The Masters School

49 Clinton Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
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The Masters School Photo #1 - The Masters School sits on 96 acres overlooking the Hudson River, 12 miles from the heart of New York City. Our 700 students in grades 5 through 12 are independent thinkers who enjoy being challenged, whether it`s in the classroom, on the field or on the stage.
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The Masters School Photo #1 - The Masters School sits on 96 acres overlooking the Hudson River, 12 miles from the heart of New York City. Our 700 students in grades 5 through 12 are independent thinkers who enjoy being challenged, whether it`s in the classroom, on the field or on the stage.
The Masters School Photo #2 - Students learn through a discussion-based approach known as the Harkness method. The oval Harkness table is a transformative teaching tool in all subjects: around it, every student has a voice. Together, students collaboratively solve problems and explore divergent ideas.
The Masters School Photo #3 - Students in the seven-day boarding program experience a variety of weekend activities and take full advantage of the proximity to New York City. Whether it`s attending a Broadway show, a major league sporting event or visiting a museum, weekends at Masters are full of exploration and fun.
The Masters School Photo #4 - Write and direct plays. Compose and produce music. Hold a gallery show. Choreograph a dance. We take great pride in the strength of our performing and visual arts programs. The arts are an integral part of the curriculum. Students take advantage of a broad range of co-curricular opportunities, including dance, drama, painting, photography and music.
The Masters School Photo #5 - Student-athletes at Masters are at the top of their game. Our talented, dedicated coaches lead our athletes --many of whom have been honing their athleticism from an early age-with instruction that cultivates not only skill, but also good sportsmanship. Our students take athletics seriously while supporting one another-whether it's on the court, the field, or in the pool.
The Masters School Photo #6 - What better way to top off a fun-filled Community Weekend than a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure. A group of 48 day and boarding students hit the roller coasters and rides at Six Flags in New Jersey.
The Masters School Photo #7 - There is nothing like sledding down from the Hill dorms in winter.
The Masters School Photo #8 - Our students are encouraged to explore new opportunities that add to the richness of their educational experience.
The Masters School Photo #9 - Dreams taking flight, one shot at a time.
The Masters School is a college preparatory day and boarding school that engages 5th-12th grade students with a challenging academic program in a welcoming learning environment.
Located on 96 picturesque acres overlooking the Hudson River, Masters is just 12 miles from Manhattan.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 699 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $77,400
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $59,850
  • Acceptance rate: 20%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Upcoming Events and News

  • Varsity Boys Basketball Dispatches King in FAA Quarterfinal - 02/21/2024
    The den was packed, the energy was palpable, and The Masters School's varsity boys basketball squad delivered on the promise it has shown all season.
  • Writing Center Launches Apprentice Program - 02/21/2024
    A love of writing was all it took for Danse Mobray '26 to sign up for the Writing Center's new apprentice tutor program."I wanted to share my joy for writing ...morewith students by supporting them and helping them grow as writers," she said. hide
  • Wintermission Debuts 17 New Courses - 01/10/2024
    The second annual WinterMission is two weeks away and like last year, the four-day session is designed to give students new horizons to explore.

Top Rankings

The Masters School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Test Scores

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
The Masters School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
8-12
Grades Offered (Day)
5-12
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1877
1907
Campus Size
96 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
699 students
310 students
% Students of Color
40%
25%
% International Students
9%
20%
% Students Boarding
21%
67%
Average SAT Score
1343
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
31
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Average Class Size
14 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
15
17
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
82%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$66.7 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$77,400
$64,075
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$59,850
$35,000
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
$69,500
$45,800
% Students on Financial Aid
24%
40%
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Jan. 15
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
20%
60%
Director of Admissions
Emma Katznelson
Andrea Fischer

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
15
17
Courses
Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, Physics C Mechanics, Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art, United States History

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
34
23
Extracurriculars
Outdoor Club, Residental Dorm Captains, Spanish Club, Tech Production

Club or Organization:
Anime Club, Chess Club, Cinema Society, Classics Club, Cultural Exchange Club, Dobbs Athletic Association, Dohters, Economics Club, French Club, Knitting Club, Latin Club, Latinos Unidos, Lunar New Year, M.I.S.H. (community service), Masterpieces (Yearbook), Model United Nations, Muse (dance), Music Club, One Love, Onyx, Panache (literary magazine), Philosophy Club, Phoenix (drama), Scholars, Touring Talent, Urban Connection (dance), Wilderness Leadership Experience, WISE, Zetetics

Arts and Music Programs:
Arts

College Matriculation

Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)

School Notes

  • The Masters School is a global community where smart is cool, learning is joyful and where we strive to be a power for good. The School is a rigorous, college preparatory, 5- and 7-day boarding and day school located on 96 acres, 12 miles north of New York City. Students and teachers make full use of great campus facilities as well as one of the most exciting classrooms in the world: New York City. This is a school of high standards, great achievement, and hard work, where the Harkness teaching method is a transformative tool in all subjects; around it every student has a voice. This is also a place of creativity, diversity, and fun. The curriculum is diverse and challenging. The athletic teams are competitive and accomplished. The fine arts program is exceptional and has been developing artists of music, dance, visual arts, and theater for many years.
  • The Masters School accreditations: TABS, ISAAGNY, Middle States, NAIS, NYSAIS
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Kara DioGuardi - Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, music publisher, A&R executive, composer and TV personality. She writes music primarily in the light pop-rock, dance, and R&B genres.
    • Sam Coffey '17 - Sam Coffey is a midfielder on the Portland Thorns FC and a member of the United States Women's National Soccer Team.
    • Nia DaCosta '07 - Nia DaCosta is a director and screenwriter. DaCosta is the first Black female director to debut a film at #1 ("Candyman") and the youngest filmmaker to direct a Marvel film.
    • Alex Pall '03 - Alex Pall is a musician best known as part of the duo The Chainsmokers.
    • Marin Alsop '73 - Marin Alsop is one of the foremost conductors of our time. She is the first woman to serve as the head of a major orchestra in the United States, South America, Austria and Britain.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Masters School cost?
The Masters School's tuition is approximately $77,400 for boarding students and $59,850 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Masters School?
The acceptance rate of The Masters School is 20%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%. The Masters School's acceptance rate is ranked as one of the top boarding schools with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from The Masters School?
The Masters School famous alumni include: Kara DioGuardi, Sam Coffey '17, Nia DaCosta '07, Alex Pall '03 and Marin Alsop '73.
What sports does The Masters School offer?
The Masters School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is The Masters School's ranking?
The Masters School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Low acceptance rates and High ACT scores.
When is the application deadline for The Masters School?
The application deadline for The Masters School is Jan. 15.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2009
5.00
Brown University
The Masters School can be quickly distinguished from other schools by the style of teaching that takes place. After a quick tour of classes, one will notice that there are no desks. Instead, each classroom. . .

Class of 2008
5.00
Boston University
The Masters School prides itself on using the Harkness method of teaching. Rather than sit at individual desks, students face each other around a large table. This style prompts discussion and keeps each. . .

Class of 2008
5.00
Middlebury College
One unique aspect of the Masters School for which I was personally very grateful was our Morning Meeting. This was a gathering of the entire upper school and faculty in the theater, three times weekly. . .
Show more reviews (5 reviews)
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
  • Enrollment: 699 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $77,400
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $59,850
  • Acceptance rate: 20%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

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