212.755.6666
220 East 50th Street
New York, NY 10022

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Frequently Asked Questions About Our School:

The Beekman School
What is The Beekman School?
What is the overall approach of the school?
What sets Beekman apart?
What is Beekman offering that other schools aren't?
How does Beekman meet individual needs?
What are the educational backgrounds of your teachers?
Can students attend one-to-one classes and small group classes?

The Tutoring School
What is the Tutoring School?
Describe the partnership between The Tutoring School and The Beekman School.
How do I know if/when to get a tutor?
Are tutors a luxury? Should parents consider hiring a tutor?
How does The Tutoring School work with students who have unusual schedules?
How are The Tutoring School's online class offerings different from other schools?
Do you recommend online courses?
What about online tutoring?
Should I consider doing all one-to-one classes?
Must a student be enrolled in The Beekman School to access the services at The Tutoring School?
What types of tutoring are offered through The Tutoring School?

Admissions
What are your admission requirements?
What is the deadline to apply?
Why do you have rolling admissions? Why are rolling admissions important to the school?
Do you have any open houses?
Do you require entrance exams?
Why is Beekman's admissions policy so different from other schools?
How much is tuition?
Do you have financial aid/scholarships?
Do students need to be enrolled for a full year?
Are you only a short-term solution, or do students stay with you throughout high school?
What qualities should parents look for in a school?
How do you know if a school is a good fit?
Do you accept international students?
Do you provide any homestay assistance?

Class Size
How many students attend the school?
What are the benefits of a small school?
Why would a student prefer a small school?
Does a small school limit your education and college opportunities?

Academics & Extracurricular
How has Beekman changed? How has education changed? How is technology changing the classroom experience?
What's the academic profile of your students?
What colleges do your graduates attend?
Do you have any physical education or athletics?
Do you have any extracurricular activities?

 

The Beekman School

What is The Beekman School?

We are a small private high school in midtown Manhattan offering a superior education in a highly supportive environment. The Beekman School provides a traditional college preparatory program with strong academics while also meeting individualized student needs. If you are looking for a private school that provides a unique, flexible education, Beekman is the perfect choice!

What is the overall approach of the School?

We have a comfortably accessible approach to both admissions and communications. A custom educational plan is developed for every student, incorporating the input of parents and students. Our educators encourage independence while guiding and shaping rigorous academic pursuits. Beekman has a long, proud tradition and the highest reputation for personalized education.

What sets Beekman apart?

We have the unique ability to respond quickly to specific needs, coupled with a high level of awareness of our school community. Students receive personalized attention and are on a friendly, less formal basis with teachers as they transition into college and future goals.

What is Beekman offering that other schools aren’t?

We offer the option of one-to-one courses and small classes. Each student can follow a personalized schedule while completing course requirements for graduation. Every educational plan is based not only on age, but individual skills and knowledge levels.

How does Beekman meet individual needs? 

An advisor will sit down with each student to discuss his/her abilities and educational objectives. Then a strategy is developed to help the student achieve those objectives. This strategy is flexible and can be modified throughout the year for optimal success.

What are the educational backgrounds of your teachers?  

All faculty members have earned college degrees in specialized areas of study. Many of our full-time teachers and tutors also hold Master’s degrees, with a range of subject areas represented. Our committed teachers encourage independent thinking and superior work habits, while providing constant support.

Can students attend one-to-one classes and small group classes?

All of our classes qualify as small group. The average class size at Beekman is seven students, and every class is capped at ten. One-to-one classes are available through The Tutoring School, which can provide an individualized private or semi-private learning experience.

 

The Tutoring School

What is The Tutoring School?

The Tutoring School is a multifaceted program within The Beekman School that educates students in a range of on- and off-campus environments throughout the year. We provide private tutoring, while also offering private or semi-private college-level, standard or remedial courses. Online programs are available for home or distance learners for circumstances where a traditional classroom setting is not practical.

Describe the partnership between The Tutoring School and The Beekman School.

The Tutoring School is part of The Beekman School. It offers both supplemental private tutoring and for-credit instruction. In some cases, students take classes through both programs. If a course cannot be offered through the traditional parameters of Beekman, it can be arranged as a customized Tutoring School class. Catch-up programs are also available for students from Beekman, as well as other high schools.

How do I know if/when to get a tutor?

If you have identified academic areas that need improvement, a tutor can help. The Tutoring School serves all styles of learners, from students seeking accelerated coursework to those striving to elevate skills. Also, a tutor can be helpful on a short-term basis for educational challenges, specific test prep, or reinforcing classroom learning.

Are tutors a luxury? Should parents consider hiring a tutor?

Today, tutoring is considered an educational investment. Private tutoring can strengthen learning skills and enhance academic success. Parents should consider a tutor if a student wishes to accelerate learning, struggles with specific subjects, needs to prepare for a specific test, or wants a confidence boost before entering a new grade level.

How does The Tutoring School work with students who have unusual schedules?

Our programs provide flexible scheduling options to fit a student’s circumstances, including afternoon classes, summer sessions, and online learning. The school can assist those impacted by personal issues or illness to transition back to Beekman classes, or return to their high school. Students who must leave school occasionally for professional endeavors can also keep up with their education.

How are The Tutoring School’s online class offerings different from other schools?

The course content is directed by a tutor, not a software program. Our online classes feature live interaction with a knowledgeable instructor. Course offerings are broad in terms of subject areas and skill levels, and can be tailored to individual participants.  

Do you recommend online courses?

We believe online learning should only serve as a substitute for the classroom when necessary. However, we also realize alternatives are sometimes needed. Our online classes can be completed virtually anywhere, at any time, and provide supportive instruction with real-time teacher interaction.

What about online tutoring?

Students following both traditional and non-traditional programs may enroll in our online tutoring programs for all styles of learners. These sessions can be paced to individual needs. Students receive face-to-face interaction and tutors are matched to each participant.

Should I consider doing all one-to-one classes?

Only if a specific situation warrants it.  Though The Tutoring School does offer course credits in many subjects, we encourage students to maintain the classroom connection so they continue to benefit from the classroom experience. Some learners request the advantage of individualized instruction in certain subjects, while also attending traditional Beekman classes at the same time.

Must a student be enrolled in The Beekman School to access the services at The Tutoring School?

No. Services provided by The Tutoring School are available to students who are enrolled in Beekman, homeschooling programs, or other schools. Students from other schools may receive homework help, complete remedial or advanced one-to-one classes, and take AP or other exams not offered at their school. Homeschool students can take advantage of Tutoring School resources by enrolling in its science, foreign language, advanced mathematics, or technology-based classes.

What types of tutoring are offered through The Tutoring School?

The Tutoring School conducts summer, after-school, and online classes for high school credit. These can be one-to-one or semi-private courses.  It also provides homework and test prep sessions to prepare students for a full range of exams. Students are able to create their own flexible schedule for courses or tutoring sessions.

 

Admissions

What are your admissions requirements?

After a prospective student completes an application, the Head of School meets with each student and parents in a personal interview at The Beekman School. This interview will assess whether the school would be a good match for the student. An applicant’s previous school transcripts are also reviewed.

What is the deadline to apply? 

Most private interviews are done between the fall and spring of the year before the student wishes to begin September classes. However, we offer rolling admissions, a process which allows students to enter our school throughout the year. Our "Interview Today and Start Tomorrow” approach encourages students to apply when the need arises.

Why do you have rolling admissions? Why are rolling admissions important to the school?  

We know a rigid application process does not work for every student. We want to accommodate students who may miss school due to a move, a personal situation, or other reason. Transfers and newly admitted students can begin attending classes – or taking Tutoring School courses – at the start of a semester, during a semester, or in the summer.

Do you have any open houses?

For parents and students exploring options for grades 9-12, The Beekman School offers open houses during the fall and spring. Open houses are an opportunity to learn more about our program and the ways in which it can be personalized to meet the specific needs of each student.  You can find Open House dates and register on our Visiting Beekman page.

We prefer that prospective students and their parents visit our school for a personal tour. Prospective students are also welcome to observe for a half or full day so that they can experience our classes and school community.

Do you require entrance exams?

No, and most applicants appreciate that! Admission is based in large part on our personal interview process along with other factors, such as a review of academic records. Completing our application is the first step to enrolling, and we encourage prospective students to contact us with questions.

Why is Beekman’s admissions policy so different from other schools? 

Our interview process determines if a student would be successful in our learning environment. This discussion involves both the prospective student and parents. It was established to complement our personalized approach to learning and demonstrate our confidence in the students’ capabilities, whenever they arrive at school.

How much is tuition?

Please view our breakdown of our current high school tuition, fees, and rates. Tutoring School classes and private hourly tutoring are also available.

Do you have financial aid/scholarships?

The Beekman School Scholarship, which provides 50 percent off annual tuition, is available to new, incoming 9th- and 10th-graders with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You can get more details here.

For information about financial aid, please visit our Financial Aid & Scholarship page.

Do students need to be enrolled for a full year? 

No, because we have a policy of rolling admissions, we accept transfers and international students throughout the year. With flexible scheduling, students can attend for a semester, a summer session, and so on.

Are you only a short-term solution, or do students stay with you throughout high school?

Most students who enroll stay with us until they graduate. The Beekman School has a long, respected tradition of educating students through short-term programs, four-year programs, and early or extended graduation dates.

What qualities should parents look for in a school?

Parents and guardians should look for an accomplished faculty and the technological resources to prepare students to be competitive in the future. Parents should be comfortable with the school’s educational philosophy and its ability to address individualized needs.  

How do you know if a school is a good fit?

Advisors and educators should be ready to develop a customized learning plan that will cater to the student’s academic goals and provide a support system for achievement. Students who are open to accepting educational challenges, learning within a welcoming and friendly environment, and “doing the work” are a good fit for our school.

Do you accept international students?  

We welcome international students and can make arrangements for an online interview, when required, and we are able to issue I-20 documents. The Tutoring School also offers international students classes to strengthen English language skills.

Do you provide any homestay assistance?

All students and their families are responsible for arranging housing for the duration of the student’s enrollment at Beekman.

 

Class Size

How many students attend the school?

We usually have about 60 students enrolled in the fall term of each school year. Due to our rolling admissions policy, new students join us throughout the year. We often approach 80 students by the end of the year.

What are the benefits of a small school?

A small school allows educators to get to know each student personally in and out of the classroom, and to understand his/her academic strengths. This allows our educators to provide a proactive and rapid response to each student’s needs.

Why would a student prefer a small school?

There is a feeling of camaraderie in a smaller school with limited class sizes and a welcoming sense of community throughout our townhouse. Students also academically benefit from personalized attention throughout their high school experience. At Beekman, our small size also allows students to enroll in classes based on skill levels, rather than age or grade.

Does a small school limit your education and college opportunities?

As a small, college preparatory school, we offer each student the opportunity to pursue the rigorous academic curriculum that colleges prefer.  We are able to dedicate the time and resources to each student's college search. Our personalized guidance plans help students throughout the entire admissions process select the right college for them.

 

Academics & Extracurricular

How has Beekman changed? How has education changed? How is technology changing the classroom experience?

From e-textbooks to e-mailed assignments, the Internet has changed every classroom, including those at Beekman. Our faculty members are eager to keep pace with these ongoing changes, integrating the latest learning applications into the classroom. We’re committed to utilizing technological resources to prepare students to be competitive in the future.

What’s the academic profile of your students? 

Our diverse community is well-represented by a range of talented students. You’ll find students in accelerated academics and those taking college level courses in our high school. We have leaders in the arts and athletics as well as students who are receiving extra educational support. Our senior student profile can be viewed for additional information.

What graduation options does Beekman have?

Students can follow the traditional four-year program or develop a non-traditional graduation timeline. We offer the flexibility to finish class credits in the summer or to follow a three-year graduation plan. A highly supportive, individualized college placement program is available to all of our high school students during their time at Beekman. 

What colleges do your graduates attend?

Visit our college prep and placement page to see a partial list of colleges where our graduates have been accepted during the past few years. You’ll find a variety of public and private universities included.

Do you have any physical education or athletics?

All students are required to participate in a physical activity a minimum of two hours weekly. Beekman uses a private gym in the neighborhood.  However, many of our students are involved in athletic programs outside the school and documentation of that program may replace attendance in gym class.

Do you have any extracurricular activities?

In addition to producing a yearbook, students also participate in activities throughout the city such as community service, theatre, art, music, and more, reflecting their varied interests. Extracurricular programs are based on student ideas and created each semester through students and teachers working together. New York City is a great resource for trips, and several school social events are also highlights of the academic calendar. The Beekman School will offer guidance to students looking to find and pursue their passions. From joining a music club to sponsoring a lecture series, Beekman has opportunities to get involved!