant to be an enduring experience, providing alumnae with the self-assurance to pursue their aspirations and the acumen to lead meaningful and balanced lives.
Programs
The Brearley School views variety of opinion, experience, and identity as essential components in assisting students in becoming ethical global citizens. They emphasize the significance of establishing and reinforcing structures and practices that promote fair representation and participation within their institution. The Brearley School is dedicated to translating these values into action and constantly engages in self-reflection, study, and dialogue to learn, improve, and adapt. To this end, they have designed a comprehensive curriculum for their Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. The Brearley School prioritizes the development of character, problem-solving, and idea-expression, while also promoting skill acquisition across various domains. Students in K-IV are full of enthusiasm, energy, and curiosity, inspiring their teachers and peers to learn and think in diverse and fascinating ways. The school fosters integrity, dignity, and mindfulness in its youngest pupils, teaching them to consider themselves not only as individuals but also as members of an eager community of learners. The Lower School of the Brearley School provides many opportunities for independence and responsibility, starting with simple tasks such as delivering messages or visiting other classrooms during snack time, gradually moving on to more individual decision-making and organizing trips to distant locations such as the gym, music rooms, or cafeteria on their own. Despite the fact that girls' academic and social lives revolve around their homerooms, they come together once per rotation in gatherings to perform songs, plays, and recitations as well as to listen to guest speakers discuss a variety of subjects like the history of jazz, children's literature, and scientific issues. Finally, the school's curriculum includes a wide range of topics, such as Language Arts, Creative Writing, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Mandarin, Crafts, Music, Art, and Physical Education. The Middle School at the Brearley School aims to support girls in developing their strengths as they learn and acquire new intellectual, social, emotional, and physical skills. It recognizes the varying needs of each student, which change annually, and provides a gradual progression of responsibility and independence. At the Brearley School, in Class V, students learn English, history, and geography with their homeroom teacher. From Class VI onwards, different departments’ faculty teach all subjects. Students are given supervised study halls and can also attend "floats" - extra help sessions - that teachers suggest, or they can seek out by themselves if necessary. In Class V, students who are ready for another language can learn French or Spanish, while others can continue with Mandarin, which they started in the Lower School. Students who require more practice in English reading and writing can enroll in a number of skill-building courses offered throughout the Middle School. Latin is a compulsory subject for all students in Class VII of the Brearley School, while those who no longer need skills reinforcement may begin French. Visual arts, music, dance, and drama offer opportunities for students to express their own feelings and appreciate others' artistic expressions. Physical education challenges and nurtures students regardless of their ability, as they hone their motor skills and apply them to sports and dance. The school has a no-cut policy, so girls can explore and feel at ease in various athletic settings.
The Upper School of the Brearley School marks the final stage of a program that helps students develop confidence in their abilities across a range of disciplines. During this period, the curriculum emphasizes academics, athletics, and the arts, all supported by a strong community that helps young women discover their talents and prepare for life beyond the Brearley School. As students learn to make academic choices, they can seek guidance from a variety of adults to assess their interests and take risks. The curriculum offers many choices, including electives within each discipline. While most students take five courses, some may opt for four. Students must meet basic requirements, including English through Class XII, math through Class XI, and three years of science (one of which must be a full laboratory course). They must also complete a four-credit sequence in one foreign language or three credits in one language plus two credits in another language. Other requirements include history courses, studio art, drama or music, physical education, health, community service, and junior and senior seminars.
The Brearley School provides numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests outside of the standard curriculum. The arts are emphasized, with various activities such as photography, sculpture, ceramics, dramatic productions, orchestra, and chorus being offered in addition to regular courses. Moreover, Upper School students of the Brearley School can take part in exclusive programs such as the Columbia Science Honors Program or Brearley’s Science Research Seminar. As juniors or seniors, they can also enroll in Interschool's advanced math classes or participate in math, robotics, and construction clubs. Seniors who have exhausted the offerings in a particular subject can apply for an independent study program that caters to their interests. Admission at the Brearley School depends on their ability to work independently, the availability of a suitable teacher, and the nature of their proposed study. In the spring of their senior year, most students request to design their own program, which may include sampling new topics in mini-courses taught by faculty, concentrating on one particular subject through individual independent study, or pursuing extracurricular projects or internships that could replace some or all of their academic work. Overall, the School aims to support students in discovering their passions and furthering their education beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Accommodation
As a matter of fact, the Brearley School haven’t as of yet established a system for providing accommodation to international students. Nevertheless, one can also find housing in the big city of New York.
Homestay programs are one popular option for international students. These programs offer the chance to live with a host family in the city and gain a firsthand experience of American culture. Homestay prices in New York City typically range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month.
Off-campus apartments are another option for international students, with prices varying depending on location, size, and amenities. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is around $2,500 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost up to $4,500 per month. Many students choose to share apartments with roommates to help reduce costs.
International students can also look into student housing options offered by local universities, such as Columbia University or New York University. These options often provide fully furnished apartments and shared common areas with other students. Prices vary based on location and availability, but typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month.
Finally, some international students opt for short-term rentals, such as furnished sublets. These options can provide more flexibility for students who are only staying in the city for a short period of time, with prices varying depending on the duration of the stay and the specific rental property.
Future Prospects
The Brearley School, situated in the vibrant city of New York, offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for a successful future, both academically and professionally. International students who graduate from the Brearley School have a wide range of options available to them, including post-graduate work permit options like OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training), which can help them gain valuable work experience in their field of study.
In addition, graduates of the Brearley School can also apply for permanent residency status in the United States, which can provide them with long-term career prospects and stability. Furthermore, if they meet the requirements, students have the option to apply for American citizenship, allowing them to fully integrate into American society and pursue any career path they desire.
Brearley School has a track record of producing successful graduates who have gone on to achieve great success in a variety of fields. The school's alumni network is extensive and offers valuable resources and connections for students seeking career opportunities in a variety of industries.
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