Boarding school
in New York

Building global citizens

EF Academy at a glance

  • Campuses in the US and UK

  • Ages 13-19 / Grades 8-12

  • World-renowned high school diplomas: IB Diploma, A-Levels, US High School Diploma

  • Students from 75+ countries

  • 50 + years of university advising experience

  • 24-hour safety and support on campus

A modern boarding school in New York

Why our global boarding school?

We take a modern approach to empower our students to become successful young adults ready for a future with no borders. Here's how:

Small classes

Language immersion

Interculturally trained teachers

Weekly enrichment activities

Online parent portal

24-hour safety and support

At EF Academy, it’s personal

And we wouldn’t want it any other way. Hear more about our welcoming, open-minded school community.

Learn more

Our campus in New York

EF Academy New York

Tucked in the picturesque suburban town of Thornwood, our boarding school offers a transformational high school experience focused on cultivating an engaging learning environement. With New York City being just a train ride away, it opens a world of opportunities for our students.

  • 100-acre campus

  • 13 students per class

  • 93 clubs and activities

  • 134 field trips

  • 45 minutes from New York City

We also have campuses in other central locations:

Pasadena, California

Oxford

A typical day in our boarding school in New York

Get a glimpse into the daily life at our high school in New York

Our Boarding School, in our students' words

Download a brochure

Want to know more about our boarding school in New York? Explore our campuses, academic programs and the lifelong benefits of an EF Academy education.

EF Academy Boarding School in New York - FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about our boarding school in New York

  • Confidence, independence, resilience, time-management, intercultural competency - these are just a few of the countless skills gained from a global education, especially in high school. At EF Academy New York, students from over 75 countries live and learn together in small, discussion-based classes. Learning is taken beyond the classroom through experiential opportunities that help you understand subject material on a deeper level. With 24/7 personalized support and guidance on campus, you can create a home away from home and learn in a safe, structured community.

  • Like most schools in the US, our typical day combines a mix of classes, study sessions and meal breaks. What sets our boarding school apart is the depth you find academically through intercultural exchange, one-to-one mentoring and experiential learning opportunities. Research shows that 2/3 of a student’s academic performance is determined by factors outside of class. Our students use their after-school time to build essential skills for university through clubs, sports, study sessions and other hands-on activities.

  • At a boarding school, where students live and study, it is important that everyone feels safe and at home. Resident Advisors (RAs) live in the residences alongside students and provide 24/7 support and supervision. Students check in with their RA each morning before going to class and each evening before going to bed. In addition to evening study hall and tutoring, the Residential and Community Life team incorporate regular activities to foster a strong feeling of community.

  • Safety is the number one priority at EF Academy. Our faculty, staff and admissions teams are sensitive to what it means for parents to let their children study with us. Everyone who works at our schools has been carefully trained, screened and interviewed for suitability in an international boarding school environment. Our campuses are secure and monitored by safety staff and security cameras 24/7. We also maintain a global communications network so there will always be someone parents can get in touch with on campus.

  • There are many touchpoints for support and guidance. Admissions Consultants walk families through the program and campus selection process. Pathway Managers monitor each student’s progress, both academically and personally. Resident Advisors help students get acclimated to living independently in the residences. Teachers support students in class and during office hours and tutoring sessions. University advisors guide students with their university applications. This 360 support system means that students and parents always have someone to turn to whenever they need support.

  • With our secure online portal, parents can view their child’s schedules, grades, attendance, achievements and other notifications from school staff and faculty at any time. Pathway Managers provide regular updates to parents about students’ wellbeing. Parents also receive a monthly newsletter from the Head of School that highlights the important dates and reminders, department updates, activities and events that are happening in and around campus.