United States, New York
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Kennedy International School offers bilingual education for students aged 3 to 18 across two Manhattan campuses, with a French-English and a Japanese-English program. The curriculum combines the French Ministry of Education guidelines, the Japanese Ministry guidelines, and the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards, and is registered by the New York State Board of Regents. A Pre-IB Track for grades 9–10 leads into the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for grades 11–12, including the DP core—Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity & Service, and the Extended Essay—and six subject groups. The school's AEFE affiliation reflects its French roots within an international network. Founded in 1964, Kennedy International School has grown to serve a diverse, global student body. Facilities include two campuses in Manhattan, and an 11,000-square-foot Upper School expansion on 815 Second Avenue with a new science lab, an art and design lab, and a welcoming student center. Extracurriculars span sports, languages, music, art, dance, and acting, with Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, and Cultural and Language clubs.
225 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017, United States
Kennedy International School - Lower School has 201 pupils, instruction in English, French, Japanese.
Two campuses in New York City. Lower School Campus is at 225 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017. Upper School Campus is at 815 Second Avenue, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10017. Phone: 212-681-1877 (Lower School) and 212-682-3967 (Upper School).
Lower School (elementary) and Upper School (secondary)
International school offering bilingual French-English and bilingual Japanese-English programs
English as a New Language (ENL) and French as a Foreign Language (FLE) support
France; accredited by the French Ministry of Education and part of the AEFE network
School Bus Service is being implemented with the NYC Department of Transportation for the 2025–2026 school year; Kindergarten through 6th grade students may qualify for free transportation; for interest, contact office@kennedyinternational.org
Annual tuition at Kennedy International School - Lower School ranges from USD 24,000 to USD 45,000 for 2026/27.
Kennedy International School - Lower School teaches American Curriculum, French Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum for students aged 3 to 12.
The curriculum integrates the French Ministry of Education guidelines, the Japanese Ministry of Education guidelines, and New York State Next Generation Learning Standards. It offers a balanced bilingual program for students from preschool through 12th grade. The program is registered by the New York State Board of Regents. In the Upper School, a Pre-IB Track for 9th–10th grade prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for 11th–12th grade. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups and DP core including Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE).
The IB Diploma Programme is widely recognized by more than 2,000 universities in 100+ countries worldwide; many universities offer advanced placement, scholarships or other incentives for IB students.
Application (Rolling Admissions): Submit online application via the admissions portal. After submission, complete the checklist of supporting documents needed to move forward in the admissions process. Rolling admissions allow applications at any time. The admissions team will review the submission and guide you to the next step.
Interview: After the application and supporting documents have been uploaded and completed, the admissions office will connect with you to schedule an interview and any further assessments needed. The interview assesses readiness and fit with the bilingual program and may include language assessments. Additional information or materials may be requested.
Enrollment: After the interview and assessments take place, the admissions office will contact you with a final decision via email. If admitted, you will receive instructions to enroll and any remaining forms or deposits. You may contact the admissions office with questions as needed.
United Nations Preschool Grant: This grant offers a 30% reduction in tuition costs for United Nations staff members enrolling their child in Pre-K 3 or Pre-K programs (ages 2–4). Eligibility is confirmed upon verification of United Nations staff status at the time of inquiry.
French Government Financial Aid (Bourses scolaires): If your child is a French citizen and is registered with the Consulate General of France in New York, your family may be eligible for financial aid from the French Government. Applications and award decisions are handled exclusively by the Consulate General of France. Students enrolled in Pre-K 3 through 9th grade may be eligible for financial aid. Students enrolled in 10th through 12th grade are not eligible.
Apply for Financial Assistance: A Clarity Application is used to assess each family's financial profile, taking into account assets, income, expenses, and debts. New families must complete the enrollment process prior to the evaluation of their financial aid application. Current families who have not previously applied for financial aid are not eligible unless a significant change in financial circumstances can be demonstrated. Families currently receiving financial aid are required to reapply each year. A $65 submission fee applies. Assistance is available directly within the Clarity application.
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