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Welcome to
Dwight New York

Dwight, a New York City landmark private school, is a leader in global education recognized worldwide for igniting the spark of genius in every child. We are proud of our rich history, which dates back to 1872, and numerous advances that have distinguished Dwight as a pioneering International Baccalaureate World School. While innovation drives us ever forward, our commitment to personalizing the educational journey for every student remains at the heart of everything we do.

Early Childhood

Our youngest students begin building social skills and a love of learning in programs ranging from Wee Wonder for infants and Small Wonder for toddlers, to Preschool and Pre-K for children.

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Lower School

Students in Kindergarten through grade 4 hit the ground running with inquiry-based learning. We ensure a holistic, personalized approach to teaching the "head and heart" of every child.

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Middle School

Students in grades 5-8 grow in leaps and bounds, as they assume greater independence and responsibility on their academic journey.

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Upper School

Students in grades 9-12 advance exponentially both academically and personally, as they prepare to thrive beyond Dwight in college — and anywhere in the world.

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Dwight Facts & Figures

Dwight stands apart from other independent schools as a leader with a long list of firsts in New York City and around the world. Discover more about our milestones and global community.

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1st

school in the Americas authorized to offer the full IB curriculum in 2014

 

1st

 U.S. independent school to establish an overseas campus in 1972

8

global campuses with 1 shared mission

100+

student-entrepreneurs developing their passion projects in our Spark Tank incubator

921

students in Manhattan and 3,216 worldwide

56+

years of leadership by Chancellor Stephen Spahn

1

community with 45 nationalities represented

1st

school in the U.S. authorized to offer the IB PYP in 1998 and the MYP in 2000

News & Events

Luz Giraldo: 37 Years of Adventure

During her time at Dwight, Spanish Teacher Luz Giraldo infused cultural elements into her exciting lessons, taking students on enriching trips and bringing language to life through her passion for education.

Luz Giraldo, DP Spanish Teacher, who is retiring this year, has been at Dwight for more than half of her life. Hundreds of students’ lives have been deeply impacted by her unique and thorough mentorship, and dozens of teachers have experienced her wisdom, encouragement, and devotion to the craft of teaching.

Dominique Mas, former head of the Language Department, spoke about Ms. Giraldo’s profound presence in the community: “Luz was the heart of the department. Not only as a Spanish teacher, but as a mentor to all the new teachers. She was a generous team member, sharing ideas, resources and teaching strategies openly. Luz is truly a master teacher, whom I was so lucky to learn from.” 

It all began when Ms. Giraldo joined the department in 1988 to teach Spanish I and II to grades 8-10.

Back when Dwight was on the East side, Ms Giraldo taught in a traditional way, lecturing on Spanish grammar rules, and having students read short stories, translate, and conjugate verbs. This conventional method started to shift when new technology played a bigger role in educational environments, and Ms. Giraldo and other Dwight teachers received the first few professional development lessons about using the latest technology — a computer. Soon after this, in 1993, Dwight merged with the Anglo-American School on the West Side, and the International Baccalaureate was introduced into the curriculum, which intrigued Giraldo and further affected her techniques. She said, “The richness of the program was like magic to me. It opened my mind in a way I had never imagined.” 

Once the IB started, Ms. Giraldo was even more inspired to stray from the ordinary classroom structure, proposing projects that would expose them to real-world, Spanish-speaking environments. Becoming a DP Spanish Teacher and having the curriculum change ignited a new spark in Ms. Girlado’s creativity. She realized that teaching the students about what it means to not only speak Spanish, but to be fully immersed in the culture, such as the music, the food, the art, and more, would help create a global citizen, a person comfortable speaking the language, and existing in the place itself. 

So, as a young teacher, and at a time when no one was doing it, Ms. Giraldo approached Chancellor Stephen Spahn with an out-of-the-box idea: taking students to Colombia for a whole month, and having them sit in on lectures at a school in the city of Manizales. He agreed, and it was the first of her many memorable language trips.

Ms. Giraldo continued to provide her students with incredible opportunities in addition to regular class time. She took a group of her IB students on a vacation to enjoy the winter in Chile, going to classes at the University of La Serena to study Spanish at a higher level. During this trip, students were exposed to special opportunities, such as visiting an exclusive astronomers’ observatory on the Andes mountains. After this, she hosted a Peru trip in which students attended classes in an IB school in Lima.They also participated in community service, building houses for the underprivileged, living with Peruvian families from the school. 

These trips have been a great influence on the students, leaving a meaningful mark on their lives. Many of her students chose career paths with international companies for which they travel to Latin American countries, feeling confident that they can speak Spanish comfortably and understand the culture on a deeper level. 

Ms. Giraldo explained how fulfilling it was to notice that her Spanish class had a ripple effect. “Nothing makes a language teacher happier than seeing how students improve their ability to speak and understand the language in various circumstances. It is most rewarding when they come back to visit from college and say they are taking Spanish and planning to study abroad.” 

Part of what makes Ms. Giraldo’s teaching extraordinary is her caring nature that both the Dwight teachers and students appreciate. During her tenure, she made great friendships and bonds with all the Dwight teachers, administrators, and staff whose positive influence shaped her journey in invaluable ways. 

Jada Morgan '18, currently External Relations Professional at IBM, formed some of her most cherished Dwight memories in Ms. Giraldo’s Spanish class. 

To this day, she has a playlist full of reggaeton (Spanish-language songs) titled “NC6,” the name of Ms Giraldo’s classroom, which felt like a second home to the students taking her class. Jada said, “Señora Giraldo had a way of making us feel like we were her family. Our class was so close-knit and she had a way of helping us foster that closeness to make learning Spanish fun and comfortable. ” 

Now, after 37 years of exceptional teaching, she will be retiring and moving on to her next adventure. 

The students who took Spanish this year were honored to be in her last class. Eli Schoenfeld '25 said, “Ms. Giraldo encouraged me to continue learning the complexities of the Spanish language, which motivated me to push myself and grow as a speaker. Being in her last class ever feels incredibly meaningful. I feel lucky to be part of the final chapter of her teaching journey.” 

Ms. Giraldo’s kindness and warmth will be remembered fondly. The Dwight community is forever grateful, and we wish her well on her next adventure!

Read More about Luz Giraldo: 37 Years of Adventure
It’s “Family First” at Dwight: Introducing The Addams Family

This year’s Upper School Musical Production was humorous and high-energy, showcasing an enormous pool of talent – spanning Middle and Upper School students — bringing our Theater community closer together, and conveying stunning takes on iconic characters. 

The Addams Family, an ironic, over-the-top musical comedy, centers on love, family, and acceptance in the quirkiest of ways. Masterfully performed, the production captivated the audience with its transmedia set (combining a digital screen with intricate man-made sets that included a 10-foot torture device), the cast members presented their memorable versions of the iconic, macabre family members, and the ensemble of Addams ancestors carried the production to new heights with an incredible energy. 

With both the Middle and Upper School, students bridged a theater community like no other. The collective musical talent on stage delivered an unexpected emotional depth about what it means to be a family. This message remained strong throughout the entire show. The cast convincingly portrayed their togetherness, and backstage their friendships were just as strong.

Terrence Christgau, Head of Upper School Theater Productions — who served as Production Designer and Director of the show — spoke to the depth of both the characters’ and actors’ bonds, saying, “The show is, after all, about family first and foremost.” 

This year’s cast had literal family connections as well, with two pairs of siblings appearing in the cast: the Suhmar sisters Zayneb ’25 (Grandma) and Zahra ’30 (Paul Revere Ancestor), and the Beal sisters Olivia ’25 (Wednesday) and Lillian ’27 (Pugsley).

Zayneb, a senior, reflected on her experience playing alongside her sibling, who danced in almost every number as an ensemble member: “In the beginning, we couldn’t make eye contact for more than a few seconds without giggling, because of how different it felt. By the end of the process, I had gotten so used to her being by my side, I almost don’t remember what it was like not having her there. I will miss doing this with her very much.” 

Olivia, also a senior, played Wednesday, while her sister, Lillian, portrayed Wednesday’s brother, Pugsley; the real-life and on-stage siblings enjoyably bounced off each other’s energy. Olivia said, “We grew up performing together and it’s what we do best. I love her, and my favorite part is our hug at the end.”

The family-feel extended beyond the siblings featured on stage into the Dwight theater community itself. Indeed, through long hours, hard work, and dedication to the art form, deep connections continued to blossom.

Including Middle School students provided the Upper Schoolers an opportunity to mentor and support their younger peers. Parker Rice ’29, who played the Can-Can Dancer Ancestor, for example, devoted her time to practicing dance routines — all brilliantly choreographed by Broadway veteran Colleen Durham, who served as Choreographer, Co-Director, and Costume Designer of the show. After long rehearsals, Parker would revisit material she found challenging and reach out to the Upper Schoolers for guidance. Through learning from these mentors, she said that she created “bonds and memories” that she “will forever remember.”

Willem Kraaijeveld ’27, who played the lead of Gomez, a challenging and time-consuming role, expressed that part of what fueled his work ethic and his performance was the sense of community backstage. The support he received from fellow cast and crew members made playing such a difficult role so much easier. He said, “My favorite thing about the experience was most definitely the fun I had backstage with my friends, and how it felt like we were all in it together, helping each other thrive.”

For many cast and crew, the Dwight theater department has enriched their lives — filled with such close connections that it feels like “home.” For the seniors, The Addams Family marked a poignant farewell, as it was time to leave this beloved second home behind.

MacPhee Gleason ’25, who played the role of Morticia, has been at Dwight for 12 years. Theater at Dwight, over the course of her nearly lifelong experience, contributed massively. “The music and theater departments have given me the ability and room to flourish as a performer and musician, and are personally my favorite parts about Dwight overall,” she noted. 

Olivia’s ‘senior speech’ at the end of the final performance of The Addams Family left many audience members in tears. She said, “Every rehearsal, every line, every moment on stage has been part of something much bigger. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the people who made it all happen behind the scenes.”

But while The Addams Family is over, and some of the incredible cast and crew who brought them to life have taken their last bow, the Dwight Theater family that brings love and acceptance in the quirkiest of ways will remain! We’re so excited for what’s next.

Read More about It’s “Family First” at Dwight: Introducing The Addams Family
Sparking Genius Podcast: Mid-Season Recap

Sparking Genius, Dwight School’s podcast, dives into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of global education. Season 2’s topics thus far include AI, systems thinking, and the art and science of teaching.

Season 2 of Sparking Genius is off to a strong start, with Dianne Drew, Head of School at Dwight School New York and Global Education Director for the global network of Dwight Schools, exploring how innovative ideas, technologies, and thought leaders are shaping the future of education worldwide.  

Unlocking AI’s Potential in Education (Season 2, Episode 1)

AI in education is an essential theme to explore, particularly given the tremendous opportunities it presents, as well as the potential challenges. In this episode, host Dianne Drew and her guests offer ideas on how to prepare educators and students for an AI-driven future.

Amanda Bickerstaff, founder and CEO of AI for Education, and Christian Taubman, President and CEO of the Middle States Association — an organization that has been at the forefront of school accreditation and innovation — joined Ms. Drew in the conversation and shared insights drawn from extensive industry experience.

When discussing the Middle States Association’s AI endorsement (which Dwight School is proud to have earned this past February) Mr. Taubman explained how the school’s participation deepened students’, teachers’, and administrators’ understanding of AI in education. Since AI tools are still in the “dial-up phase,” as Ms. Bickerstaff said, and evolving quickly, it is important to keep an open mind and learn about what is possible for the future.

She continued, “If you're going to think about that long term trajectory, the more that you're willing to learn and try and go out of your comfort zone, the more you're going to be ready for this transformation.”

The Power of Systems Thinking in Education (Season 2, Episode 2)

Ms. Drew’s guest for this episode, Lee Howell — Executive Director of the Villars Institute, a nonprofit organization at the forefront of systemic change and sustainability — introduced our audience to the importance of systems leadership. Howell discussed his work in building connections across generations, his leadership in the world of sustainability and environmental advocacy, and how he brings real-life knowledge into education through nonprofit work and as a professor at the University of Geneva.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, Mr. Howell explained “systems thinking” in simple terms and how it can be applied in our everyday lives:

“It's a framework for understanding the world we live in, through relationships and understanding how when these pieces fit together, they form a whole… ”

Infusing this topic early on in schools pushes students to think about how every action we take has an effect and ultimately highlights how our world is deeply interconnected.

Beyond The Lesson Plan: Mastering the Classroom (Season 2, Episode 3)

This was a special episode for the Dwight community, as Ms. Drew was joined by 2024 Dwight Torchbearer Award recipients, Zach Shapiro and Javier Sanchez. The Torchbearer Award recognizes faculty and staff across our global network who exemplify the values and practices of the global network of Dwight Schools.

Mr. Shapiro, a beloved math teacher from Dwight New York, and Sanchez, an inspiring language arts teacher from Dwight London, shared their passion for teaching and spoke about some of their innovative and creative approaches to engaging students with the material. Both also emphasized the importance of collaboration with fellow teachers across subjects.

Mr. Sanchez discussed teamwork multiple times, saying: “This idea of collaboration is key. I love it when we do sessions on teaching and learning, and how much we learn from one another.”

Mr. Shapiro chimed in on this point, explaining: “I always welcome teachers into my classroom to watch my lessons, and to see how I do things. I also love checking other teachers, teachers of other subjects, whether it's art, theater, science, it doesn't matter, because it allows me just to see what they do differently.”  

Coming Up This Season…

The Sparking Genius podcast will continue to offer its audience fresh insights from educators and industry leaders on a wide range of timely, engaging topics — from the shifting landscape of the college application process, to creating Athletics programs where student-athletes thrive, and more.

Listen and subscribe to Sparking Genius on our website.

More Podcast Insight on Dwight

Sparking Genius host Dianne Drew recently stepped into a new role — podcast guest! — on the Inspiring Schools Podcast.

In an engaging conversation with Simon Noakes, Founder and CEO of Interactive Schools, Ms. Drew reveals what inspired her to become an educator, how Dwight stands out in the international school market, and how our IB-fueled program allows students around the world to deeply connect with their sparks of genius – amongst many other topics.

You can listen to the Dianne Drew edition of Inspiring Schools here.

Read More about Sparking Genius Podcast: Mid-Season Recap

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Why the IB?

Dwight’s inspiring faculty encourage students to believe in their own talents, pursue their passions, and take intellectual risks through the IB. No other curriculum fits better with our mission of igniting the spark of genius in every child — and vision of educating critical thinkers and innovative global leaders. The academic breadth and depth of the IB are simply unparalleled, which is why it is recognized worldwide as the “gold standard” in college preparation.