Motley
Private schoolP
PrivatePrivate

STUDIO SCHOOL

117 WEST 95 STREET

At a Glance

A Tiny, Creative-Focused Elementary on the Upper West Side

Best suited for

Families seeking a small, intimate, progressive elementary experience on the Upper West Side — particularly those who prioritize creative, project-based learning and a diverse community over athletic programs or traditional academic prestige.

What stands out
  • Tiny enrollment (66 students total) means an unusually intimate community
  • 9:1 student-teacher ratio — every child gets significant individual attention
  • High diversity index (0.86) for a Manhattan private school
  • Nonsectarian progressive philosophy with creative, project-based focus
  • Grades PK-5 under one roof — younger and older kids interact
Things to consider
  • Very small size means a limited peer group — children won't have a large classmate pool
  • Private tuition is significant (not listed, but expect Manhattan private school rates)
  • As a small school, offerings in athletics, arts, and extracurriculars may be more limited than at larger institutions
  • The creative, progressive approach may not be the best fit for families seeking traditional academic rigor
IdentityThe 'Studio' Name Signals A Project-Based, Creative Approach To Learning. As A Nonsectarian Progressive School, Studio School Prioritizes Hands-On Exploration, Social-Emotional Growth, And Collaborative Work Over Rote Academics.

A tiny nonsectarian progressive elementary with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio — this is as personal as schooling gets.

CommunityHigh — The Diversity Index Of 0.86 Is Well Above Average For Manhattan Private Schools, With A Balanced Mix Across Racial And Ethnic Groups.

With only 66 students across all grades, this is a tight-knit community where families tend to know each other well. The student body is notably diverse — nearly half white, with strong Black, multiracial, and Hispanic representation — giving kids exposure to a range of backgrounds from an early age.

NeighborhoodUpper West Side (Central)

Studio School sits on the Upper West Side, one of Manhattan's most family-friendly neighborhoods. You're near Central Park, excellent restaurants, and a range of cultural institutions. It's a prestigious, residential area where families with kids are common.

Highly walkable — the Upper West Side is known for its tree-lined streets, easy access to parks and transit, and everything within reach.

Notable Programs

Visual Arts programOne World curriculum (integrated sciences and social sciences)Kitchen-Science ProgramSummer programAfternoon Adventures after-school program

What Parents Are Saying

Exceptional reviews praising warm community, amazing faculty, small class sizes, individualized learning, rigorous yet nurturing curriculum, and holistic approach to education. Multiple parents highlight the emphasis on emotional grounding as basis for academic development.

Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026

Frequently Asked Questions
Is STUDIO SCHOOL a good school?
Published quality ratings aren't available for STUDIO SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Upper West Side (Central).
What grades does STUDIO SCHOOL serve?
STUDIO SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into STUDIO SCHOOL?
STUDIO SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
Is STUDIO SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
STUDIO SCHOOL is a private school.
What neighborhood is STUDIO SCHOOL in?
STUDIO SCHOOL is in Upper West Side (Central), Manhattan.
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