United Nations International School

One of the best private schools in the city, possibly the state and country. Their greatest asset is the international community and diversity, which is celebrated throughout the school. Great art programme in junior school (Grades A - 4), excellent IB programme in Tutorial House (grades T1-T4), good music programme. Dedicated, passionate and competent faculty from all over the world. Lots of foreign language instruction (5 days a week from Junior A!). ESL for foreign incoming students. School is certainly the best value among private schools in the city.
--Submitted by a parent

We've just finished our first year at UNIS (3rd grade). I have boy-girl twins and they were welcomed into the school with open arms. I was worried about them being in the same class, but they were treated as individuals and allowed to excel at their own rate. I find the teachers caring, the academics challenging, and the administration involved. The art and music programs are wonderful and really round out the education. And being part of an international community is a big plus for our family.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a UNIS 'survivor' (K through 12) while my son was there for the first 9 years (K-8). The pros - excellent building, facilities and location with some truly outstanding teachers. The school's IB program also sets it apart (the only other school in NY to offer it is Dwight). The school also has a student body made up of kids from around the world. The cons - Mediocre to substandard administrative staff particularly at the upper echelons steeped in the crusty bureaucratic ways of the UN most of whom are inflexible if your offspring has the slightest issue. They also tend to be partial to UN parents and borderline hostile to Americans. Athletics are simply appalling with little to no emphasis on sports - soccer being the exception.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended UNIS Queens for 9 years. The school gave him a very solid preparation in all subjects. It is a small and intimate campus; the teachers and administration all know all the students well. Teachers are caring and dedicated, giving extra help whenever needed. Since subject teachers have each student for the four years of middle school, they know the classes extremely well and no time is lost at the start of each year reassessing skills. Students develop a global understanding of the world through students and teachers from all over as well as through the curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with bright interesting children many of foreign nationals. Chidren are taught tolerance and awareness of world issues. Very strong language programs (mandatory) starting from Kindergarten. My daughter has loved every minute at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs is very good and the setting is great. The only downside would be that children (as most are children of diplomats or UN staff) leave often.
--Submitted by a parent