At a Glance
An ultra-small, intimate middle school on the Upper West Side
Best suited for
Families seeking an ultra-small, highly personalized middle school experience on the Upper West Side — ideal for children who benefit from intense individual attention and a tight community feel. Works best for families who prioritize relational depth over scale and who are comfortable with a less diverse student body.
What stands out
- Extraordinarily small scale: only 71 students in grades 6-8
- 3.9:1 student-teacher ratio — among the lowest in NYC private schools
- Middle school specialists: the school focuses exclusively on early adolescence
- Nonsectarian and progressive approach without religious affiliation
- Small enough that every student matters — no getting lost in the crowd
Things to consider
- Very small enrollment means limited social dynamics — a narrow peer group
- Less diversity than most Manhattan schools —-homogeneous student body
- Tuition not listed but expect premium pricing for this type of school
- No high school — families need a plan for 9th grade
- Very small size can feel too intimate for some kids who thrive in larger settings
Identity
A nonsectarian progressive school with 71 students across three grades — this is one of the smallest private middle schools in the city. The 3.9:1 student-teacher ratio means every child gets significant individual support.
Community
The student body is predominantly white (70%), with modest representation of Hispanic (10%), Black (8.5%), and Multiracial (8.5%) students. This homogeneity is worth noting — diversity is limited here.
Neighborhood
The Upper West Side-Lincoln Square area is one of the most family-friendly in Manhattan. It has a perfect family density score, meaning you're in a neighborhood packed with families, strollers, and kid-friendly amenities. Central Park is blocks away for weekend outings.
Highly walkable — the neighborhood is safe, tree-lined, and easy to navigate. Most Upper West Side families can walk or take the subway without a car.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Highly positive reviews; parents describe the school as life-saving, exceptional, and community-oriented. Praise for academic and emotional support, though some note the environment is not the most academically rigorous.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades 6 to 8 in Upper West Side-Lincoln Square.
- What grades does ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL serve?
- ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL serves grades 6 to 8.
- How do students get into ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL?
- ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL in?
- ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SCHOOL is in Upper West Side-Lincoln Square, Manhattan.