Bilingual Schools in New York: A 2026 Guide for Expat Families

Last reviewed: October 2026 by David from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

For families relocating with children who already speak two languages, or who want them to, bilingual schools in New York offer a choice few cities can match. French-English schools dominate the private market, but there are also immersion programmes in Spanish and Mandarin, and the city's public system runs its own dual-language classrooms.

The word "bilingual" covers very different models, though. This guide explains what it really means in New York, how to judge a school's language policy, and which five schools are worth a closer look in 2026, with a realistic view of fees and the extras that come with them.

New York for bilingual families: boroughs, suburbs and the daily commute

New York draws families through finance, the United Nations and its agencies, consulates, media, universities and the tech sector. Many arrive from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Latin America and East Asia, which is one reason the bilingual school market is so established here.

Geography matters. Manhattan schools cluster on the Upper East Side and in Midtown, where families often live within walking distance or a short subway ride. Brooklyn neighbourhoods such as Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Park Slope have their own bilingual options and appeal to families who want more space. Further out, Westchester County suburbs such as Mamaroneck and Scarsdale suit families who prefer a house and garden and a commute by Metro-North train.

Most private schools do not run extensive bus networks inside Manhattan, so the school run usually means subway, bus or walking. Suburban schools are more likely to offer buses. Before signing a lease, time the journey at 8am on a weekday.

What "bilingual" really means in New York

When you compare schools, it helps to sort them into three groups.

• Fully bilingual or dual-curriculum schools: teaching is split between English and a second language, usually around half and half in the early years, often following both a national curriculum such as the French programme and an American one. The Lycée Français de New York and Lyceum Kennedy fit here.
• Immersion schools: young children spend most of the day in the target language and English time grows with age. HudsonWay Immersion School (Mandarin and Spanish) and International School of Brooklyn (French and Spanish) follow this model.
• English-medium schools with strong language teaching: English is the main language, with a second language taught daily but not used across subjects. These suit families who want good language exposure without full immersion.
• International Baccalaureate: FASNY, Lyceum Kennedy and International School of Brooklyn use IB frameworks, which value languages and international mindedness.

Public dual-language programmes also exist in many New York City public schools, in Spanish, Mandarin, French and other languages. They are free but tied to school zones and lotteries, so they suit families who are settled in one neighbourhood.

Five bilingual schools in New York worth a visit

Lycée Français de New York

The Lycée Français de New York sits at 505 East 75th Street on the Upper East Side and teaches from the early years through to graduation. Its profile describes education that is fully bilingual in French and English, immersing students in both languages throughout their schooling, and combining French and American educational traditions. It is rated 5.0 from 4 reviews.

Tip: this is the natural choice for French families who may return to France, as pupils can keep pace with the French system. Ask how the school places children who arrive with little French, and which entry years accept beginners.

French-American School of New York

French-American School of New York (FASNY) was founded in 1980 as a 17-student preschool and now teaches approximately 800 students from nursery (age 3) to Grade 12. Its campus is at 320 East Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck, Westchester, and it offers the IB alongside French and English instruction. Families represent more than 50 nationalities, and the school holds a 5.0 rating from 5 reviews.

Tip: FASNY suits families who want suburban living and a full nursery to Grade 12 route. Check the Metro-North timetable and the school's own transport options before choosing a town.

Lyceum Kennedy French American School

Lyceum Kennedy, at 225 East 43rd Street in Midtown East, provides a fully bilingual French and English education from nursery to 12th grade and also lists the IB. Its profile highlights small classes and individual attention, and it is rated 5.0 from 5 reviews.

Tip: the Midtown location is convenient for parents working near Grand Central or the United Nations. Smaller classes can make it easier to join mid-year, so ask about places outside the usual September intake.

International School of Brooklyn

International School of Brooklyn is an independent, non-profit school at 477 Court Street with a French and Spanish language immersion programme from Pre-K 3 to 8th Grade, delivered through an International Baccalaureate curriculum. Its six core values include language immersion and international mindedness. It holds a 4.8 rating.

Tip: because the school ends at 8th Grade, plan the high school move early. Ask where recent graduates continued and how the school supports that application process.

HudsonWay Immersion School

HudsonWay Immersion School is a full immersion Mandarin and Spanish school for children aged 2 through Grade 8, with a campus at 525 West 52nd Street in Midtown West and another in Stirling, New Jersey. Its profile says children can enter in preschool or elementary without prior Spanish or Mandarin, and it is rated 5.0 from 6 reviews, with parents praising small classes.

Tip: this is the strongest option on the list for Mandarin. Starting early helps, so families with toddlers should apply for the preschool years.

Bilingual school fees in New York

None of these schools publish fees on their profiles, so treat the following as indicative annual tuition for New York private schools in 2026:

• Preschool and nursery (age 2 to 4): roughly USD 30,000 to 50,000, depending on half or full day.
• Kindergarten to 8th Grade: roughly USD 40,000 to 60,000.
• High school (9th to 12th Grade): roughly USD 50,000 to 65,000 or more.

Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and some offer sibling discounts. Typical extras include:

• Application fee: usually roughly USD 75 to 150 per child.
• Enrolment deposit: often 10 to 15 percent of tuition, paid when you accept an offer.
• Tuition insurance or refund plans, and sometimes a one-off new family or capital fee.
• Lunch programme, after-school care and clubs, which can add several thousand dollars a year.
• Uniform or dress code items, transport, trips, devices and exam fees for IB or French Baccalauréat candidates.

How to judge a bilingual school in New York

Ask for the timetable, not the brochure. Request the weekly split of lessons in each language for your child's grade. A school that teaches maths and science in the second language is offering much deeper bilingualism than one with a daily language lesson.

Think about the end point. If your child may return to France, the French programme matters. If you plan to stay in the United States, check how graduates move on to American universities. A useful benchmark is the state's own standard: New York State created the Seal of Biliteracy by state law in 2012, recognising high school graduates who reach a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. Ask whether students at the school earn comparable recognition or language diplomas such as the DELF.

Be realistic about entry. Most immersion programmes accept beginners only in the early years. Older children usually need some level of the second language, so expect an assessment and plan extra tutoring for the first year if needed. Applications for September generally open in the autumn of the previous year, with deadlines from December to January.

Compare more schools across the USA

To see how these schools sit among the country's top options, explore our Best international schools in the USA ranking, with ratings and reviews from families.

More guides to schools in New York

• International school fees in New York
• How to choose an international school in New York
• Best international schools in the USA ranking

Frequently asked questions

Are there free bilingual schools in New York City?

Yes. Many New York City public schools run dual-language programmes in Spanish, Mandarin, French and other languages, with no tuition. Places are tied to school zones and admissions lotteries, so availability depends on your address and timing. Private bilingual schools charge roughly USD 40,000 to 65,000 a year but are open to families from any neighbourhood.

Can my child join a French bilingual school in New York without speaking French?

Usually only in the early years. Schools such as HudsonWay Immersion School say children can start in preschool or elementary with no background in the language, and French schools often accept beginners in nursery or kindergarten. From around Grade 2 onwards, most expect some proficiency and will assess your child before making an offer.

When should I apply to bilingual private schools in New York?

Applications for September entry generally open in early autumn of the previous year, with deadlines between December and January and decisions in February or March. Schedule tours and assessments in October and November. Families relocating mid-year should contact admissions directly, as smaller schools like Lyceum Kennedy can sometimes offer places outside the main intake.