Harrow International School New York Achieves Prestigious IB World School Status in Record Time

Harrow International School New York Receives IB World School Authorization

Harrow International School New York has recently earned authorization as an IB World School from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization, just within a year of commencing its operations. This notable achievement reflects the school's commitment to providing an exceptional educational program from its waterfront campus in Oakdale, New York, which spans 170 acres.

The authorization, which became effective on June 24, 2026, allows Harrow to offer the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in grades 6 through 10. Matthew S. Sipple, the school's principal, expressed pride in this accomplishment, highlighting that being granted IB status within such a short time demonstrates the school's alignment with the high standards set by the IB Organization. The families who chose the school during its inaugural year had faith in the institution's promise to provide a world-class education, and this authorization is a testament to that promise being fulfilled.

Achieving IB World School status involves a rigorous multi-stage review process carried out by the IB Organization. This comprehensive evaluation confirms that the school meets the necessary program standards, practices, rules, and regulations to deliver IB curriculum effectively. Schools that gain this designation are permitted to offer IB programs, and they are subject to program evaluations every five years following their authorization.

Harrow International School New York opened its doors in September 2025, initially enrolling students in grades 6 through 9. With this latest authorization status, the school is paving the way for an expansion to include higher grades in subsequent years. The school currently enrolls students from grades 6 to 10 in the 2026-27 academic year, with plans to gradually expand to grade 12 by the 2028-29 academic year. This thoughtful approach allows the institution to maintain a robust academic foundation while gradually building its community.

As part of the Middle Years Programme, students engage in inquiry-based learning across eight subjects, alongside a personal project they undertake in their final year of the program. This emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills is designed to prepare students for the challenges of higher education and beyond. Remarks from Mark Frankel, the Vice-Principal and Director of Studies, underscore the learning philosophy at Harrow: the program encourages students to delve deeper into questions and discover the complexities hidden within them. This educational approach enables students to develop independence and analytical skills from an early stage.

In addition to its academic offerings, Harrow International School New York boasts several amenities and features designed to enrich the students' experiences. The school provides options for day placement, five-day boarding, and seven-day boarding, with approximately 60% of the student body engaged in boarding programs. The convenient location near the Oakdale station of the Long Island Railroad offers students swift access to New York City and the scenic Hamptons.

Currently, the school is accepting applications for the upcoming academic year and encourages prospective families to visit the Oakdale campus year-round to experience the environment and offerings firsthand. The institution aims to instill critical skills and a sense of inquiry in students, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic challenges.

Harrow International School New York stands out as the first establishment in the United States to carry the prestigious Harrow name, which is synonymous with academic excellence and tradition. Founded in London in 1572, Harrow School has a long-standing legacy, and this new branch aims to extend that legacy within the U.S. educational landscape. As it continues to grow, Harrow International School New York positions itself as a leading choice for families seeking a high-quality education for their children in a dynamic and engaging environment.

To find out more about Harrow International School New York and its offerings, interested families are encouraged to visit harrownewyork.com.