At BWL, we believe a child’s education should begin with joy where curiosity, play, and discovery spark the habits of careful reading, clear writing, and strong mathematics that carry through to graduation. From a child’s first friendships in kindergarten to the independence they gain in middle school and beyond, we are committed to cultivating not only academic excellence, but also character, creativity, and confidence
What makes our school truly special is not just what our students learn, but how they learn. They are encouraged to wonder, to ask questions, and to share ideas.Along the way, they build confidence, learn to care for others, and discover the excitement of trying something new.
What parents tell me they value most is the sense of belonging here In our dynamic city that moves quickly, our school offers an anchoring community where children are known, celebrated, and challenged. It is a place where timeless values of kindness and respect meet innovative opportunities that spark imagination and growth.
I am grateful for your interest in our community and excited for the possibility of welcoming your family to BWL.
Warmly,
Bill Kuhn Head of School
"Our son has been nurtured and loved by the teachers and has found a wonderful circle of friends with the other students at BWL. The curriculum is strong and creative, and we love all the opportunities for exciting learning experiences the school provides. But most of all, we really love this community."
—Lower School Parent
Dear Future Lion Family,
Welcome to the Lower School at Birch Wathen Lenox. Choosing a lower school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child, and we are honored that you are considering this journey with us.
In our classrooms, children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and take their first steps as independent learners. Our teachers understand that every child arrives with their own strengths and pace of growth, and they take great care to nurture both confidence and curiosity. Each day is thoughtfully designed to blend joyful play with meaningful learning, laying a strong foundation in early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development skills that will support lifelong success.
One of the experiences our youngest students love most is our Lions Roam NY program. From visiting a farm to see how pumpkins grow, to exploring museums and cultural landmarks, our youngest lions discover that learning extends far beyond the classroom. These adventures spark wonder, connect to their studies, and allow them to experience the richness of the city as an extension of their school.
Parents often share how reassuring it feels to know their child is part of a warm, close-knit community where they are truly known. We take pride in creating an environment that feels both safe and inspiring, a place where every child is celebrated for who they are, while also learning the importance of empathy, kindness, and caring for others.
I look forward to partnering with you as you explore how the Birch Wathen Lenox Lower School can be a joyful and nurturing home for your child to grow, learn, and thrive
Warmly,
Jennifer Burt Director of Lower School
LOWER SCHOOL PROGRAM OVERVIEW
AbouttheBWLLowerSchool
TheBirchWathenLenoxLowerSchoolofferschildrenmorethanjustanexcellentacademicbeginning itprovidesthe foundationforwhotheywillbecomeaslearnersandaspeople.FromKindergartenthrough5thgrade,studentsare immersedinarich,well-roundedprogramthatbalancesintellectualgrowthwithsocial,emotional,andcreative development
Lower School students sell crops from their student-run Hydroponic Farm at the Lower School Farmers Market.
Lions Roam
By taking learning beyond textbooks and traditional classroom walls, Lions Roam NYcultivates curiosity and a sense of belonging within the vibrant urban environment of NewYork City
210 East 77th Street, NY, NY 10075
212.861.0404 www.BWL.org
K–12 | Admissions@gbwl org
Time
8:00–8:20
8:30–8:55
9:00–9:30 9:35–10:45
10:50–11:25
11:30–12:10 12:15–12:55
1:00–1:40 1:45–2:25 2:30–2:55 3:00
A Week in the Life of Our 2nd Grade
Sample Schedule
GROWING INDEPENDENCE, BUILDING CONFIDENCE
In partnership with Let Grow, BWLoffers Lower School students meaningful opportunities to embrace responsibility, practice self-advocacy, and discover the confidence that comes with independence.
Constructive Dialogue is one of BWL’s core pillars, and it begins the moment students enter the Lower School. Even our youngest learners practice the art of listening closely, sharing their own ideas with confidence, and respecting the perspectives of others. We believe these early experiences lay the foundation for empathy, curiosity, and lifelong learning
Learning to Listen and Speak with Respect
In the Lower School, Constructive Dialogue is woven into daily routines. Morning meetings, read-alouds, and group projects all become opportunities to practice respectful turn-taking, thoughtful questioning, and open sharing.Teachers model how to disagree kindly and how to ask follow-up questions that keep the conversation moving forward.
DialogueAcross the Curriculum
Constructive Dialogue is not confined to humanities classes. In science labs, students debate the implications of medical discoveries. In history, they analyze multiple perspectives on pivotal events. In art, they reflect on how creativity can spark conversations about identity and meaning.Across subjects, dialogue sharpens critical thinking and reminds students that there are often many ways to approach a single question.
Growing Confidence in Community
As students discover their voices, they also learn the joy of being part of a classroom community Through conversations big and small, they come to
“Withouryoungeststudents, ConstructiveDialoguecanbe assimpleaslearningtotake turnsandreallylistentoeach other Watchingthempractice thoseskillsandrealize,‘Ican learnfrommyfriend’sidea,’is awonderfulpartofteachingat thislevel”
understand that their ideas matter and that listening to others helps everyone grow. This balance of speaking and listening strengthens friendships, builds trust, and gives students the confidence to try new things.
Preparing for the RoadAhead
By normalizing Constructive Dialogue from the very beginning, BWLLower School students carry forward essential habits: curiosity about others, courage to share, and respect for different points of view These skills prepare them not only for success in Middle and Upper School but also for a world where collaboration and understanding are more important than ever.
ACulture That Lasts
The habits students begin forming in Lower School set the tone for how they will approach dialogue and community throughout their entire BWLjourney. From morning meetings and classroom discussions to collaborative projects and playground conversations, our youngest learners practice listening, sharing, and solving problems together These early experiences lay the foundation for respectful dialogue, empathy, and confidence—skills they will carry with them into Middle School, Upper School, and beyond.
Our Partners
To enrich our work, BWLpartners with national leaders in dialogue and education, including:
The Social Institute equips students to navigate social media, tech, and well-being in ways that strengthen dialogue and community
The Constructive Dialogue Institute trains faculty and peer leaders in practices that promote deep inquiry and respectful exchange.
ConnectED supports critical conversations on history, antisemitism, and global issues with empathy and media literacy.
The Mill Institute provides resources that help schools foster open, rigorous discussion on today’s most challenging topics
LowerSchoolTeacher
Located in the heart of NewYork City, BWLembraces the unparalleled opportunities of our vibrant surroundings, transforming the city itself into a living and inspiring extension of our classroom through our Lower School Lions Roam NewYork Program.
WHEREYOUNG SCIENTISTS BECOME ENVIRONMENTALSTEWARDS
STUDENT-RUN HYDROPONIC& AQUAPONIC FARM
In partnership with NewYork Sun Works, BWLcreated a cutting-edge hydroponic and aquaponic farm inside our Lower School Science Lab. This unique facility gives students in Kindergarten through 5th grade hands-on opportunities to explore plant growth, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices. Insidetheselivinglaboratories,childrenlearnhowplantsthriveinsoil-free,nutrient-richsystems andhowaquaponicscreatesabalancedecosystembetweenfishandplants.Caringforthefarm buildsresponsibility,problem-solvingskills,andadeeperappreciationforenvironmental stewardshipandglobalfoodsystems.
Physical Education, Sports, andAthletics at Birch Wathen Lenox empower students to lead healthy and active lifestyles and hone valuable skills, including sportsmanship, teamwork, and physical fitness in PE classes, intramural sports, and interscholastic competitions. Students also have access to BWL’s new Fitness Center.
Lower School
Students in grades K–2 participate in weekly PE classes and outdoor time on the school's rooftop playground, strengthening fundamental skills of cooperative learning, physical coordination, discovery, play, and active listening. In grades 3–5, they continue building strength, agility, and physical fitness, while adding competitive sports, which encourage goal setting, creative thinking, teamwork, and FUN.
Middle School
Beginning in 6th grade, students can participate in afterschool intramural sports, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, and racquet sports, increasing their skill set and encouraging future participation in competitive sports. Students also participate in PE classes three times a week, along with extracurricular athletic activities. For the more competitive student-athlete, interscholastic competition through the Independent School Association League (ISAL) is introduced in 7th grade, with teams including soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track, tennis (8th), swimming (8th), and baseball (8th).
Upper School
Upper School PE classes emphasize the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle with lessons on cardiovascular health, weight training, aerobic fitness, and more, with instruction that encourages positive habits and physical health for a lifetime. Upper School student-athletes compete in the Independent School Athletic League (ISAL). Sports include Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Basketball, coed Swimming, coed Squash, Boys and Girls Track and Field, Boys and GirlsTennis, coed Golf, and Boys Baseball. The school also participates in state-level competitions through the NewYork StateAssociation of Independent Schools (NYSAIS).
The college process takes shape during junior year Students participate in weekly seminars that prepare them for the application and selection process At the beginning of 11th grade, juniors visit three colleges that represent institutions with different settings, sizes, and programs. Junior year culminates with a case study workshop for students and parents led by admissions representatives from selective colleges
During senior year, students meet dozens of college representatives who visit BWL each fall Family meetings, individual counselor chats, and a college fair round out the experience By these latter years in the Upper School, our students have embraced the opportunity to learn more about themselves This self-awareness becomes a key component to finding their best-fit colleges
Visit bwl.org/college or scan the QR code for more information.
The BWLCollege Counseling and the Office ofAlumni Relations proudly share that in the past several years, BWLstudents have been admitted and chosen to attend (bold) the following colleges and universities:
Upper School Entrepreneurship Program: A Four-Year Journey of Innovation
Our Upper School Entrepreneurship Program is a signature offering and a true differentiator among New York City’s independent schools. Structured as a four-year sequence, students progress from foundational skills in Level 1, to product development in Level 2, to launch and growth strategies in Level 3, and finally, the Level 4 Accelerator—a capstone year dedicated to scaling a fully operational business.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Students gain unparalleled access to mentorship and real-world opportunities. They hear from inspiring guest speakers, visit both startups and established companies, and work closely with industry experts who provide feedback and guidance. Competitions, showcases, and pitch events create authentic opportunities to test their ideas while honing the durable skills of communication, adaptability, and ethical decisionmaking.
Building Confidence and Real-World Skills
From the very first project, students are treated as emerging entrepreneurs and leaders. They learn to spot opportunities, assess risks, and turn ideas into actionable solutions. Coursework blends creativity with practical business knowledge in finance, marketing, and leadership—all anchored in BWL’s values of integrity and purposeful action.
Ready for What’s Next
By graduation, BWL entrepreneurs don’t just imagine what’s possible—they’ve built, tested, and scaled it. Whether continuing their ventures, pursuing new ideas, or entering college and careers, they leave with the confidence, experience, and practical tools to make an impact.
Entrepreneurship Program Advisors
JayeshPunater
vious Guest Speakers
Parents Association
The BWLParentsAssociation is an enthusiastic force that supports the mission, efforts, and goals of the administration, faculty, staff, and student body.
BWLis fortunate to have the involvement of dedicated and committed parents who enhance the relationship between home and school Upon enrollment, all parents are granted membership in the ParentsAssociation With membership comes the opportunity to serve in parent leadership positions, such as committee chairs, class representatives, or event volunteers The ParentsAssociation strengthens the school in many ways by hosting and supporting these efforts:
Athletics
Bake Sales
Community Service
CulturalAlliances
Faculty and StaffAppreciation
MulticulturalActivities
New Family Liaison
Parents inAction (PIA) Liaison
PerformingArts
Robotics
Spirit Shop
Spring Fair
Spring Benefit
Volunteer Coordinator Visit www.bwl.org/pa or scan the QR code for more information.
“As a senior about to graduate, I can honestly say that BWL has prepared me for what’s next. I was accepted to my top-choice school, and I feel so ready for college. I’m grateful to my teachers and everyone who helped me reach my goals and who had a part in creating the incredible experience I had at BWL.”
