Welcome to the Ethical Culture Fieldston School website!

Mark J. Stanek
Head of School 

It is a pleasure to introduce you to our extraordinary community!  I encourage you to explore our website to discover our commitment to progressive and ethical education and see how we prepare our students for the ever-changing world.

In 1878, Felix Adler, educator and social reformer, had a vision to provide students access to an education regardless of a family’s income in an environment where they would be challenged to reach their highest potential in mind, body, and spirit.  Over the years, ECF has evolved into a vibrant community of learners where teachers and students are not only exposed to a rich academic, arts, and athletics program, but also are asked to become well-versed in issues of social justice, to consider how they make ethical decisions, and to truly appreciate the differences of others.  From the youngest students learning about respect and sharing to the oldest students grappling with their roles as leaders, all students are encouraged to think independently, to formulate their own questions, and to take risks in our vibrant and nurturing community. 

Our rigorous and diverse academic program provides students with the opportunities to discover and explore new passions and be challenged to think creatively, to solve local and global issues.  The quality of engagement in the classroom, on the stage, and on the fields is quite impressive. Although we foster individuality throughout the lower, middle and upper schools, we also encourage responsibility to our community and to the many different communities our students inhabit.

The overwhelming commitment that our teachers, parents, students, staff, administrators, trustees, and alumni have to our school’s mission is truly inspiring. I am sure ECF’s dedication to fostering independent thinking and creative problem-solving, while cultivating moral and responsible citizens within a diverse and inclusive community, would make Felix Adler very proud. I hope you will be energized by what you read, hear, and see as you peruse our website.