Discover the Discover the
BIRCH WATHEN BIRCH WATHEN LENOX LENOX UPPER SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL
BWL by the
4:1
Numbers
95%
Our 4:1 studentfaculty ratio is among the best offered by comparable schools.
95% of faculty members hold advanced degrees.
350 350 total students across K–12 85 in Lower School 65 in Middle School 200 in Upper School
38% 38% of students receive financial aid.
40 40 club offerings for the 2025–2026 school year, often added based on student interest.
55:45
BWL
34% Students of color make up approximately 34% of our student body.
55% male students 45% female students
11 11 interscholastic sports
Dear Future Lion Family, Upper School is a time of transformation. It is when students step fully into independence, refine their passions, and begin to imagine the lives they will lead beyond graduation. At BWL, we believe this chapter should be marked by purpose and possibility—guided by teachers who both challenge and mentor their students as they prepare for what comes next. Central to this experience is our commitment to cultivating thoughtful, respectful discourse. We introduce students to a range of perspectives and teach them to express their own ideas with clarity and confidence. This work is never political—it is deeply principled, rooted in the timeless values of curiosity, kindness, and intellectual integrity. In every classroom, we aim to teach students how to think, not what to think, nurturing not just scholars, but conscientious, articulate citizens ready to lead lives of meaning and impact. Here, learning is not only about academic rigor—though that remains central. It is about building resilience, self-awareness, and the capacity to engage constructively with complexity. Our students learn to reason fearlessly, to communicate with clarity, and to lead with both confidence and humility. These are the qualities that prepare them not only for college, but for life in a dynamic and interconnected world. What families value most is that their children are seen and supported as individuals. In these pivotal years, as young people define their identities and chart their own paths, BWL offers a community that celebrates their talents, respects their voices, and equips them to thrive. It is a place where tradition and innovation meet—where students grow into thoughtful, capable young adults eager to make their mark. We are honored to walk alongside families through this exciting stage of their children’s journey, and I look forward to the possibility of welcoming your family to BWL. Warmly,
Bill Kuhn Head of School
“BWL feels like a second home to me. I love walking into school each day knowing I’m surrounded by people who support me, challenge me, and truly care. Being part of this community makes me feel like I belong.” —11th Grade Student
Dear Future Upper School Lion, Moving up to the Upper School is a big step, and it’s one you are ready for. These next four years will be filled with new opportunities, fresh challenges, and plenty of moments that will help you discover who you are and who you want to become. You’ll find classes that push you to think in new ways. Maybe you’ll dive into Democracy and Dissent, where you’ll debate free speech and democracy with the same intensity you bring to a game or contest. Or maybe you’ll work on a real research project with scientists at Weill Cornell, exploring how the brain works. You might even start your own venture in the Entrepreneurship Program, turning an idea into something real. And through our Constructive Dialogue program, you’ll learn how to ask tough questions, engage with different perspectives, listen with intent to learn, and sharpen your voice in ways that will serve you for life. The Upper School is also about experiences beyond the classroom. You’ll join teams, clubs, and productions. You’ll travel across New York City to museums, performances, and cultural landmarks, using the city as your extended classroom. You’ll take on leadership roles and discover how to make your voice heard while also listening to others with respect. What makes BWL different is that here your voice truly matters. More than not getting lost in a large school or class, you will be seen, heard, and engaged in every class and community experience. Our size means teachers know you well, classmates become real collaborators, and you are encouraged to contribute in ways that shape both your own learning and the life of our school. We can’t wait to see you in the Upper School hallways, ready to take on everything ahead. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you. Warmly,
Mr. Salgado Co-Director of Upper School
Ms. Young Co-Director of Upper School
UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMIC CONCENTRATIONS
Academic Concentrations at BWL At Birch Wathen Lenox, students have the opportunity to chart their own academic journeys through our Academic Concentrations program. These pathways provide a dynamic, hands-on approach to learning that prepares students for both college and the professional world.
How Concentrations Work Students earn a concentration designation upon graduation by completing a sequence of courses along with experiential learning, competitions, or a final project or performance. This designation is affixed to their diploma, signaling to colleges and future employers a deeper level of study and accomplishment.
Why Concentrations Matter Concentrations allow students to pursue their passions with focus and rigor, while building the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school. Program overviews—including course requirements and descriptions—are detailed in individual Concentration Profiles. These profiles are shared with colleges as an attachment to the counselor's recommendation for each participating student.
Available Concentrations Performing Arts Visual Arts Environmental Studies Robotics Constructive Dialogue Neuroscience and STEM Writing Entrepreneurship History
Visit bwl.org/concentrations or scan the QR code for more information.
“My son has a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine, and BWL has given him invaluable opportunities to explore that passion. He’s part of the Neuroscience and STEM concentration, and the courses, research, and experiential opportunities have not only deepened his interest but also helped him reflect on his goals and discover new possibilities in the field. These experiences strengthened his college applications and gave him the knowledge and confidence to share his story with clarity and purpose.”
—Parent of 12th Grade Student
CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE AT BWL
CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE IN THE UPPER SCHOOL Learning to think fearlessly, lead thoughtfully, and engage with courage Constructive Dialogue is one of BWL’s core pillars, shaping how we teach, learn, and live together as a community. It is woven throughout the curriculum, co-curricular activities, and student life, giving Upper School students daily opportunities to practice open expression and engage across differences with respect and purpose. Exploring Complex Ideas Upper School students dive into some of the most pressing questions of our time. In classrooms that embrace diverse perspectives, students engage in reasoned debate, practice the Socratic Method, and learn to articulate their viewpoints with clarity and empathy. Intellectual risk-taking is encouraged, and students graduate with the skills to approach nuanced issues with confidence and curiosity.
Leadership and Expression Through opportunities such as the Constructive Dialogue Summit, the Debate Team, Model UN, and student government, BWL students refine their ability to lead conversations that matter. Peer Leaders receive training to model respectful discourse and to foster inclusive dialogue within the student body.
The Power of Perspective Students learn that every voice adds value. Through exposure to different viewpoints in class discussions, advisory activities, and guest speaker presentations, Upper School students practice expanding their perspectives while sharpening their voice and critical thinking skills. This balance builds empathy, resilience, and intellectual strength, preparing them to navigate the complexities of today’s world with confidence.
“In my classes, I’ve learned how to challenge ideas respectfully, and also how to have my own ideas challenged. That balance has made me a stronger thinker and more confident in expressing my thoughts.” — 11th Grade Student
Real-World Impact
“Talking through complex issues here has made me so much more confident for college. I know I’ll be able to express myself and also listen carefully to others.” — 12th Grade Student
Constructive Dialogue skills extend far beyond the classroom. Upper School students take what they learn into internships, community projects, debate competitions, and civic engagement opportunities. By applying critical thinking, active listening, and respectful communication in real-world contexts, students see the value of dialogue in creating solutions, building partnerships, and making a difference in their communities.
Preparing for College and Beyond Constructive Dialogue isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s preparation for life. By the time they graduate, students have practiced engaging with diverse perspectives, built resilience in tackling challenging topics, and developed the communication skills that top colleges—and future employers—seek.
A Culture That Lasts Whether in class debates, advisory discussions, or late-night conversations on retreats, BWL Upper School student are constantly practicing the art of Constructive Dialogue. It is this culture of openness and curiosity that prepares them to become the thoughtful, compassionate leaders the world needs.
Our Partners To enrich our work, BWL partners 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.
210 East 77th Street, NY, NY 10075 212.861.0404 www.BWL.org K–12 | Admissions@gbwl.org
A Week in the Life of Our 9th Grade Sample Schedule Time
Monday
8:15–8:55
Geometry
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Biology
Free Period
Biology
English
Spanish
Geometry
Fine Arts 9:00–9:40
Biology
9:45–10:25
Spanish
Biology
Free Period
World History Biology
World History
Spanish
11:15–11:55
Free Period
Geometry
12:00–12:40
English
Assembly
10:30–11:10
12:45–12:55
1:00–1:40
World History
Freshman Seminar
Music Production
Geometry
Spanish
Clubs Clubs Announcements (12:45–1:10) (12:45–1:10)
Advisory
Advisory
Entrepreneurship (Lunch)
Lunch
Entrepreneurship (Lunch)
Geometry
World History
Free Period
Biology
Music Production
English
Lunch
Lunch
1:45–2:25 Physical Education 2:30–3:10
Free Period
Spanish
English
UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS
Innovative Learning at BWL At Birch Wathen Lenox, we believe education is a constantly evolving process—one that responds to the issues of today while preparing students to shape the world of tomorrow. Guided by this philosophy, we are continually evaluating our curriculum and creating new opportunities for students to engage with the modern world. Our Upper School offers a range of distinctive, thought-provoking courses that set us apart from other independent schools. These courses encourage students to think critically, express themselves creatively, and explore complex ideas from multiple perspectives.
Featured Courses Banned Books Principles of International Relations Honors Poetry of Identity & Dissent Honors Creative Writing & Poetry: Portfolio Rhetoric and Reason Advanced Seminar: Research in the Humanities Advanced Seminar: Democracy & Dissent History of Totalitarianism Post-AP Computer Science: Python Applications Post-AP Spanish: Inquiry & Research in Hispanic Culture
Visit bwl.org/uscourses or scan the QR code for more information.
LEARNING
BWL Learning Partners AND and Collaborators COLLABORATORS PARTNERS
2025 Constructive Dialogue Summit Student Ambassadors
Extending Learning Beyond Our Walls Education doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Through partnerships with leading hospitals, universities, cultural institutions, and nonprofits, our students connect with experts who add real-world knowledge to their learning. These collaborations enrich our curriculum, expand perspectives, and prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world and to lead with knowledge, empathy, and confidence.
Partnership Highlights Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital Upper School students may apply for the President’s Junior Leadership Council (PJLC), a youth leadership program dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of Manhattan youth.
UNC–Chapel Hill Upper School students collaborate with neuroscientists on research projects and serve on the Teen Advisory Board.
Weill Cornell Medicine Through the Integrative Health & Wellbeing Center, families access expert nutrition guidance, yoga and mindfulness programs, wellness forums, and ongoing health resources.
American Jewish Committee (AJC) AJC helps BWL foster inclusion, strengthen civic education, and build resilience against antisemitism. It was a key partner in the 2025 Constructive Dialogue Summit.
ConnectED ConnectED supports respectful dialogue around the Israeli-Palestinian story, antisemitism, and Jewish history. It equips students and faculty with skills in empathy and media literacy.
The Social Institute The Social Institute provides a gamified platform that empowers students to navigate social media, technology, and well-being. It supports BWL’s commitment to Constructive Dialogue.
For a complete listing of BWL’s Learning Partners and Collaborators, visit www.BWL.org/partners
210 East 77th Street, NY, NY 10075 212.861.0404 www.BWL.org K–12 | Admissions@gbwl.org
A Week in the Life of Our 11th Grade Sample Schedule Time
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
8:15–8:55
Honors French
Free Period
AP Statistics
Banned Books
Friday
Physics 9:00–9:40
Physics
Honors Entrepreneurship Precalculus US History
9:45–10:25
Banned Books
Banned Books Physics
10:30–11:10
AP Statistics
AP Art History
AP Statistics
Honors French
US History
11:15–11:55
Honors Precalculus 12:00–12:40
Entrepreneurship
Assembly
12:45–12:55
Clubs Announcements (12:45–1:10)
1:00–1:40
Lunch
Peer Leaders (Lunch)
1:45–2:25
US History
AP Statistics
2:30–3:10
Honors Precalculus
AP Art History
Banned Books
US History
Honors Precalculus
Clubs (12:45–1:10)
Advisory
Advisory
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Physics
AP Statistics
AP Art History
Free Period
Honors French
BWL College Counseling
Preparing Students for a Future Beyond BWL BWL’s College Counseling program is a comprehensive approach that leads our students on a journey of introspection and self-discovery to identify the things that are important to their future as they tackle some basic, yet essential questions: What do I enjoy doing? In what kind of community am I happiest? Which environment will challenge me and provide me with the greatest foundation for achieving my goals? By gaining a better understanding of themselves, our students are empowered to navigate their college search and determine which college communities align with their intellectual, social, and cultural values. With more than 20 years of experience in highly selective admissions, our counselors come from "both sides of the desk," having worked at independent schools in NYC and in the admissions offices of highly selective undergraduate colleges and graduate programs. Our team provides individualized guidance that puts each student at the center of the process. Through student and family meetings and weekly seminars for juniors and seniors, we give students the tools, structure, and support necessary to handle each step in a thoughtful and organized way. After careful thought and reflection, we develop a customized application plan for each student—the how, when, where, and why they’re applying—that leads to the best outcomes. Throughout the year, our college counselors lead conversations for parents and guardians of 8th–10th graders where counselors and parents discuss the current college landscape and the BWL college experience. We also host a series of six financial aid workshops for families of 9th–12th graders, and maintain a financial aid resource center on our website. 9th and 10th Grades
During these early years in the Upper School, we encourage students to explore their interests by mindfully engaging in their coursework and activities. This is also a foundational period for students to sharpen their core study skills and solidify good habits that promote their academic and emotional well-being. 11th and 12th Grades
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.
BWL Class of 2025 College Decisions Bard College (2) Boston College—Massachusetts Bowdoin College Brown University Case Western Reserve University Chapman University Columbia University Cornell University Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Fairfield University Fordham University George Washington University Hamilton College (2)
Howard University Lehigh University (3) Miami University—Oxford Middlebury College Northeastern University Northwestern University Oberlin College Pennsylvania State University Roberts Wesleyan College Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers University— New Brunswick (2) Sarah Lawrence College Stonehill College Swarthmore College
Syracuse University Tufts University (2) University of Arizona (2) University of Chicago (2) University of Colorado Boulder University of Florida University of Maryland— College Park University of Ottawa University of Southern California University of Wisconsin— Madison Vassar College Villanova University (3) Wake Forest University (2)
The BWL College Counseling and the Office of Alumni Relations proudly share that in the past several years, BWL students have been admitted and chosen to attend (bold) the following colleges and universities: Adelphi University American University American University of Paris Amherst College Babson College Bard College Bates College Bennington College Binghamton University Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Brandeis University Brown University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Chapman University College of Charleston Clark University Colby College Colgate University Colorado College Colorado State University Columbia University Cornell University CUNY Baruch College CUNY Hunter College Dalhousie University Denison University Dickinson College Drew University Drexel University Duke University Eastern Connecticut State University Eckerd College Elon University Emerson College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emory University Fairfield University Fashion Institute of Technology Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Hamilton College Harvey Mudd College Haverford College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University
Howard University Imperial College London Indiana University Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University Kenyon College Lafayette College Lehigh University Lesley University Lewis & Clark College LIM College Loyola University Maryland Loyola Marymount University Manhattan College Marist College Marymount Manhattan College McGill University Miami University—Oxford Michigan State University Middlebury College Mount Holyoke College Muhlenberg College The New School New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University Oberlin College Occidental College Ohio State University Olin College of Engineering Pennsylvania State University Pratt Institute Purdue University Quinnipiac University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Roberts Wesleyan College Rochester Institute of Technology Rollins College Rutgers University Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College Skidmore College Smith College Southern Methodist University Spelman College St. John’s University Stonehill College SUNY Albany SUNY Buffalo SUNY New Paltz SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Purchase Swarthmore College Syracuse University
Towson University Trinity College Tufts University Tulane University Union College University College London University of Alabama University of Arizona University of California Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Chicago University of Colorado University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Denver University of Edinburgh University of Florida University of Guelph University of Maine University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of North Carolina University of Ottawa University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of Rochester University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of St Andrews University of Tampa University of Texas University of Tokyo University of Toronto University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Webb Institute Wesleyan University Wheaton College Williams College Worcester Polytechnic Institute
BWL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
Entrepreneurship at BWL: Igniting Ideas, Inspiring Impact Entrepreneurship at Birch Wathen Lenox is more than a program—it’s a mindset. Students are first introduced to design thinking and creative problem-solving in Middle School, where they learn to approach challenges with curiosity and collaboration. By Upper School, they are ready to move from idea generation to prototypes, launches, and fully operational ventures. 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 decision-making.
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.
Visit bwl.org/entrepreneurship or scan the QR code for more information.
Entrepreneurship Program Advisors
Maggie Sprenger
Brian Lancaster
Jayesh Punater
Adjunct Professor at NYU Stern School of Business, Partner at Audere Capital LLC
Professor of Finance and Economics at Columbia Business School, Founder and President of The Minot Group LLC
Founder and CEO of Nucleus DNA, Founder and CEO of Gravitas
Previous Guest Speakers
Ben Van Leeuwen
Edith Morris
Marcus Kupferschmidt
Co-founder and CEO of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Corporate Communications Executive at Expedia Group
Senior Director of Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Amy Howe
Tom Kang
Contessa Brewer
CEO of FanDuel Group
CEO of Nex
Journalist, Correspondent with CNBC Business News
EXCEL at BWL The EXCEL Program at BWL is an innovative program designed to provide targeted executive functioning support for our students in grades 6–12. This is a comprehensive initiative to develop the students’ executive functioning skills around attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. The program matches each student with a state-licensed educator trained in executive functioning. They work closely with their students to cultivate positive habit-building of executive functioning skills and strategies for organization, time management, task initiation, planning and prioritizing, sustained attention, and flexible thinking. Key Features of the Program: Individual Coaching: Each student will be paired with a dedicated EXCEL Learning Specialist who will meet with them individually twice weekly to teach executive functioning skills and strategies tailored to the student’s personal learning needs. Academic Lab/Small Group Sessions: Academic Lab groups meet up to three times per week. During these small group sessions, students practice using the executive functioning strategies learned during their 1:1 session with greater independence, with the support of an EXCEL Learning Specialist. Explicit and Integrated Teaching: During these instructional sessions, the student's teacher will explicitly teach executive functioning strategies utilizing research-based instructional models that target a specific area of need, such as attention, working memory, or cognitive flexibility. These strategies are taught as the student progresses through the BWL curriculum. Personalized Strategy Document: As each student progresses through the program, they will compile learned strategies in a strategy document to reference for future use. Collaborative Approach: The strategies developed and practiced during instructional sessions will be shared with all stakeholders, ensuring a collaborative effort to support growth. Habit Formation: Through consistent practice during sessions, the student will gradually integrate these strategies into their routine until they become habitual, promoting long-term success. Admission to EXCEL is by application only; Additional fees apply. Students applying for the EXCEL program will not receive financial aid for any portion of their tuition or EXCEL fees.
Visit bwl.org/excel or scan the QR code for more information.
“My son is very motivated to do well and sees the results when he puts in the effort. He has much more willingness to seek out help for his work within school from his teachers and out-of-school resources. He also appreciates having time in the school day and during the week to review and work on assignments and strategies.” —Parent of 10th Grade EXCEL Student
Upper School Activities and Clubs
Learning, connections, and inspiration don’t stop when classes end at BWL. Our Upper School Students can often be found working together in a variety of clubs and activities that add to their classroom experience, serve the community, and provide opportunities to delve deeper into areas that interest them. Clubs and activities are often added based on student interest. Offerings for 2025–2026 include the following: Peer Engagement
Shared Interest
Community Service
Student Council Breaking Walls and Limits Environmental Club Homecoming Peer Tutoring Prom Committee The Civility Club: How to Agree to Disagree RANGE Spirit Club Yearbook 7 Mindsets Club
The Chess Club AI Club (Artificial Intelligence) Investing and Finance Creative Writing Club Lion Launch The Reset Lounge Golf Club Students in Medicine (HSAFP) Jewish Affiliation Group Nursing and Public Health NYSEE: Education on NYC BWL Mountain Lions
Lending a Hand for Experience Camps Baking for Good BWL x BCU JET: Supporting Kids with Brain Cancer Wishbone @BWL Chat&Charm Everything for Anyone (EFA) Robin Hood Teen Council Club Grassroots Grocery Glamour Gals The Project Sunshine Club Leading with Kindness Recess: Working with Disabled Children
Competitive Teams BirchBots Robotics Debate Ethics Team Model UN
Arts at BWL Arts are central to the Upper School experience. Through music, theater, and visual arts, students refine their skills, discover passions, and share their creativity with the community. Music Students may join ensembles, including A Cappella, Rock Band, Orchestra, or Vocal Ensemble, performing at the Holiday Concert, Spring Concert, and Holiday Arts Festival each year.
Theater Electives such as Master Class, Audition Technique, Advanced Acting, Directing, and Performing Arts NYC give students the chance to grow as performers, creators, and collaborators. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Fall Play, Winter Musical, and Student Showcase, bringing their talents to the stage. These productions build confidence, foster teamwork, and strengthen students’ ability to express themselves in front of an audience.
Visual Arts Courses include Drawing, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Mixed Media. All Upper School students study Art History and visit local museums. Student work is celebrated in the Annual Art Show, featured in school publications, and displayed in installations throughout the school and the city.
Athletics at BWL Athletics at BWL are about more than competition—they are about building resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong commitment to health and wellness. Whether through Physical Education classes or interscholastic competition, Upper School students are encouraged to challenge themselves, support their teammates, and take pride in their growth as athletes and individuals. Physical Education
Competitive Athletics
Upper School PE classes emphasize the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Lessons in cardiovascular health, weight training, aerobic fitness, and more give students the tools to build positive habits that support physical and mental well-being for a lifetime. Instruction is designed to meet students at their level while encouraging them to expand their skills and fitness goals.
BWL student-athletes compete in the Independent School Athletic League (ISAL), taking on rival independent schools across New York City. Sports offerings include: Boys and Girls Tennis Boys and Girls Basketball Boys and Girls Soccer Boys and Girls Cross Country Boys and Girls Swimming Coed Golf Boys and Girls Track and Field Coed Squash Boys and Girls Volleyball BWL teams also participate in New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) competitions, giving student-athletes the opportunity to test their skills at an even higher level of competition.
Visit www.bwl.org/athletics or scan the QR code for more information.
Community Service at BWL
BWL's strong focus on building community is evident in our many Service-Learning initiatives. Through partnerships with outside organizations and the personal initiatives of students and community members in our school, we provide service learning opportunities where students can see the immediate impact of their efforts, and learn how to be agents for positive change. BWL is proud to have strong relationships with organizations like New York Common Pantry, Grassroots Grocery, Ronald McDonald House, Project Cicero, Glamour Gals, and Bear Givers, among others. Students participate in sandwich-making, food and toy drives, and annual charitable walks to support and raise awareness of causes including diabetes, breast cancer, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.
Parents Association
The BWL Parents Association is an enthusiastic force that supports the mission, efforts, and goals of the administration, faculty, staff, and student body. BWL is 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 Parents Association. With membership comes the opportunity to serve in parent leadership positions, such as committee chairs, class representatives, or event volunteers. The Parents Association strengthens the school in many ways by hosting and supporting these efforts:
Athletics Bake Sales Community Service Cultural Alliances Faculty and Staff Appreciation Multicultural Activities New Family Liaison Parents in Action (PIA) Liaison Performing Arts 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.” —12th Grade Student
210 East 77th Street New York, NY 10075 www.BWL.org admissions@gbwl.org
The Birch Wathen Lenox School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.