At a Glance
A Tiny, Deeply Diverse Elementary Community on the Upper West Side
Calhoun is ideal for parents seeking an intimate, highly personalized elementary experience with genuine diversity. It's particularly well-suited for families who value a small community where every child is known, who want their children in a racially diverse environment, and who are comfortable with the tradeoffs of a tiny school (limited peer choices, less programmatic breadth). Families wanting a larger social world or more competitive athletics/activities may find Calhoun too small.
- Extraordinary 3.2:1 student-teacher ratio — nearly one adult per three students
- Very high diversity index (0.86) with a majority-minority student body
- Tiny enrollment (101 students) creates an intimate, village-like community
- 32.7% Multiracial/Other — unusually high for a private school
- Located in a transit-rich, family-friendly Manhattan neighborhood
- With only 101 students across all grades, class sizes are very small but the social world is limited — children won't have a large peer pool
- Private tuition applies (specific amounts not disclosed) — this is a significant investment
- As a small school, Calhoun may have fewer formal extracurricular programs than larger institutions
- The extreme smallness means that teacher personalities and fit matter enormously — you won't have many alternatives within the same school
Calhoun is a tiny nonsectarian progressive school with just 101 students in grades PK-5. The 3.2:1 student-teacher ratio is extraordinary — nearly one adult for every three children. This is a school built on personal attention and close relationships between students and adults.
Calhoun's diversity index of 0.86 is exceptionally high — one of the most diverse elementary school communities in the city. The racial makeup is notably balanced: White students (38.6%) are the largest group, followed closely by Multiracial/Other (32.7%), then Asian (14.9%), Hispanic (7.9%), and Black (5.9%). This is not a school where one group dominates; it's genuinely multiracial.
The Upper West Side is one of Manhattan's most family-dense neighborhoods, with easy access to Central Park, excellent transit options, and a walkable scale that works well for young children. The area is known for its playgrounds, children's activities, and parent community.
The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent subway access. Families can easily navigate the area on foot, and Central Park provides extensive green space for recess and weekend activities.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Overwhelmingly positive - parents describe Calhoun as a unique, inclusive community with rigorous academics, wonderful teachers, strong sense of community, and excellent college prep. Multiple reviews praise the socio-economic and cultural diversity, individualized learning, and emphasis on developing critical thinking and student voice.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Upper West Side (Central).
- What grades does CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) serve?
- CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE)?
- CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) public, charter, or private?
- CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) is a private school.
- What neighborhood is CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) in?
- CALHOUN SCHOOL (THE) is in Upper West Side (Central), Manhattan.
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