The Spence School
1. General Information
About (Overview)
The Spence School is a prestigious all-girls private K–12 institution located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Established in 1892 by Clara B. Spence, the school has a rich history of providing rigorous academic programs to young women. Originally founded with just 10 students, Spence has grown into one of the most respected private schools in the United States. The school’s mission is to prepare students for the demands of academic excellence and responsible citizenship. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and a commitment to social responsibility. The Spence community is known for its dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop their full potential.
Contact Information
- Address: 56 East 93rd Street (Lower School), 22 East 91st Street (Middle/Upper School), New York, NY 10128
- Phone Number: 212-289-5940
- Email Address: Contact via website
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1892 |
| Founder | Clara B. Spence |
| Motto | Non scholae sed vitae discimus (Not for school, but for life we learn) |
| Enrollment | Approximately 740 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 7:1 |
| Campus Type | Urban (Manhattan) |
| Tuition (2025–2026) | $68,480 |
| Accreditation | NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools) |
The Spence School Rankings
| Ranking Organization | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Niche | Best Private High Schools in America | 17th |
| Niche | Best All-Girls High Schools in New York | 2nd |
| Niche | Best High Schools for STEM in New York | 2nd |
| Forbes | America’s Best Prep Schools | 9th (2010) |
2. The Spence School Academics
The Spence School Faculties / Departments
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Languages (including Latin, French, Spanish)
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Technology
- Social Studies
The Spence School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
- Honors Courses
- STEM Programs
- Humanities Programs
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Athletics
- Community Service Initiatives
- Global Studies
- Leadership Development
- Environmental Science Programs
Online Learning
As of the latest information, The Spence School does not offer online learning programs. The institution emphasizes in-person, interactive learning experiences to foster community engagement and personal development.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1470 |
| ACT | 33 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
While specific retention and graduation rates are not publicly disclosed, The Spence School is known for its strong academic programs and supportive environment, which contribute to high student satisfaction and success.
3. The Spence School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
- GPA Range: Typically, admitted students have a GPA of 3.7–3.9.
- SAT Range: 1450–1500
- ACT Range: 32–34
The Spence School Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Approximately 20% |
The Spence School Application Requirements
Applicants to The Spence School are required to submit the following materials:
- Completed application form
- Transcripts from previous schools
- Standardized test scores (if applicable)
- Teacher recommendations
- Personal statement or essays
- Interview (by invitation)
These components help the admissions committee assess the applicant’s academic abilities, character, and fit within the Spence community.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Provide transcripts and standardized test scores.
- Submit teacher recommendations.
- Write and submit personal statements or essays.
- Attend an interview if invited.
- Await admission decision.
The Spence School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Interview Invitations | February 2026 |
| Admission Decisions | March 2026 |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are required to respond to the following essay prompt:
“Describe a challenge you have faced and how you overcame it. What did you learn from this experience?”
The Spence School Scholarships
The Spence School offers need-based financial aid to assist families with tuition costs. Approximately 20% of students receive financial aid, with the school allocating $8.1 million annually to support these efforts.
The Spence School Tuition and Fees
| Grade Level | Tuition |
|---|---|
| K–12 | $68,480 |
Tuition includes all program costs, such as books, class trips, and meal services. (spenceschool.org)
4. Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
| Demographic | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 61.8% |
| Multiracial | 15.8% |
| Asian | 10% |
| African American | 7.9% |
| Hispanic | 4.5% |
| International | 0% |
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The Spence School is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all students. Approximately 20% of students receive need-based financial aid, demonstrating the school’s dedication to supporting families from diverse economic backgrounds. Specific data on students with disabilities is not publicly disclosed.
Student Body
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approximately 740 |
| International | 0% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 7:1 |
University Diversity
The Spence School fosters a diverse and inclusive community where students from various backgrounds come together to learn and grow. The school’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its student demographics and the programs it offers to promote understanding and respect among all members of the community.
Average Earnings
While specific data on alumni earnings is not publicly available, graduates of The Spence School have a strong track record of success in higher education and professional fields. Many alumni attend prestigious colleges and universities and pursue careers in various sectors, including law, medicine, business, and the arts.
5. The Spence School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Spence School employs a dedicated team of educators and staff who are committed to providing a high-quality education to students. The faculty includes specialists in various disciplines, such as English, mathematics, science, languages, and the arts.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at The Spence School are highly qualified professionals with expertise in their respective fields. Many hold advanced degrees and have achieved recognition for their contributions to education. The school’s faculty is known for its commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
6. The Spence School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Spence School’s campus is located in the heart of Manhattan, providing students with access to a vibrant urban environment. The school does not offer boarding facilities; all students are day students who commute to campus. The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Brizendine Center for Ecology, a gymnasium, and a squash center.
Transportation
The Spence School is easily accessible via public transportation. The 4 subway line has a station at 86th Street, just a short walk from the school, making it convenient for students to commute from various parts of the city.