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 (2023-24)
- Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
- Enrollment: 699 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $72,000
- Acceptance rate: 20%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Masters School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
5-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1877
1907
Campus Size
96 acres
130 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
699 students
314 students
% Students of Color
40%
25%
% International Students
9%
20%
% Students Boarding
21%
69%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
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)
(Boarding Students)
$72,000
$63,925
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,185
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$63,000
$46,000
% Students on Financial Aid
24%
40%
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Jan. 15
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
20%
60%
Director of Admissions
Emma Katznelson
Andrea Fischer
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
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
42
23
Extracurriculars
Arts, Democratic Club, Model United Nations, Onyx, Outdoor Club, Rescuing Earth's Environmental Future, Residental Dorm Captains, Serenity Program, Spanish Club, Tech Production
Club or Organization:
Anime Club, Art Guild, Chess Club, Cinema Society, Classics Club, Cultural Exchange Club, Dohters, Economics Club, French Club, Knitting Club, Latin Club, Latinos Unidos, Lunar New Year, M.I.S.H. (community service), Masterpieces (Yearbook), Muse (dance), Music Club, One Love, Operation Smile, Panache (literary magazine), Philosophy Club, Phoenix (drama), Ropes Course, SADD, Scholars, Student Discipline Committee, The Naturals (male a cappella), Touring Talent, Urban Connection (dance), Wilderness Leadership Experience, WISE, Zetetics
Club or Organization:
Anime Club, Art Guild, Chess Club, Cinema Society, Classics Club, Cultural Exchange Club, Dohters, Economics Club, French Club, Knitting Club, Latin Club, Latinos Unidos, Lunar New Year, M.I.S.H. (community service), Masterpieces (Yearbook), Muse (dance), Music Club, One Love, Operation Smile, Panache (literary magazine), Philosophy Club, Phoenix (drama), Ropes Course, SADD, Scholars, Student Discipline Committee, The Naturals (male a cappella), Touring Talent, Urban Connection (dance), Wilderness Leadership Experience, WISE, Zetetics
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 $72,000 for boarding 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
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. . .
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. . .
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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