CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE)

Families who want a small, progressive elementary experience with Montessori roots, an explicit social justice curriculum, and a genuinely diverse community — and who are comfortable with the tuition and the early December application timeline.

• With 101 students and a 3.2:1 student-teacher ratio, this is one of the most intimate elementary programs in Manhattan — class sizes approach one-on-one tutoring.
• The school blends Montessori methodology with progressive, project-based learning and a social justice curriculum woven into daily work.
• A diversity index of 0.86 places Calhoun among the most racially and culturally mixed private elementary programs on the Upper West Side.
• Signature programs include the Junior Workshop independent research project, reflecting the school's commitment to student-driven inquiry.
• Parents describe a deeply inclusive community where diversity is treated as a pedagogical asset rather than a talking point.

• At just 101 students across PK-5, the peer group is small — families should consider whether their child thrives in an intimate setting.
• Tuition ranges from $55,500 to $69,500 for 2026-27, placing Calhoun among the more expensive elementary options in the city.
• The progressive philosophy and social justice framing may not be the right fit for families seeking a more traditional or skills-and-drills approach.
• The application deadline is December 15 — earlier than many private elementary schools.
• With such a small total enrollment, each grade likely has only one or two sections, which can limit cohort size and social options.