The Masters School

Dobbs Ferry

New York

United States

Overview

Set on 96 acres overlooking the Hudson River, The Masters School is a leading coed independent day and boarding school. We welcome students in grades 5-12 and offer 5- and 7-day boarding options for upper school students. The School’s renowned seminar-style learning approach produces independent thinkers who graduate prepared for college, career and life. Students find their passion on the athletic field, in the studio and on the stage. Day and boarding students benefit from our vibrant 24/7 campus, globally diverse community, and accessible residential faculty.

Academics

Summary: The Masters School is distinguished by its powerful approach to education — the Harkness teaching and learning methodology, which gives every student an equal place of prominence during dynamic classroom discussions. Around the Harkness table, students lead class discussions and are inspired to prepare thoroughly, participate daily, solve problems collaboratively, and explore divergent ideas.

Department Director

Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1

Average Class Size: 14

Summer Programs: Not Offered

Full Time Teachers: 109

Number of AP Courses Offered: 15

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 70%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Learning Support

Peer Tutoring
Writing Center

English

Classics
Creative Writing
Honors
Literature
Poetry

History

Classical History
European History
Honors
United States History
World History

Foreign Languages

Chinese-Mandarin
French
Greek
Latin
Spanish

Religion / Philosophy

Ethics
World Religions

Humanities / Social Sciences

Economics
Psychology
World Issues

Sciences

Animal Behavior
Biology
Chemistry
Epidemiology
Electronics
Environmental Science
Health
Physics
Engineering
Computer Science
Robotics
Psychology

Math

Computer Studies

Multimedia
Computer Science

Music

Band
Choral Music
Individual Instructions
Music Theory
Orchestra
Recording
Voice

Performing / Visual Arts

Acting
Animation
Architecture
Art History
Ballet
Ceramics
Choreography
Dance
Debate
Design
Directing
Drama
Drawing
Graphic Design
Journalism
Painting
Photography
Pottery
Printmaking
Publications
Public Speaking
Screen-Printing
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Silkscreen
Stagecraft
Studio Art
Theater Arts
Theater Design
3-D Art
Modern Dance
Jazz Band
Orchestra

Special Programs

Study Abroad
Community Service
Exchange Programs
Personal Finance
Independent Study
Internships
Leadership
Entrepreneurship
Physical Education
Robotics
Public Speaking
Maker Space

Campus Life

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 5

Average Students Per Dorm: 35

Number of Girls Dorms: 3

Number of Boys Dorms: 2

Dorm Amenities

Game Room
Laundry Facilities
Lounge
Vending Machines
Wireless Internet
Full Kitchen
Refrigerator

Other Dorm Amenities

Gourmet Kitchens

Student Life

Students and teachers together represent an impressive variety of cultural, ethnic, religious, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and comprise a community distinctive in its diversity and in its acceptance of each person in it. For more visit https://www.mastersny.org/page.cfm?p=823

Facilities

All-Weather Track
Baseball Field
Basketball Court
Fitness Center
Indoor Basketball Court
Indoor Pool
Technology Center
Volleyball Court

Other Facilities

Fencing Strips
Squash Courts
Café

Clubs & Organizations

Amnesty International
Astronomy Club
Chess Club
Community Service
Diversity Club
Dorm Proctors
Drama Club
Environmental Club
Fencing Club
Foreign Language Clubs
Habitat for Humanity
International Club
Investment Club
Literary Magazine
Math Club
Model UN
National Honor Society
Newspaper
Peer Counseling
Peer Tutoring
Photography Club
SADD
Sexualities Club
Student Activities
Student Government
Student Publications
Theater Club
Weightlifting Club
Yearbook
Yoga Club
Anime Club
Film Club
Poetry Club
GSA

Arts & Athletics

Arts Department Director:

Athletics Department Director:

Notable Achievements: Over 50 FAA All-Stars since 2008; 7 consecutive ISFL fencing titles; 2014 and 2015 Boys Basketball FAA Champions

Arts

Acting
Animation
Architecture
Art History
Ballet
Ceramics
Choreography
Dance
Debate
Design
Directing
Drama
Drawing
Graphic Design
Journalism
Painting
Photography
Pottery
Printmaking
Publications
Public Speaking
Screen-Printing
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Silkscreen
Stagecraft
Studio Art
Theater Arts
Theater Design
3-D Art
Modern Dance
Jazz Band
Orchestra

Interscholastic Sports

Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country Running
Fencing
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Indoor Track

Recreational Sports

Aerobics
Cross Country Running
Dance
Golf
Martial Arts
Rock Climbing
Table Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Weight Lifting

Graduates

Summary: Today’s college process is complex and competitive. All three Masters School college counselors provide students and parents with detailed information and expert guidance, starting in grade 10.

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile
75th percentile

Notable Alumni

Kara DioGuardi

Class of 1988

Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, music publisher, A&R executive, composer and TV personality. She writes music primarily in the light pop-rock, dance and R&B genres.

Marin Alsop

Class of 1973

Marin Alsop is the first female conductor of a major symphony orchestra. She is currently music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and chief conductor of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Ravinia Festival.

Alex Pall

Class of 2003

Alexander Jo Pall is New York City-based DJ/producer/songwriter best known for his electronic dance music duo The Chainsmokers.

Nancy Kissinger

Class of 1951

Nancy Sharon Maginnes Kissinger is a philanthropist and the second wife of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Michele Roberts

Class of 1973

Michele A. Roberts is Executive Director of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Players Union and the first woman to head a major North American sports union.

Nia DaCosta

Class of 2007

Nia DaCosta is an American director and screenwriter. In August 2020, DaCosta was hired to direct "The Marvels," becoming the youngest filmmaker to direct a Marvel film.

Sam Coffey

Class of 2017

Sam Coffey is a soccer player selected 12th overall by the Portland Thorns F.C. in the 2021 National Women's Soccer League Draft.

Merit

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %

Average Merit Scholarship:

Current Endowment Amount: $66,700,000

Interested in The Masters School?

Vital Information

Student Body Type: Coed

Total Boarding: 141

Total Day: 538

Total Enrollment: 679

Boys: 356

Girls: 323

Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12

Day Grades Offered: 5-12

School Type: Middle, High School

Dress Code: Casual

Applications Accepted: SAO, Gateway to Prep

Application Deadline: January 15th

Tuition & Financial Aid

7-Day Boarding: $72,000

5-Day Boarding: $62,000

Day Tuition Fee: $51,500

Need-Based Aid: Offered

Payment Plans: Offered

Students Receiving Aid: 25%

Average Awarded: $43,000

School Finances