What is your class size and teacher/ student ratio?

Browning’s average class size is 32 per grade level. Students are typically divided into two homeroom/advisory sections in the Lower School and three in the Middle School. In the Upper School there are approximately 14 advisories with no more than 10 boys in each.

Academic classes in the lower and middle divisions generally comprise of 16-18 students. In the upper division, class sizes can range from 8 (for advanced-level classes) to 17 students. There are also advanced classes (e.g. Applied Computer Science or Advanced Genetics Research, independent study in various subjects) with even smaller groups of students.

Browning’s student-teacher ratio is 6:1.

How many spots do you have in your entry point grades?

We generally enroll 22-26 students in Kindergarten, and an additional 15 students in Grade 6.

We also enroll several boys in Grade 9 and encourage families who are interested in Browning to enter the application process with us for any grade, as we may experience attrition due to family relocations.

How do you integrate new stduents into the community?

We host orientation events for incoming families in the late spring so that new parents and boys can get to know one another. A robust buddy program is also in place to assist all of our new boys acclimate to Browning. We work closely with division heads to assign new boys to their advisors or homeroom teachers. Overnight trips for students in Grades 6 and 9 take place early in the fall to help the boys come together as a class. Browning's warm and close community embraces of new students. When you walk into our cafeteria, it's virtually impossible to distinguish new boys from those who’ve been with us for some time.

What is Browning’s philosophy on homework?

We believe that homework should be meaningful, and that the purpose is to challenge the boys in extending and applying their learning in an independent manner.

In Grades 1-4, boys are assigned one or two daily review tasks to provide them with opportunities to practice retrieval of the material covered in school. The goal is for them to complete these tasks independently so that their teachers can assess their level of understanding. You’ve likely engaged with the research about how time spent reading closely relates to academic achievement, so we ask each boy to read daily for homework.

Middle School classes give 25-40 minutes of homework for each class meeting, while Upper School students can expect 30-45 minutes of homework for each class meeting. The work is meant to reinforce what was covered in class and introduce new topics for the boys to explore before they discuss it in greater depth the next day. Projects and take-home assessments may add to a boy’s workload at times as well. Reading is highly encouraged, as is following independent lines of inquiry.

Do you have an after school program?

Encore, an after school enrichment program, is available to our students in Kindergarten - Grade 5 every day until 5 p.m. Courses include athletics, robotics, performance, music classes, and quiet study. Students register at the beginning of each school term.

What is your advice and/or view regarding summer birthdays when applying to kindergarten?

We adhere strictly to the September 1 cutoff, and we strive to have a well-balanced class with respect to the age range that is typically represented in Kindergarten classes. While in some cases, boys who turn 5 in July or August may benefit from spending an additional year in an early childhood program so that they are prepared socially and emotionally for Kindergarten, there are many boys with summer birthdays who are ready for the academic and social activities that we offer boys in their first year at Browning.

We welcome applications from all families whose sons will turn 5 by September 1 of the year of entry, and are happy to answer specific questions parents may have about their son and their readiness.

What is Browning’s tuition?

The tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year is $62,500.

Does Browning offer tuition assistance? How do I apply?

Yes. We make every effort to meet the financial needs of qualified applicants. Tuition assistance is available for students at all grade levels and is awarded solely on the basis of need. Admission decisions are made independently of financial need. Please visit our tuition and financial aid webpage to learn more about the application process and requirements.

What is the application fee?

A non-refundable application fee of $75 must accompany each application. This fee is waived if you are applying for tuition assistance. Please call the Office of Admission at 212.838.0205 to obtain a fee waiver code.

What is the deadline for submitting an application?

The application deadline for K-12 is December 1, 2023**. Due to a limited number of tour and interview slots, we encourage you to submit your application and schedule your appointments as soon as possible. If your application is received after all appointments have been filled, we will place your name on a wait list and you will be contacted if space becomes available.

All applicant files must be completed by January 12, 2023. A completed file includes an application, standardized test scores/reports and official school reports/transcripts.

When will I learn of the admission decision?

In accordance with ISAAGNY, our notification dates are as follows. Please note that you must log in to your account on Ravenna on the appropriate date in order to view the admission decision.

Kindergarten: Thursday, February 8, 2024

Grades 1-8: Not before Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Grades 9-12: Not before Friday, February 23, 2024

(Sibling and legacy applicants to Kindergarten may opt for Early Notification, in which case they would receive a decision between December 8-15, 2023.)

My son is applying to Kindergarten and is going to attend a playgroup. What can we expect?

All Kindergarten applicants must attend a 60-minute playgroup with up to five other boys. An admission evaluator leads the group in age-appropriate activities that allow us to get to know the boys in a relaxed setting. Boys should dress comfortably and be ready to have fun! There is no programming for parents or guardians during this appointment, so anyone can bring the child to his visit.

What should I do if I need to reschedule my appointments?

We understand that your plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances, so please feel free call us if you need to reschedule an appointment. We will do our best to honor your scheduling requests and to find a new, mutually convenient time. We kindly ask that you contact us at least three days in advance so that we may schedule another family in your place. If your son is sick, please do call us to reschedule his playgroup or visit. We are more than happy to have him come once he is healthy!**

If there are two parents or guardians in a family, is it necessary for both adults to attend the tour and interview?

Attendance for all parents or guardians is not mandatory. We believe that the selection of a school is an important decision that is made easier when parents and guardians are fully informed and have a solid sense of the schools they are considering. We undersand that that employment and childcare can make it challenging for parents to attend in-person appointments and are happy to arrange Zoom interviews to relieve parents of this burden. If you are intersted in learning more, please contact the Office of Admission at 212-838-0205.

How does the admission process differ for applicants who are siblings or legacies?

Early notification is available only for Kindergarten applicants. As soon as possible and, no later than Noveber 17 of the application year, please indicate your preference for either early or regular decision notification by contacting the Office of Admission. Siblings or legacies are eligible to receive early notification between December 8-14, 2023. If admitted, early notification applicants are expected to withdraw their applications from other ISAAGNY-affiliated schools.

Please note that early notification does not guarantee admission, and that sibling and legacy applicants are welcome to remain in the general pool if they wish.

If your son is a sibling or a legacy who will be applying for admission, please contact the Office of Admission no later than October 1 of the application year.

How can I get information about testing fee waivers?

Browning is happy to offer fee waivers to eligible families. Please call the Office of Admission at 212-838-0205 to submit your request and get further information.

When are modern languages introduced?

Modern languages are introduced in Grade 1. Students take French and Spansih for one semester each in Grades 1 and 2, and then study the languauge of their choice for the full year starting in Grade 3. All Grade 7 and 8 students are required to take Latin, and Upper School students can take electives in French, Spanish, Latin or Greek.

Do you offer spring tours?

We offer spring tours on a first-come-first-served basis for families who are interested in applying to Kindergarten.

Prospective Kindergarten applicant families who take a spring tour are not required to take an additional tour in the fall, but are welcome to do so if they wish.

Do you require personal letters of recommendation?

Kindly refrain from submitting personal letters of recommendation or “first choice” letters. These letters will not be considered as part of an applicant's file.

The only recommendations that we require are teacher recommendations that must be completed on the official forms from your account on Ravenna.

What is the best way to contact the Office of Admission?

For all inquiries, please call the Office of Admission at 212-838-0205, or email Esther Nunoo at enunoo@browning.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!

How do I get to Browning

Browning is located at 52 East 62nd Street, between Park and Madison Avenues.

There are several subway and bus lines that are conveniently located within close proximity of Browning:

• 4, 5, or 6 trains to 59th Street
• Q train to 63rd Street/Lexington Avenue
• M1 or M2 to Madison Avenue/58th Street
• M3 or M4 to Madison Avenue/57th Street
• M 57 or M 66 to Madison Avenue