We know the application process can be confusing, but we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of questions we regularly receive about the admissions process and Ethical Culture Fieldston School in general. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us: 

Ethical Culture

718-329-7574 | [email protected]

Fieldston Lower

718-329-7313 | [email protected]

Fieldston Middle and Fieldston Upper

718-329-7249 | [email protected]

How many students are enrolled at Ethical Culture Fieldston School?

There are approximately 1,700 students across our two campuses.

What is the student to faculty ratio?

The student to faculty ratio at ECFS is 5:1.

How many campuses does Ethical Culture Fieldston School have?

ECFS has two campuses. Our Manhattan Campus on Central Park West houses the Ethical Culture division (Pre-K–5th Grade); our campus in the Riverdale section of the Bronx houses Fieldston Lower (Pre-K–5th Grade), Fieldston Middle (6th–8th Grades), and Fieldston Upper (9th–12th Grades).

What’s the difference between Ethical Culture and Fieldston Lower?

Ethical Culture and Fieldston Lower are both Pre-K–5th Grade schools. The difference between the two schools is primarily geographical: Ethical Culture is located at our Manhattan campus while Fieldston Lower is located at our Bronx campus.

Do students accepted into Ethical Culture, Fieldston Lower, or Fieldston Middle automatically matriculate up to the next subsequent division? 

Yes, students in good academic standing automatically matriculate up into the next subsequent division and do not need to reapply.

Is there a fee to apply?

Yes, there is a fee to apply. If you have questions regarding the fee waiver, please contact our office.

What percentage of the student body receives financial aid?

Ethical Culture Fieldston School’s commitment to financial aid is long-standing. Each year, we award over $18 million in financial aid, and 22% of our student body receives assistance, placing us among the top ranks of independent schools in the country. For more information on financial aid, visit our tuition and financial aid page.

What is progressive education?

Our academic program is built around ten core tenets of progressive education, which guide us in every area of the curriculum. They stipulate that education should be: ethical, challenging, relevant, playful, inclusive, responsive, empowering, experiential, healthy, and interdependent. To learn more about the ten tenets of progressive education, visit our core tenets page.

Where can I see a list of Ethical Culture Fieldston School college destinations?

A list of college destinations from the last five years is available on our college destinations page.

Do you offer transportation?

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

Do you offer after school programs?

After school programs are available at Ethical Culture, Fieldston Lower, and Fieldston Middle School. To learn more about after school programming, visit our after school website.

Do you offer study abroad programs?

We offer opportunities to study abroad beginning in the 6th Grade. Students have traveled to Ghana, Italy, South Africa, Japan, and the UK, among others.

When does homework become mandatory?

There is no mandatory homework assigned until the 3rd Grade.

What opportunities are there for parent involvement?

There are many ways to become involved as a parent or guardian at ECFS. The P+T (Parent + Teacher Association) offers many opportunities to join committees, help plan events, take on leadership roles within your grade and division, and more.

What is the racial diversity of the student body and faculty at Ethical Culture Fieldston School? 

At Ethical Culture, 37% of students identify as people of color, 46% identify as white, and 17% did not report. At Fieldston Lower, 48% of students identify as people of color, 37% identify as white, and 15% did not report. At Fieldston Middle, 40% of students identify as people of color, 52% identify as white, and 8% did not report. And at Fieldston Upper, 36% of students identify as people of color, 55% identify as white, and 9% did not report.

33% of our faculty and staff identify as people of color, 60% identify as white, and 7% did not report.