ETHICAL CULTURE FIELDSTON SCHOOL
Ethics prepares us — and compels us — to take care of our world, ourselves, and each other. "The ideal of the school is to develop individuals who will be competent to change their environment to greater conformity with moral ideals." Felix Adler, Philosopher, humanist, and founder of the Ethical Culture Fieldston School Felix Adler's educational vision is as important today as it was when the Ethical Culture Fieldston School was founded. To continue to realize that vision we embrace the following ideals: Ethical Learning-Exploring what it means to be an ethical and responsible member of society forms the core of our curriculum and our school community. We value inclusion and economic and racial diversity, and we honor all of our students for their unique contributions, cultural backgrounds, and beliefs. We consider service to be critical to the development of character, so we incorporate community service into the children's school experience from the earliest grades. Academic Excellence-Our school achieves academic excellence by challenging students to reach their highest potential in body, mind and spirit through the humanities, sciences, the arts and physical education. The students become active learners and engage in vital discourse in a community of dedicated teachers and an atmosphere of intellectual discipline and creativity. Progressive Education-Through a curriculum rooted in the tenets of progressive education, students become independent thinkers as they learn that asking their own questions and seeking their own answers provides the key to the deepest kind of understanding. Cooperative, student-centered, discussion-based learning, and the freedom to make mistakes, are part of our students' everyday lives.
Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Overview
The Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) is a private, coeducational school in New York City, offering education from Pre-K to 12th grade. The school is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates under the mission of fostering intellectual curiosity, ethical responsibility, and social justice.
History
Founded by Felix Adler in 1878, the school initially operated as a free kindergarten, later expanding to include elementary grades as the Workingman's School. It became the Ethical Culture School in 1895 and established a secondary school by 1899. Over the years, the school expanded to multiple campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx, incorporating Fieldston Lower, Fieldston Middle, and Fieldston Upper divisions.
Education and Mission
The core of ECFS's educational program emphasizes ethics and progressive education, encouraging students to become independent thinkers. The curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary learning and whole-child pedagogy, nurturing intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. ECFS promotes diversity and inclusion, and it has a strong commitment to social justice.
Governance and Leadership
As of 2024, Kyle Wilkie-Glass serves as the CEO of Ethical Culture Fieldston School, leading the institution with a focus on academic excellence and progressive values. The school operates independently with a self-governing board of trustees, established in 1995.
Campus and Divisions
ECFS consists of four divisions:
- Ethical Culture: Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, serves Pre-K to 5th grade.
- Fieldston Lower: Situated in the Bronx, serves Pre-K to 5th grade.
- Fieldston Middle: Offers education for 6th to 8th grades in the Bronx.
- Fieldston Upper: Provides education for 9th to 12th grades in the Bronx.
Financial Aid and Tuition
The school provides financial aid to over 22% of its student body, distributing more than $15 million annually. Tuition for the 2023–2024 school year was $63,020.
Athletics and Student Life
ECFS has 60 junior varsity and varsity athletic teams and participates in the Ivy Preparatory School League. The school boasts a strong tradition of student-led clubs and service-learning organizations, with over 80 groups across the Upper and Middle Schools.
Publications
Students participate in numerous publications, including the Fieldston News, Inklings literary journal, and other student-led periodicals.
Notable Features
- Accreditation: ECFS is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
- Mascot: The school mascot is the Eagle.
- Colors: The school colors are orange.
- Motto: Fiat lux ("Let there be light").
Founded
1878
1200
Web
ecfs.org
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Ethical Culture Fieldston School | Private School in New York About Our Program How To Apply Student Experience Community Ethical Culture Fieldston School Where Education Meets Character A coeducational PreK12th Grade progressive school in New York City fostering intellectual curiosity ethical responsibility and social justice. Admissions Who We Are Experience Our Four Divisions Why choose Ethical Culture Fieldston School. Academic Excellence Our School challenges students to reach their full potential in body mind and spirit through the humanities sciences arts and physical education. Dedicated teachers foster active learning and engaging discussions in an atmosphere of intellectual discipline and creativity.
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From Social media
News about ETHICAL CULTURE FIELDSTON SCHOOL from their social media (Facebook and X).
- ETHICAL CULTURE FIELDSTON SCHOOL
- 2025-04-04
ECFS students travelled the world over Spring Recess. (fb) ... more
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- ETHICAL CULTURE FIELDSTON SCHOOL
- 2025-04-03
Several Fieldston Upper students were recognized for their originality, skill, and emerging personal voice and vision in this year’s New York City Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. (fb) ... more
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1. How can Ethical Culture Fieldston School further enhance its commitment to social justice within its existing curriculum and community programs?
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Brooklyn Simmons
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2. In what ways can students at Ethical Culture Fieldston School be encouraged to take initiative in promoting ethical responsibilities outside the classroom?
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Brooklyn Simmons
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Absolutely love the mission of Ethical Culture Fieldston School! It’s inspiring to see a place where academic excellence and ethical learning go hand in hand. 🌟 #EducationWithPurpose
Brooklyn Simmons
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So proud of the commitment to inclusion and diversity at Fieldston! Creating a community where every student's unique background is honored truly enriches everyone’s learning experience. 💖 #StrongerTogether
Brooklyn Simmons
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