Understanding Spence School Tuition Fees
The Spence School, an all-girls private day school in New York City, is renowned for its rigorous academic program and commitment to developing responsible and effective citizens. Founded in 1892 by Clara B. Spence, the school serves approximately 740 students across its Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. A crucial aspect for families considering Spence is understanding the tuition fees and associated costs. This article provides a detailed overview of Spence School's tuition, additional expenses, and financial aid opportunities.
Spence School Overview
The Spence School is located in New York City (Manhattan), specifically at 56 East 93rd Street (Lower School) and 22 East 91st Street (Middle/Upper School). The school's coordinates are 40°47′03″N 73°57′25″W. Spence has about 740 students, with grades K-4 representing the Lower School, 5-8 representing the Middle School, and 9-12 representing the Upper School. Lower school average class sizes are 16-18 and middle and upper school average class sizes are 13-14. The school's motto is "Non scholae sed vitae discimus," which translates to "Not for school, but for life we learn."
Tuition Fees: A Comprehensive Breakdown
For the 2025-26 academic year, the tuition and fees at Spence School total $68,480 for all grades. This figure is a significant investment for families, and it's essential to understand what this tuition covers.
The tuition is inclusive of all program costs including books, class trips, and meal services.
Additional Costs and Fees
While the base tuition covers many essential aspects of a Spence School education, there can be additional costs that parents should be aware of. While the $68,480 tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is comprehensive, it is always wise to inquire about any potential additional expenses.
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In previous years, these additional compulsory fees might include a new student fee (usually one-time), textbook expenses, and technology fees. Spence school also offers optional charges for lunch programs, after-school programs, and school trips. These costs can add several thousands of dollars to the total cost per year.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Recognizing the significant financial commitment required to attend Spence, the school offers a comprehensive financial aid program to support families with varying levels of need.
Spence processes its financial aid application through Clarity. Clarity's application is in both English and Spanish. The application takes less than 30 minutes to complete and is mobile friendly. The application fee is $60 and you may share your application with additional schools that accept Clarity at no additional charge.
To apply for financial aid, families are typically required to:
- Complete and submit your Parents' Financial Statement (PFS). Due December 1.
- Submit the required supporting documents to Clarity.
Academic Excellence and Extracurricular Activities
Spence offers a liberal arts and science curriculum, including programs in the arts and foreign languages. The school integrates visual and performing arts, and athletics, both within its academic program and as extracurricular activities. The school creates an environment that fosters the growth of self-confidence, instills the joy of learning, develops the skills of leadership in every student and prepares its graduates intellectually and emotionally for the future.
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The mission of the Spence School is to educate girls and young women to the highest academic and personal standards necessary for responsible, effective citizenship and for the successful pursuit of higher education. The school is committed to the rigorous study of the liberal arts and sciences appropriate to Grades K through 12. The development of high standards and character is considered as important as achievement in academic areas.
Spence School also have 80% of faculties whose degrees are master and above.
Spence School in Comparison to Other NYC Private Schools
When considering private school education in New York City, it's helpful to compare tuition fees across different institutions. Several NYC schools charge more than $70,000 in tuition.
Here's a comparison of tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year at some of New York's leading private schools:
| Ranking | School | Enrollment | Tuition (2025-26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riverdale Country School | 1,300 | $59,412 (Total ~$69,300) |
| 2 | The Brearley School | 770 | $66,800 |
| 3 | The Chapin School | 810 | $68,250 (+$2,000 laptop fee) |
| 6 | Trinity School | 1,052 | $69,000 |
| 7 | The Dalton School | 1,330 | $67,480 |
| 8 | The Spence School | 804 | $68,480 |
| 9 | Ethical Culture Fieldston School | 1,700+ | $68,162 |
| 10 | Avenues: The World School | 1,980 | $72,300 |
| 14 | Collegiate School | 670 | $68,900 |
| 17 | Marymount School of NY | 773 | $67,510 |
| 18 | The Browning School | 400+ | $68,910 |
The Value of a Spence School Education
Choosing a top private K-12 school like Spence means finding more than academics-it’s about community, growth, and preparation for college. Spence School boasts a 100% matriculation rate, with graduates attending top colleges and universities. The school is committed to preparing its students for full participation in a diverse and changing world.
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