24EFA_eBrochure_NewYork_EN

International Boarding School

New York

Where tradition meets innovation

Welcome!

I am delighted to introduce you to EF Academy New York. We offer all the academic rigor and campus amenities you would expect from a world-class boarding school— yet that is only the beginning. In the following pages, I’m excited to share how our innovative and fully immersive approach unlocks your child’s unique potential and prepares them for a future that knows no borders.

Dr. Vladimir D. Kuskovski

Dr Vladimir D. Kuskovski

Head of School

Head of School

EF Academy New York

EF Academy New York

Where tradition meets innovation

All parents want their children to be happy and successful. That’s what we want, too. So we started a new kind of school. This allowed us to take the best of the past and fuse it with the best of the future. At its core is total immersion. We’ve redesigned every aspect of the high school experience so that learning is highly individualized, totally hands-on, and in a global community of 60+ nationalities—the EF Academy Difference.

Meet our Advisory Council

An esteemed group of visionary educators helping us build a school for today's world.

Dr. Fernando Relmers Professor of International Education

Harvard University

Author of Educating Students to Improve the World

Dr

.

Mukul

Kumar

Chief Innovation Officer

Hult International Business School

Professor, Harvard University

Former President, United World College, USA

Dr. Laurie Santos

Professor of Psychology

Yale University

“The Science of Well-Being”

Host of The Happiness Lab podcast

EF Academy Difference

Our Philosophy

Classmates from 60+ nationalities: a truly global school

Few other schools can match the “mini-UN” vibe of an EF Academy campus.

See page 8

Personalized education— one size never fits all

Every student is unique—that’s why every learning journey must be unique. We craft a custom pathway just for you.

See page 10

Mastery of skills, not memorization of facts

Here you build essential skills and learn how to think—the real secret to success.

See page 12

Our Academics

Great teachers who are experts in their field

Our teachers share their deep knowledge and real-world experience to inspire the best in you.

See page 16

Our Campus Life

Real-life

learning— way beyond textbooks

The best way to learn is to get your hands dirty and make your own discoveries both in and outside the classroom.

See page 20

Customized counseling: 4,000 universities, but only one you One-to-one advising with your expert University Counselor helps you get into your dream school.

See page 24

A campus where learning happens everywhere

Our picturesque campus is strategically located on 97 acres, only a short train ride away from legendary New York City.

See page 30

Daily mentorship and 24/7 support

House parents, advisors, and teachers work as one team to look after your well-being and success.

See page 40

Where you can be you: Your home away from home

Our welcoming campus community allows you to come as you are and become who you want to be.

See page 42

Where tradition meets innovation

EF Academy Philosophy Total immersion is a better way to learn

A truly global school: classmates from 60+ nationalities

Few other schools can match the “mini-UN” vibe of an EF Academy campus. Virtually every class, activity, and event becomes “global studies.” You’re constantly expanding your worldview with multiple perspectives while sharing your own culture and traditions.

“Living and going to class with a multitude of different nationalities allows you different perspectives on how other cultures view the world. At EF Academy, this has allowed me to view the world with a completely different lens that I take with me in all of my future endeavors.”

AUSTIN

Class of 2023

United States

We take you out of your comfort zone!

On day one you’re assigned to classes, advisory groups, and dorm communities with students who come from just about everywhere imaginable. The whole point of our global community is to learn how to navigate differences. Together, you begin to share your culture, find common ground, and embrace diversity as a superpower—all important skills for navigating an ever-shrinking world.

Every class is global studies

Since you and your classmates come from 60+ countries, we carefully design every class so you can add your unique voices to the discussion. In this way, you begin to teach each other and enrich everyone’s understanding with multiple perspectives. You also get daily practice in listening to diverse points of view, asking questions, engaging in discourse, and building bridges of understanding and respect across cultures and ideas.

Expanded horizons lead to a fuller life

It’s important to be an active participant in campus life—both in and out of the classroom. You’ll find that daily life is much richer when you can say “please” and “thank you” in several languages, incorporate other holiday traditions into your own, appreciate music from other cultures, and play sports and games from around the world. To spend time building deep and meaningful relationships with such diversity will enhance your ability to connect, relate, and find joy with others throughout life.

Discover new ways of reasoning in Philosophy class with your classmates from around the world

An important part of Philosophy class is challenging the student's ability to synthesize many different perspectives. While teachers of a more homogeneous student body need to spend time presenting varying viewpoints themselves, the students at EF Academy jump right into critical discussions. When studying medical ethics, for example, students pretend they are doctors & have to rank the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Due to their diversity, their lists are always in conflict. Not only that, due to their backgrounds our students differ vastly in their styles of reasoning—what is known as their 'geography of thought.' In these productive discussions, you have the perfect recipe to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how humans know what we claim to know.

Personalized education— one size never fits all

Every student is unique—that’s why every learning journey must be unique. We craft a custom pathway just for you based on your talents and strengths. We help you set personalized growth goals with your advisors, and develop a plan for achieving them with courses and co-curricular activities you actually care about.

Build your success plan from day one

Don’t wait until your third year to start discussing future options. Begin working one-on-one with your University Counselor from the day you start school all the way to graduation. They help you figure out your personal goals, design a plan, and advise you on which classes you should be taking and which skills you should be developing to achieve your dreams.

It’s what’s behind your grades that matters most

Unlike other schools, all of your courses are designed around the skills and knowledge you will need for success in university, career, and life. You discover your true strengths, talents, and passions—and work closely with your teachers to develop the skills that build on them.

There are so many options to choose from

Your personal growth is 24/7

Research shows that one of the most important keys to happiness and well-being is building meaningful relationships. That’s why campus life is so important to your education—from the classes you take and the sports, clubs, and activities you join to the discussions you have with your house parent or advisor. We try to help you reflect on and grow from these experiences so you can develop the communication, selfawareness, and empathy essential to strong and lasting relationships.

Each student has the ability to tailor their education to their passions and future goals. For instance, some students opt to join the full IB Diploma Programme while others choose to earn a few IB Diploma Certificates in specific subjects related to their interests and what they want to study in university. Others add AP classes to their academic portfolio. No matter what courses you take, your University Counselor, advisor and teachers always ensure you are finding the right balance between being challenged and achieving your ultimate goals.

“I had never had teachers who were this involved in my education before. I’ve received personalized support from my teachers to overcome my fear of public speaking, which I have!”

KAORU

Class of 2025

Japan

Mastery of skills, not memorization of facts

Here you learn how to think—the real secret to success. All your courses are designed around the skills and knowledge you will need to flourish in life, not just facts and figures, to pass the next test. Because it’s not the knowledge itself that’s important—it’s how you use it.

“At EF Academy teachers want you to use logical thinking to solve problems. I think it’s the best way to prepare us for the future.”

MASHA Class of 2024 Ukraine

We only design classes that are skills-based

Every single class you take, whether that’s English, chemistry, or computer science, is carefully designed so that you are gaining both knowledge in that subject and practical skills that you can use throughout your life. In the case of English, for example, you learn how to analyze a text using the core competency of critical thinking to determine whether what you’re reading is based on fact or opinion.

You always produce evidence of what you’ve learned

Just like in real life, it’s important to prove your understanding of a topic with concrete examples of how you’ve applied the knowledge. At EF Academy, your grades will reflect the quality of your work and mastery of key skills, not just the average of the quizzes and tests you take. Get ready to collaborate on projects and create original works that solve real-world problems with practical solutions.

The focus is on true learning

Our approach shifts the focus from “how do I get an A on this test?” to “what knowledge do I need to acquire, and what skills do I need to work on?” You get continual feedback from your teachers throughout the entire year, reducing test anxiety while freeing you up to focus on your true learning and development—what real education should be.

How the Learning and Knowledge Program strengthens student skills in all subject matter and beyond

While all our classes incorporate critical thinking and problem solving, all EF Academy students also participate in the Learning and Knowledge Program, in which you are given the opportunity to participate in universitylevel thinking, regardless of your diploma program track.

Learning objectives

Built upon the foundation of philosophy, attention to detail, and creating a “play mindset," you delve into thought experiments like the “The Ship of Theseus Paradox”. If the Athenians replaced the old planks of a ship, is it still the same ship? These kinds of questions challenge our understanding of identity when undergoing transformation. You grow throughout the program as you navigate courses that build upon themselves across all four years. By graduation, you will have expanded your mindset through critical thinking and your adaptability through interdisciplinary learning.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the entire program, you will have earned credit towards your high school degree and fulfilled the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) requirement if you are a full IB Diploma Program student. You also graduate with a portfolio of demonstrated competencies that you can showcase on your university applications and even in career interviews.

Where tradition meets innovation

EF Academy Academics

Get your hands dirty with real-world challenges

Great teachers who are experts in their field

A great education always starts with great teachers. Over 90% of our faculty members have advanced degrees. Our teachers share their deep knowledge and real-world experience to inspire the best in you. Many have led successful, professional careers in their subject areas and offer first-hand insight into how it really works on the ground.

ART

Jessica Soininen-Eddis Arts Teacher

“At the beginning of the course, everyone is still exploring, but soon they discover the ideas and media they want to express in. Many of our students have gone on to very prestigious programs like Parsons, RISD, etc. I love witnessing how my students develop and the different artworks they come up with. It’s so rewarding.”

Jessica Soininen-Eddis received her B.F.A. in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence, Rhode Island, and her M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. She is a contemporary visual artist and inspiring art educator with more than 15 years of experience. As an IB Art teacher, her encouraging, positive, and enthusiastic approach to teaching art is contagious to all of her students. When learning from Ms. Soininen-Eddis, it is clear that she has a real passion for inspiring students to create their own, unique artwork while learning about artistic technique and the power of creative expression.

PHILOSOPHY

Cory Johnson

Learning & Knowledge Department Head; Learning and Knowledge Teacher

“Critical thinking is something we aim to develop in our students. We target it in our Learning and Knowledge Program, which teaches the process of analyzing and evaluating information to make wellreasoned decisions. It involves learning the different types of logic, asking questions, examining evidence, and considering perspectives. For instance, we let students discover how seemingly different fields like math and visual arts can, in fact, have similar methodologies in studying them. But what makes the program really special is that we’re introducing philosophy, which is rare in high school, and giving them a taste of learning at the university level.”

Mr. Cory Johnson graduated from Colby College with a B.A. in Physics and from Virginia Tech with a M.A. in Philosophy, and he is currently pursuing his doctorate. Prior to coming to EF Academy in 2018, Mr. Johnson taught English for EF in China and Spain, as well as philosophy in New Zealand. Beyond academics, Mr. Johnson serves as the coach of the EF Academy Table Tennis Team in addition to being a Residential Advisor.

BIOLOGY

Stephen Fleming

Science Department Head; Biology, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science Teacher

“We bring students on a trip to Belize, where they have the opportunity to travel to a research station right on the barrier reef. It’s informative, fun, adventurous, and we make tangible connections to the IB curriculum.”

Stephen Fleming graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Siena College and received his M.S. in Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. Before joining EF Academy, where he is the Head of the Science Department and teaches IB Biology, he taught at the American International School in Warsaw, Poland. His passion for science and education motivated him to start a nonprofit that introduces students to marine science along New York City's waterways aboard a 63' research vessel.

LANGUAGES

Miriam Ortiz

World Languages Department Head, Spanish Teacher

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being an educator is being able to see students' eyes light up and smiles widen as they accomplish their personal or academic goals.”

Miriam Ortiz holds a B.S. degree in Adolescent Education from Fordham University, specializing in Spanish grammar and literature, and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern New Hampshire University. Ms. Ortiz joined EF Academy in 2009 teaching Spanish and English, as well as EAL courses. Since 2015, Ms. Ortiz has successfully been guiding students through the IB Spanish curriculum. As the World Languages Department Head, she enjoys inspiring others with her passion for languages and curiosity for learning. Ms. Ortiz has also been the Girls Varsity Soccer Coach since 2013 and enjoys sharing her love for the sport.

English & Humanities

English

Full year courses:

– English Language and Composition

– English Language and Literature

– English Literature

Semester courses:

– Critical Writing and Research

– Creative Writing

– Drama

– Visual Texts, including:

– Poetry

– Media Studies

– Film and Literature

– Graphic Novels

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Full year courses:

– EAL Skills 9

– EAL: Language and Literature 9

– EAL Skills 11 & 12

Humanities

Full year courses:

– History

– U.S. History

– Comparative

– Global Politics – Psychology – Economics

– U.S. History 1, 2

– Ancient Civilizations

– Global Perspectives

– Entrepreneurship

– Marketing

– Government and Politics

– Entrepreneurship

– Business Innovation

Science, Computers & Technology

Science

Full year courses:

– Biology

– Chemistry

– Combined Science (only offered for EAL 9/10)

– Computer Science: Coding

– Computer Science: Design Technology

– Engineering and Design

– Forensic Science

Marine Biology – Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Environmental

– Systems and Societies

– Physics

Mathematics

Full year courses:

– Pre-algebra

– Algebra 1 and Geometry

– Algebra 2 and Trigonometry

– Pre-calculus

– Statistics and Finite Math

– Calculus

– Math Applications and Interpretations

– Math Analysis and Approaches

Learning & Knowledge

Semester courses:

– Philosophy

– Anthropology

– Sociology

– Technology of Tomorrow

– Logic & Game Design

– History of Ideas

– Linguistics

Full year courses:

– Theory of Knowledge

– Senior Learning and Knowledge

Design your own high school experience

World Languages

Full year courses:

French

– French 1, 2, 3, 4

– Ab Initio Y1/Y2 French

– French B Y1/Y2

German – German 1, 2

– German Language and Literature

Spanish

– Spanish 1, 2, 3, 4 – Ab Initio Y1/Y2 Spanish – Spanish B Y1/Y2

– Spanish Language and Literature

Chinese

– Chinese Ab Initio – Chinese Language and Literature

Korean

– Korean Language and Literature

Russian – Russian Language and Literature

Vietnamese – Vietnamese

Art

Visual Arts – Foundations of Art – Visual Arts

Performing Arts

Full year courses: – Song Writing – Drama – Music – Film – Music – Theater

Semester courses: – Communication / Public Speaking – Digital Music – Musical Theater Performance – Introduction to Music – Piano Class – Choir

Prerequisites of Foundations of Art: – Drawing – Painting – 3D Art

Physical Education

Semester courses:

– Emotional and Physical Health

– Strength and Conditioning

– Sports

– Adventure

Courses at EF Academy New York

At EF Academy you have a variety of courses to choose from, including IB and AP courses

IB Diploma Programme: The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is offered at our New York and Oxford campuses. The diploma program is comprised of six subject groups and three core elements: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) project. IB classes can be compared to college-level courses and are meant to inspire international-mindedness within its learners. This is a two-year long program, beginning in Grade 11, and is widely accepted at universities around the globe.

Can I take IB courses without enrolling in the full diploma program? You may also opt to take IB courses without enrolling in the full diploma program and will earn IB certificates for those specific subjects. You will take the class as one would in the full program along with the exam at the end of the course. Successful completion of an IB certificate in a particular subject may allow you to earn university credit, which you might be able to apply to a future degree program at your chosen university.

AP Courses: Advanced Placement (AP) courses are recognized worldwide for their academic rigor while introducing high school students to first-year college content in a broad array of subjects. High performance on AP exams can earn students college credit at some universities.

Regardless of which academic route or courses you take, if you successfully pass all of your classes, you will graduate with a high school diploma.

Real-life learning— way beyond textbooks

The best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and make your own discoveries—in and outside the classroom. We keep class sizes small so you can focus on building skills and knowledge through group projects that bring concepts to life. You also tackle real challenges and find real solutions through field study and service learning.

A week without walls

Every fall semester, you will take a break from the school year and join all the students in your grade on a multi-day immersive tour to locations like Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York City— each designed specifically for the stage you're at in your high school career. Exploring museums, experiencing famous landmarks, and participating in service learning allows you to delve deeper into what you are learning and bond with your classmates at the same time.

EF & the Nobel Prize Museum Partnership

Through EF’s partnership with the Nobel Prize Museum, you hear directly from Nobel Prize Laureates and even have a chance to display your own work alongside Nobel Prize winners in the museum in Stockholm.

Grasp the concept rather than memorize answers

Research shows you understand your academic subjects more deeply when you can combine frameworks and concepts from multiple disciplines. For example, you will sketch and paint in our art studios to demonstrate your understanding of the mathematical Fibonacci sequence, or the ‘Golden Ratio’.

Make the world your classroom

Stephen Fleming, our Science Department Head, takes students on a spring break trip to Belize to help local marine biologists examine indigenous fish and promote Mayan heritage with locals through traditional meals and pottery.

Escape rooms to bring novels to life

Ms. Taryn Smith brings real-life learning into her English class by setting up a survival-themed escape room when her class reads “Into Thin Air,” a book based on a disaster on Mr. Everest. The students become a rescue team that needs to solve clues using logical thinking and teamwork to help find the lost camper. This helps students delve deeper into the characters' motives and storyline in a tangible way.

“The teaching and learning methods here are completely different from the ones I’m used to at home. It’s made learning fun and motivating because I discover the world through projects that impact my community and develop me as an individual in this increasingly connected society.”

LUCIO Class of 2023

Italy

Making waves in the Hudson River

As part of our science department’s curriculum, you participate in an annual project called “Day in the Life of the Hudson”, where you transform into citizen scientists, delving into the heart of this resurgent New York estuary and collecting invaluable chemical and biological data. What you gather is then shared with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, contributing to a more profound grasp of the river's health and the wider environment that helps protect the river.

Experience an exciting mountain bike race on campus

Each year, our school becomes a center of adrenaline and community spirit as we host exciting competitions for Westchester County. Our 97-acre campus serves as the backdrop for the events, providing a challenging course where competitors face off in fierce individual races. You can also join the race, like Khang, our determined student from Vietnam, who fearlessly took on the boy's JV race this year!

Explore New York's arts and cultural venues

Manhattan brims with skyscrapers, culture, and the opportunity to delve deeper into what you are learning in class. Our history classes take field study trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), where you can explore the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome through the collections of artifacts found there.

Take advantage of your natural surroundings

Within the expanse of our campus, you can embrace the opportunity to step out of the traditional classroom setting and into nature, like at our very own pond! Our students immerse themselves in hands-on experiences that foster a deeper connection to the living ecosystem. You can find our biology students casting out fishing nets, collecting samples, and uncovering the mysteries that lie beneath the pond. On the other hand, you can frequently see art students using the pond as their muse to create original paintings or as a feature of their photography portfolio.

The student becomes the teacher

Annually, students embark on a meaningful journey in collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation. They assume the role of an educator, sharing what they have learned about microplastics and oceanography, and inspire middle school students across the Greater New York City area to become dedicated stewards of our marine ecosystems.

Customized counseling: 4,000 universities, but only one you

Applying to university can be overwhelming. One-to-one advising with a professional counselor helps you get into your dream school. They work with you from your first year to choose the right courses and co-curricular activities, then craft applications that showcase your talents and skills—so you can get into the right university program to meet your goals in life.

“My university advisor Kristen Carter is helping me explore my interests, skills, and values to create a personalized academic plan that aligns with my future goals. By knowing my personal and academic goals, she’s helping me research the best university that fits my needs.”

JAVIER Class of 2024 Spain

With one-to-one advising, the focus is on you

When you arrive, you’re assigned a dedicated University Counselor who works closely with you throughout your time at EF Academy. Your counselor guides you in taking the right courses to meet your personal, academic, and career goals. They help you identify your perfect list of universities to match your career ambitions, academic strengths, and unique learning style. They mentor you in crafting and sending out strong applications and coach you on how to shine in interviews with admissions officers.

Join guided visits to the campuses of local universities

During peak application season, you go on college tours of local universities to identify what type of school environment you prefer. We also have college fairs twice a year on campus where you can speak with admissions teams from both US and international universities.

Tell your story

A well-lived high school experience is the key to a successful college application. Your University Counselor continuously advises you on how to craft your unique story by explaining the strategy behind your academic choices, taking on leadership roles, trying out for new teams, finding a public forum to showcase your work, or volunteering your time for a cause that you care about.

It’s not just about getting into a great university. It’s about getting into the right one

A recent graduate of EF Academy, Viridiana, from Mexico, had a passion for architecture but was unsure of the best university for her. She sought out help from her University Counselor to create a short list of universities that met her needs, then chose classes such as IB Visual Arts and Engineering & Design. Through her experience, Viri was delighted to find out that she was accepted to her top two university choices: Cornell University and The Cooper Union. Viri debated deeply about which university would best suit her.

After working with her University Counselor, she decided that while Cornell would be academically stimulating overall, she would learn more practical skills at The Cooper Union's dedicated School of Architecture. Viri is successfully studying there and is very happy with her decision.

Our students get into leading universities

EF Academy students secure spots at the world’s top universities. More importantly, the vast majority get into their first or second-choice school for their career plans.

Placement results over the past three years include:

Top 100 in the world

Offers received from 45% of the world’s top 100 universities

Top 50 in the US

Offers received from 34 out of the US’s top 50 universities

Top 20 in the UK

Offers received from 20 out of 20 of the top UK universities

92%

Successful placement in the student’s first or second-choice university

99%

Successful university placement upon graduation

In the last three years, our students have gone to the following universities:

Notable rankings

Top 20 UK Universities (US News)

Top 100 US National Universities (US News)

Top 50 US Liberal Arts Colleges (US News)

Top 10% of Worldwide Universities (QS)

Top 30 Worldwide Arts & Performance and Notable Universities (QS)

USA

Abertay University

American University

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Baruch College—City University of New York

Baylor University

Bentley University

Berkeley College New York City

Berklee College of Music

Binghamton University—State University of New York

Boston Architectural College

Boston College

Boston University

Brandeis University

Brooklyn College—City University of New York

California Institute of the Arts

California State University—Fullerton

California State University—Los Angeles

California State University— Monterey Bay

California State University—San Marcos

Carleton College

Champlain College

Chapman University

Clark University

Colgate University

College of Saint Rose

Colorado School of Mines

Columbia College Chicago

Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art

Cornell University

Dallas College

DePaul University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University— Daytona Beach

Emory University

Everett Community College

Fashion Institute of Technology

Florida International University

Foothill College

Fordham University

Franklin & Marshall College

George Mason University

George Washington University

Gonzaga University

Goucher College

Hilbert College

Howard University

Indiana University Bloomington

Iona College

Iowa State University

Iowa Western Community College

Keiser University

Kenyon College

Lehigh University

Lewis & Clark College

LIM College

Long Island University

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University Chicago

Lynn University

Manhattan College

Maryland Institute College of Art

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Mercy College

Merrimack College

Miami Dade College

Miami University—Ohio

Michigan State University

Michigan Technological University

Missouri State University

Monroe College

Musicians Institute—Los Angeles

New York University

Northeastern University

The Ohio State University

Orange Coast College

Otis College of Art and Design

Pace University

Parsons School of Design— The New School

Pennsylvania State University— Harrisburg

Pennsylvania State University—

University Park

Pratt Institute—Main

Purdue University

Rhode Island School of Art & Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University—New Brunswick

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

San Francisco State University

Sarah Lawrence College

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

School of Visual Arts

Seton Hall University

St Francis College

St. John’s University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Stony Brook University—State University of New York

Suffolk University

Syracuse University

The New School

Tufts University

Tulane University

Union College

University at Buffalo—

State University of New York

University of Arizona

University of California—Berkeley

University of California—Davis

University of California—Irvine

University of California—

Los Angeles

University of California—Riverside

University of California—San Diego

University of California—Santa Cruz

University of Central Florida

University of Connecticut

University of Florida

University of Guelph

University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Kansas

University of Massachusetts— Amherst

University of Massachusetts—Boston

University of Massachusetts—Lowell

University of Miami

University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

University of Missouri

University of North Dakota

University of San Francisco

University of South Carolina

University of Southern California

University of South Florida

University of Tampa

University of the Pacific

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Vanderbilt University

Virginia Tech

Wake Forest University

Wells College

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

UK

Birmingham City University

Brunel University London

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff University

City, University of London

Coventry University

Goldsmiths, University of London

Hult Business School

International School of Creative Arts

Keele University

King’s College London

Kingston University

Loughborough University

Manchester Metropolitan

New College of the Humanities

Nottingham Trent University

Oxford Brookes University

Queen Mary University of London

Regent’s University London

Richmond, The American International University in London

Royal Holloway, University of London

Solent University Southampton

UCFB Manchester

University College London

University of Aberdeen

University of Bath

University of Birmingham

University of Brighton

University of Central Lancashire

University of Essex

University of Greenwich

University of Leeds University of Leicester

University of Liverpool University of Oxford

University of Sheffield University of Southampton University of Sussex

University of the Arts, London University of the West of England— UWE Bristol

University of West London

University of Westminster

Worldwide

Bocconi University

Copenhagen Business School

Dongguk University

EADA Business School

EBS University

Ecole Hotelier Lausanne

EDEM—Escuela de Empresarios

EDHEC Business School

EHL

Erasmus University Rotterdam

ESCP Business School

Escuela Universitaria de Diseño, Innovacion y Tecnología

European University of Madrid

Francisco de Vitoria University

Glion Institute of Higher Education

Hanze University

Hosei University

Hotel Institute Montreux

IE University

Institut Culinaire de France

Istituto Marangoni

James Cook University

John Cabot University—Rome

Le Cordon Bleu—Shanghai

Les Roches International School of Hotel Management—Marbella

LUISS Guido Carli

Maastricht University

McGill University

National Taiwan University of Arts

Nebrija University

Ontario College of Art and Design

Politecnico di Milano

Shibaura Institute of Technology

SUNY Korea

Tecnológico de Monterrey

Tecnológico de Monterrey, Santa Fe Campus

Temple University Japan

United International Business Schools—

Zurich

Universidad Anahuac

Universidad Panamericana

University College Utrecht

University of Amsterdam

University of Bologna

University of Groningen

University of New York in Prague

The University of New South Wales

University of Queensland

University of Toronto

University of Warsaw

University of Waterloo

Utrecht University

Vin University (Vietnam)

Warsaw Medical University

Where tradition meets innovation

EF Academy Campus Life Learning happens everywhere and at any time

Inspired living and learning

On our campus, immersion learning happens everywhere. Flourish academically and in life with facilities designed to foster learning by doing activities that inspire exploration beyond the classroom. All the while, you can feel safe and comfortable at your home away from home on our picturesque, 97-acre campus.

Learning all around campus Between classes, you can study, work on group projects, or just hang out with friends in thoughtfully designed gathering spaces throughout campus.

Nestled in a friendly neighborhood surrounded by natural beauty

Nestled in a friendly neighborhood surrounded by natural beauty

Surrounded by 97 acres of wooded grounds, our campus in New York is tucked in the quiet suburban town of Thornwood. In warmer months, the grassy area in front of the South Hall is where you can read, play frisbee, and listen to music with your friends. The courtyard between the East and West Halls hosts residence activities, outdoor study sessions, and badminton matches. When it snows, our forest turns into a true winter wonderland. Five kilometers of running and biking trails weave through the wooded grounds throughout campus, and wildlife, including deer and turkeys, frequently roam the grounds.

Compete, exercise, rejuvenate, and relax

Our Fitness Center features a multipurpose gymnasium perfect for physical education classes, varsity sports matches, and after-school pickup games. There’s also a fully equipped and supervised fitness center with weights and exercise machines. After classes, students make good use of our world-class outdoor soccer pitch, basketball and tennis courts, and the wooded 5K trail that runs throughout campus. Whether you’re interested in running, biking, or starting up a recreational game, there’s a space for everyone to participate.

The ideal learning environment

Student lounges—spaces to be yourself and socialize

Each nook of our campus has a common area to be used for either relaxation or collaboration. Some spaces are equipped with lots of seating and desks for group work and are used for college fairs and community meetings, while others contain foosball, billiards tables, and table tennis to have fun with your friends in your free time.

Maximizing your comfort and safety

Our New York campus boasts two residence halls where you continue to experience life immersed with friends from 60+ countries and where you can always rely on the care and support of your live-in house parent. Designed to provide maximum comfort and safety, South Hall is for 9th and 10th graders and provides triple rooms with shared bathrooms, while East Hall is for 11th and 12th graders with triple rooms and en suite bathrooms.

Delicious, nutritious meals with a global flair

Our Dining Hall offers health-conscious meals that feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. In addition to main courses inspired by culinary styles from around the globe, there’s always a full salad bar, sandwich station, and soups of the day. There are also vegetarian, vegan, glutenfree, and halal options. Truly something for everyone!

Cutting-edge science and classrooms built for collaboration

All our classrooms are built for small class sizes with furniture easily moved around for group discussions and project-based learning. Science labs are fully equipped with the latest instruments, like digital and compound microscopes, vernier data logging analytics probes, and sensors to support hands-on experimentation in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Creator spaces for art, design, music, and dance

A favorite for aspiring artists. There are many places on campus, both leisure and academic, that are purposely curated to inspire. Create compelling visual art and design in the well-stocked art rooms. Interpret iconic ballet, jazz, or hiphop routines in the dance studio. Practice the piano drums, bass, or violin, compose original scores of your own—or just jam with friends—in one of the music rooms or soundproof booths. Campus Map

Sports and fitness

Whether through a physical education class, competing in a sport with one of our varsity teams, or engaging in an active club, you will move and strengthen your body here! Athletics are an important part of campus life and a great way to develop both leadership and teamwork skills.

Physical education

All students participate in our PE program where they learn about physical fitness and establish good health and well-being practices.

On and off campus sports

Our Athletic Director organizes regular campuswide competitions in intramural, club, varsity, and off-campus sports—so get ready to compete or cheer for your favorite team. Our accessibility to nearby state parks and recreational spaces in Upstate New York makes leading an active lifestyle and trying endurance sports off-campus easy and fun.

Varsity sports

Soccer

Fitness center

Thanks to our sports facilities and fitness center, you can choose from a large variety of ways to build personal fitness or participate in team sports.

Volleyball

Basketball

Cross-Country Running

Tennis

Cheerleading

Intramural sports

Soccer

Volleyball

Basketball Fitness

Running

Lifting

Cross-Training

Yoga

Hiking

Biking

Dancing

Hobbies and interests

Our co-curricular clubs are both teacher-led and student-driven. Themes range widely from the arts and hobbies to STEM and student government.

If deepening your learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) is your passion, the Environmental & Sustainability, Robotics, or Outdoor Leadership Club might be the one for you.

Clubs

It’s a classic part of the American high school experience—and our entire community of students and adults participates. They’re a great way to build on your interests and strengths, enhance your university applications—and make friends with similar interests!

STEM clubs

Solve real-world problems

Model United Nations (MUN) comes naturally to our students because they come from all around the world.

At MUN, you get to work together on real-life problems, and speak in front of delegates from different countries.

Clubs and programs

– Debate Club

– DECA Business and Finance

– Environmental and Sustainability Program

– Learning Lab

– Model United Nations

– Choir

– Dance Club

– Drama Program

– EFATV Club

– Film Club

– Literary Magazine Club

– Music Time Club

– National Honor Society

– Outdoor Leadership Program

– Robotics/Olympiad Team

– Student Council

– TEDx

– Volunteer Club

– Yearbook Club

– Academy Rocks

– Paint-by-Number Club

– Analog Photography Club

– Art Club

– Art Portfolio Program

– Anime Club

– Feminist Club

– Lunar New Year Program

– Pride Not Prejudice Club

– Chess Club

– Coloring Book Club

– Dungeons and Dragons

Lego Club

–

– Meditation with Aromatherapy Club

– Mind and Body Club

Outdoor adventure

You can explore the trails on and off campus with mountain bikes.

Connecting through campus activities

Curated by our Activities Director, a variety of on-campus engagements await, strategically interspersed to offer breaks from academic rigors and foster social connections among students. The vast campus grounds accommodate an array of activities, from competitive faculty-staff versus student volleyball and basketball tournaments to leisurely frisbee golf and invigorating campus mountain biking.

Celebrating with music, dance, and s’mores

While we have school-wide dances and festivals like our annual Prom, Halloween Dance, and Spring Fling, on select occasions, the entire school congregates for spirited karaoke sessions at the theater or spontaneous dance soirées on the lawn, complemented by the cozy warmth of fire pits for roasting delectable s’mores.

Events, activities, and excursions

With school-wide events throughout the year such as student-run concerts, Arts Night, weekend excursions, holiday parties, and our annual Culture Fair, there’s always something to look forward to.

Our full social calendar keeps you

Events

– Culture Fair

Prom

Academy Rocks concert

– Spring Fling – Sports Extravaganza – Earth Day – Arts Night – Film festivals – Drama productions

Excursions – Plaza Hotel – Metropolitan Museum – Times Square – Bear Mountain hiking – Ski trip to Vermont

DNA Learning Center – Pro soccer and basketball games

A week without walls

Every fall semester, all students take a week's break from classes and travel together. Grades 9 and 10 stay in Manhattan in New York City where they witness the courage of immigrants who came through Ellis Island. Our 11th graders travel further to Boston and walk the historic grounds of Harvard University. Finally, grade 12 students venture off to Washington D.C. to see the US government in action and explore the famous Smithsonian museums. All students end their week with a service-learning opportunity.

New York as your learning ground

A great deal of your learning takes place outside the classroom, immersing yourself in New York’s rich academic, scientific, and cultural communities. Travel into Manhattan to experience scenes from The Great Gatsby, explore exhibits at the Museum of Natural History, and volunteer at local fundraising events. After class and on the weekends, students can attend professional sporting games, go hiking at Bear Mountain, travel to Vermont for a ski trip, grab brunch in a chic Manhattan cafe, and fish in the Hudson River.

busy, engaged, and inspired

Activities

– Student vs staff sports

– Karaoke – S’mores and bonfires

– Outdoor dance parties

– Painting by the pond

– Training service dog puppies

– Movie nights

– Karaoke/open mic night – Spa night – Trivia nights

– Painting – Crochet and knitting

– Letter making – Dance classes – Yoga classes – Spring fling

– Pink Moon Festival

– Organized sports (Dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee, Kickball, Capture the Flag, Handball, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, & Mountain Biking) – Lawn games (Can Jam, Ladderball, Cornhole, Outdoor Volleyball/ Badminton, Frisbee, Frisbee Golf, Orienteering)

Daily mentorship and 24/7 support

Your own, dedicated support team: house parents, advisors, and teachers work as one team to look after your well-being and success. You also join an advisory group led by your Advisor, that meets multiple times per week. This helps you flourish at all levels: academically, socially, and personally. You also get the additional support of qualified well-being counselors at our on-campus Health & Wellness Center.

Your Advisor: a daily mentor to help you thrive

To maximize your experience, you’ll meet almost daily with a faculty advisor and a small group of 8 to 10 students. Your Advisor is great at understanding students at your grade level, helping you master your homework, and offering strategies whenever you need a little extra support. Advisory group is also a time to work on wellness goal-setting, self-care, and healthy relationships.

Your University Counselor: helping you get into your dream school

You’re assigned a dedicated University Counselor in year one who gets to know your aspirations, passions, and talents. Through a carefully structured series of one-on-one and group guidance sessions, they help you build a personalized pathway of courses, identify the right universities for you, and craft an impressive application portfolio for admissions officers.

Your club and athletics coaches: helping you develop your talents

Doing what you love brings out the very best in you—and our club advisors and athletic coaches love bringing that experience to life for you! So whether that’s the Robotics Club or Basketball Team, Spring Musical or Cooking Club, get ready to shine.

Wellness takes practice

All students participate in “The Science of Well-being for Teens” curriculum, designed by Yale Professor and EF Academy Advisory Council Member Dr. Laurie Santos, where they build foundational skills that have been proven to affect happiness and well-being.

Your Health & Wellness Team: looking after your physical and emotional health

You learn better when you are thriving physically, socially and emotionally. Our counselors and Nurses at our Health & Wellness Center offer expert guidance with how best to minimize stress and focus on well-being. They’re also there for you when you’re feeling unwell or need help getting back into balance.

Your house parent: the reason why this becomes your home-away-from-home

From day one, you are assigned a house parent. House parents turn our dormitories into homes, bringing warmth, care, and fun to their hall communities. They are there for whatever you need—improving your study habits, engaging in student life, building strong relationships—and they work closely with your University Counselor, teaching faculty and coaches to help you create a network of support.

“Our house parents are the best because they show us that they really care about us and they work a lot to try to help us when we face any problems.”

LILY

Class of 2023 United States

Where you can be you: your home away from home

Our welcoming campus community empowers you to come as you are and become who you want to be. Together, we create an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Sharing everyday life—studying, eating, rooming, exploring, hanging out—is a priceless life-preparing experience.

“I would describe EF Academy as a tight-knit family where you grow academically and personally.”

TYLER

Class of 2023

United States

Together, our differences become our super-power

We are deeply committed to creating a vibrant campus community—students, faculty, and staff—that reflects the rich diversity of our world and where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Whoever you are, whatever makes you unique, whatever you are passionate about— we welcome you!

Well-being: We practice healthy habits and mindsets

Wellness is a big focus here at EF Academy New York. That all starts with learning the basics of self-care: establishing positive habits around sleep, diet, and physical fitness. We also help you find ways of reducing stress and anxiety through mindfulness practices that work for you with health and wellness presentations during Advisory.

Sustainability: We share the responsibility of giving back to the planet

We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality at our school, means balancing the carbon created by our daily activities with practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in other ways: reducing the energy we use, recycling and up-cycling waste, and sourcing green products and services. Sustainability is a pillar in many of our co-curricular activities, such as in our Environmental and Sustainability Program and Cooking Club, where every student can contribute to a project with real impact that they can see take effect right here on campus.

Taking care of yourself and others—in and out of the classroom

EF Academy New York has created co-curricular lesson plans that align with our classroom curriculum and our DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) efforts to ensure a well-rounded experience for students from all different kinds of backgrounds. Through these lessons, students learn to treat each other with kindness, articulate a personal leadership philosophy, express their interests, and successfully navigate collaborative work. Each month, students are given an ‘essential question’ and throughout the month, there are guiding activities in areas such as residential life, health & wellness, advisory, technology, and more. April's essential question was, ‘How will you end this year in a healthy way?’ Residential and Community life discussed diversity and celebrated Pride Week; in Health & Wellness, students considered their sleeping habits and shared remedies to fight insomnia; Advisory discussed mindfulness, stress management, and coping skills; finally, students celebrated together on Earth Day, a cause we all feel passionate about, no matter where we are from.

Residential life

EF Academy residential students enjoy the ultimate experience of living and learning 24/7 in a global community of 60+ nationalities. Sharing everyday life—studying, eating, rooming, exploring, hanging out—is a priceless intercultural and life-changing experience.

Your house parent is your go-to for advice and support

Your house parent is your go-to for advice and support. A house parent lives full-time in your dormitory with you. They’re on-hand to help you learn how to live independently, cultivate positive relationships with students and staff, and build key life skills. They also help you manage your daily schedule, progress in your studies, and build a network of advisors dedicated to your success. Best of all, their door is always open when you just need someone to listen.

A choice of boarding options

The vast majority of our students live and learn on campus as full boarders. Local New York students can attend as a day student or boarding five days a week and live at home on the weekends.

Learn more: efacademy.org

Living with roommates from around the world

Every student is paired with roommates from other countries around the world. To ensure every student is in the best living situation possible, we carefully set up compatible roommates by asking you to fill out a survey prior to coming on campus. This way, we can match you with friends who are from different cultures, but have similar habits and interests. Standard accommodation is in a triple room with each student having a bed, desk with a lamp, a locked storage space for valuables, and a wardrobe.

There's so much to do in the evenings and on weekends

Staying on campus, you'll soon realize that campus life continues well after lessons and study halls are complete. From s'mores nights to basketball games to video game contests, there’s an event or activity organized for nearly every evening. On weekends, join excursions in the local towns of Thornwood and Pleasantville, trips to downtown Manhattan to catch a show, or join organized hikes, pro-sporting events, or ski trips in Vermont.

Note: A limited number of double and single rooms may also be available on request. Contact your Enrollment Advisor for pricing.

“My first roommates are from Norway and Taiwan. I think that getting to know them and their cultures has widened my perspective of the world.”

LÉA

Class of 2024

France

Meet your classmates, hear their stories

Every single one of our students has a unique perspective on the EF Academy experience. Let them tell you in their own words.

Abby

Class of 2024 / United States

“I have matured and learned so much about the world. I feel like I have traveled the world by just going to school. I would not trade this experience for anything.”

Scan and find many more student and parent stories about our philosophy, academics, and campus life.

Abby’s favorite part about EF Academy is the diversity that the school has. She loves hearing about other people’s countries and values.

Her previous school was a public high school in New Jersey, and she’s found that at EF Academy, classes are much smaller, and students have more time for personal learning.

Her favorite teacher is Mr. Giordano, who she believes is the best history teacher she’s ever had. She loves that he puts so much content into his classes, but in a way that is so easy to understand. He's also her Model United Nations (MUN) club advisor. He helped her achieve her biggest accomplishment thus far: the MUN conference she and her team put together. They invited 60+ students, including some students from our EF Academy Oxford campus in the UK, and it was very successful.

Pedro

Class of 2024 / Brazil

“It is simply amazing to see the realworld and apply my knowledge to it. As the President of Volunteering Club, EF Academy gave our group the chance to go to Central Park and volunteer in a race that helps fundraising for breast cancer awareness campaign.”

After coming to EF Academy, Pedro realized that he had been limiting himself to what was available at his home in Brazil’s countryside. Since arriving, he’s been able to delve deeply into his interest in Economics. He took IB Economics with his favorite teacher, Mr. Balben, and was able to understand the world quite differently. “Mr. Balben always shares amazing real-life economic issues and that makes the class extremely engaging and vivid.”

Thanks to the guidance he’s received from his University Counselor, Pedro has been able to challenge himself by pursuing the IB diploma and preparing himself for his future in Europe. “By choosing this academic route, I feel like I am well prepared for university. I’ll be able to manage my time, write thorough research papers, and more!”

Rei

Class of 2024 / Japan

“I like that the classes are small, and everyone gets a chance to speak up and experience things compared to my previous school. In addition to that, I think the clubs during the day are great because they broaden my interests.”

Rei decided to come to EF Academy because he liked the academic program, and he wanted to meet people from all over the world. He was also very keen on improving his English level.

He's a student-athlete and his University Counselor has been guiding him to universities where he could be recruited for his athletic skills.

“My University Counselor has helped me set up my subjects and college admissions that are aligned with my personality and strengths. I play soccer and volleyball, and they have taught me about recruiting. They are also helping me to apply to Japanese universities!”

Matei

Class of 2023 / Romania

“I am absolutely thrilled to say that I got into 12 universities with the help of my University Counselor. It was such a relief to have someone on my side who could guide me through the complex application process and help me make sense of all the different schools and programs out there.”

Before joining EF Academy, Matei studied in a Romanian school with a limited curriculum. After joining EF Academy, he was exposed to a diverse community of students from different countries and cultures, which broadened his perspective and taught him to be more open-minded.

EF Academy also provided him with access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as Model UN, yearbook club, and volunteering club. These activities helped him develop his leadership and teamwork skills and allowed him to pursue his interests and passions.

“I can confidently say that I have had numerous opportunities to practice what I learn in class and gain real-world perspectives through my involvement in various activities.”

Neissa

Class of 2024 / Mali

“My student life and extracurriculars are helping me apply what I’m learning in class, but they are also helping me enjoy my time here at EF Academy more and helping me learn more about my classmates.”

Neissa first came to EF Academy because of her older brother’s recommendation after he graduated. After arriving, Neissa became more confident and open-minded by being surrounded by so many different cultures. She’s taking the rigorous IB program, and she’s very excited because she’s gaining lots of different skills like time management and determination to always push to do her best. Neissa was also pleasantly surprised about the weekend trips to New York City and the variety of clubs and sports available to all students.

Yasmin

Class of 2024 / Germany

“I was very shy as a child, but coming here, I saw it as a chance to come out of my shell. At first, I was so homesick and scared, but in the three years I’ve been here, I’ve come a really long way. I’ve joined all types of clubs, I’m president of the National Honor Society, I have no issue speaking in front of people, and I feel really confident now.”

Originally joining EF Academy after dreaming of studying abroad, it only took Yasmin less than a year to realize she had discovered a place where she belonged. After making memories, meeting her best friends, and learning new life skills—she knew she was here to stay. Learning to live away from home can be daunting, but Yasmin never felt uncomfortable with her House Parent by her side. Living among faculty and staff, these individuals have become her family. She never thought she would create such strong relationships, but spending every day and night with her peers and teachers has created unbreakable bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. Yasmin's favorite part of EF Academy is her teachers. Every day, Yasmin enjoys attending class because she is encouraged to leave her comfort zone. Whether in her studies, the dorm room, or throughout clubs & activities, Yasmin always feels cared for. She always feels supported by teachers, in the classroom and in life.

Nyah

Class of 2024 / US and Bangladesh

“I want to study politics and law in the future. Philosophy is one of my favorite classes because it’s such a unique way to approach the world. We get to see every aspect of how we are learning here. And we get to see through other people’s lenses. There are so many global perspectives to consider here.”

Nyah first came to EF Academy two years ago, because she heard of the school’s amazing international community and its variety of extracurriculars. She is taking the rigorous IB program and participates in and leads multiple clubs on campus. She loves learning from her peers and her teachers. During her time on campus, she has acquired numerous skills which will no doubt benefit her in the future. Nyah was amazed by the various activities on and off campus, and she was impressed by how welcoming the students and teachers were.

Sunghyo

Class of 2024 / South Korea

“This is my third year at EF Academy, and I must say I have become a self-reliant and independent person. My experience here has improved my perspective of life.”

Sunghyo has found that all his classes encourage him to expand his thoughts and share opinions with classmates from different countries. He says that because of the way classes are run at EF Academy, it’s helped him expand his perspective. “I really like the classes because the teaching style and learning process is so much more interactive than what I was used to in my home country.”

As a member of the EF community, he feels respected and connected with friends, teachers, and staff members. Because of this, he’s found more confidence in his endeavors, “I am an ambassador and mentor for EF Academy New York. I'm also a member of DECA and a basketball varsity team.”

Tricia

Class of 2025 / Rwanda

“I’ve learned from my Theater class how to project my voice better. I’ve gained confidence in actually using my voice even when giving presentations.”

Tricia’s favorite class is Theater class. Even before starting at EF Academy, Tricia shared that she enjoys ‘thinking, observing, and problem-solving,’ skills she’s able to apply in her classes. “I would say theater class is definitely a class that I enjoy a lot. I observe my talented classmates tackling their pieces, presenting their scenes as if they’re in their own world, blocking out their current surroundings to deliver the message they need to.”

Tricia is also grateful for the support she gets from her teacher, “Ms. Bill is the sweetest soul who genuinely cares about her students. She creates time on her days off to help us with perfecting our scenes, which I’m very grateful for.”

She hopes to continue flourishing in this class and wishes all her classmates aspiring to become amazing, professional actors the best. Who knows what the future holds?

Javier

Class of 2025 / Spain

“The school experience is different here at EF Academy because we are learning not only with books or memorizing but seeing how it applies to the real world. We have a discussion about every topic and question of the day in all the classes, which helps me to understand topics more thoroughly.”

From the start of his time at EF Academy, Javier was able to customize his academic plan by exploring his interests, skills, and values. He’s been able to delve more deeply in these courses.

Javier has also been able to push his boundaries in creative thinking with his extracurriculars, “Drama club and Art club has helped me with developing my creativity and imagination.”

Although he is away from family, Javier has been able to mature not only as a student but also as a young adult, “I've finally learned how to do laundry.”

Where tradition meets innovation

EF Academy Pasadena & Oxford Learn about our sister schools

EF Academy Pasadena

Sunny, Southern California

Pasadena is a peaceful, palm-fringed residential community. Our campus is ideally located between sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains just a 30-minute drive from all the attractions of downtown Los Angeles. It’s easy to make Southern California your classroom as you explore its natural wonders, respected universities, arts and science museums, and world-famous entertainment industry.

Equipped to the highest standard

Our new campus sets the standard for immersive learning, featuring tech-equipped academic facilities and collaboration spaces, cutting-edge science and design labs, and light-filled creative studios. After class, exceptional on-site recreational facilities include include a fitness center, pool, soccer pitch, and gym for your favorite team sports.

Signature immersion program

In our Innovation & Impact program, you use all the skills you’re learning in your other subjects each year to solve real-world problems with real solutions by collaborating in a multicultural team to meet one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“I was surprised by my teacher's dedication, expertise, and willingness to help me with my academic and personal needs. The school's individualized support services, such as counseling and college guidance, are really major resources, and I'm really happy.”

SEAN

Class of 2025

South Korea

Academic programs

US High School Diploma (+ AP Courses, Advanced Study Courses)

Innovation & Impact Program

One-to-one university advising

Sports & Clubs

Team sports: Basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, cross-country running

Fitness: Running, hiking, skiing, yoga, lifting, cross-training

Clubs: Art & Design, Astronomy, Business & Finance, Cooking, Cinematography, Model UN, Music, Outdoor Adventure, Robotics, STEAM, Student Council, Student Newspaper, Theater, Yearbook

Events & Activities

Events: Winter Formal, Arts Night, Culture Fair, Wellness Fair, Prom

Activities: Movie night in the pool, s’mores making, dorm lounge karaoke, holiday cookie decorating

Excursions: Old Town Pasadena, Disneyland, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Sign, Big Bear ski trip

EF Academy Oxford

Centrally located campus

EF Academy Oxford embraces the awe-inspiring atmosphere of England’s oldest university city. You’ll feel immediately at home at our leafy campus on Pullens Lane where historic Cotuit Hall will become your social hub. From campus, enjoy access to the library and sports facilities of Oxford Brookes University as well as regular opportunities to attend lectures at Oxford University.

Designed for active learning

The focus is on real-life learning, thanks to techequipped classrooms, new science labs as well as studios for art and music. In the evenings, students get together at Cotuit Hall to enjoy movie nights or make pizza in the outdoor brick oven.

Personalized learning with impact

Choose the right educational pathway for your future. We offer both the IB Diploma and the A-Level program. Either way, you’ll get the chance to participate in the IB’s Creativity, Activity, and Service program and collaborate in multicultural teams on projects that make a positive difference to the lives of others.

“I think my favorite part of our school is that we all come from different countries, we have different cultures, and that makes us open minded people. And that's something that a lot of people don't have access to.”

JIMENA

Class of 2024

Spain

Academic programs

A-Level program

IB Diploma Program

One-to-one university advising

Sports & Clubs

Sports clubs: tennis, rock-climbing, running, football, volleyball, hip hop, badminton, cycling

Clubs: Economics and Business, Model UN, Debate, Yarn, STEAM, Theater, Music, The Arts, Student Council, Leadership, Ambassador Program, Volunteering, Italian Culture, Polyglot, Mahjong, Drama, Book, Law, Duke of Edinburgh, Self Care

Events & Activities

Events: Culture Fair, Ted-ED Students Talk, Science Fair, Lunar New Year, student art show, short story contest

Activities: Hot chocolate and taco nights, paintball, punting, ice skating

Excursions: London, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Cadbury’s World, Go Karting, theatre trips, Begbroke Science Park, Natural History and Science Museums, British Museum, Brighton, Harry Potter World, Oxford Literary Festival, Cambridge, Bear Grylls Adventure Park

Headington Shark

The EF story

EF has been transforming the way the world learns through immersion for nearly 60 years

It all started with a new vision for education

Bertil Hult founded EF in 1965 with the belief that people learn best through immersion and hands-on experiences. He struggled with traditional classroom learning as a high school student with dyslexia in Sweden, and he realized during a summer job in England that he was picking up English effortlessly by living the language, not studying it. This led him to become one of the early founders of immersion learning.

Today EF is a global education organization

Thanks to the power of immersion learning, EF helps people around the globe explore new places and experience new cultures, learning more about the world and themselves. Today, EF teachers and team members work in schools and admissions offices in over 50 countries—yet we all share the same 60-year mission: opening the world through education by breaking down the barriers of language, culture and geography that divide us.

We started EF Academy to build a better school

We believe a 21st-century education must provide students with far more than preparation for university. We unlock each student’s unique potential through a highly immersive education designed to ignite their curiosity, growth, and well-being. And we provide them with the real-world knowledge and skills that are essential for leading a successful and happy life.

EF Academy’s commitment to you

We challenge ourselves to live up to these educational principles each and every day:

– All students are capable of high achievement.

– Student-centric teachers are the key to a great education.

– The best way to learn something is to experience it.

– The future belongs to those who understand the world.

– A true education helps students figure out what they’re good at.

– Happy kids succeed.

Learn more: ef.com/about

More EF partner programs

EF Languages Abroad Students and Adults

Learn a language faster abroad at an accredited EF International Language Campus. Choose from 10 languages in 50 destinations. Study from 2-52 weeks with results guaranteed. Courses start every Monday. ef.com/campuses

EF Language Year Abroad Ages

16 and above

Combine language and academic studies for total cultural fluency during this long-term study abroad program. Prepare for an official language exam. Gain international work experience. ef.com/year

EF University Preparation Ages 16 and above

Gain admission to an international university with a comprehensive preparation program abroad that includes language study, admissions counseling, and guaranteed placement. ef.com/university

Hult International Business School Adults

Join a global student community on campuses across three continents at the first triple-accredited business school in the US. Offering degrees from undergraduate to doctorate, Hult is the school For Those Made to Do. hult.edu

Is EF Academy right for you?

We want to get to know you as a person, including your strengths, talents, and goals in life.

Requirements

To ensure your success at EF Academy, we insist on the following prerequisites.

Age: You must be at least 13 years old when you start school with us.

We seek motivated, curious students from all over the world

Our admissions process is personalized, inclusive and holistic. While your school grades and exam scores matter, we also evaluate your interests, goals, and aspirations and consider how they could make a positive impact on our community.

EF Academy students are:

– Open-minded

– Active learners – Committed to excelling academically

– Prepared to broaden their horizons

– Community-builders

We offer help obtaining a student visa, if you need one

You may need a student visa, depending on which country you’re from and which campus you choose. Our Admissions Consultants maintain strong relationships with visa compliance officers at each campus. They can explain the visa process to you and your family, what information you will need to submit, and guide you through any necessary interview preparation.

Academics: You must have successfully completed the equivalent of grade 8 in your home country and be ready to progress to high school level coursework.

English level: As English is the study language at our school, you must demonstrate the following English proficiency: IELTS 4.5 or 41/100 on the EFSET

If your English level does not meet these requirements, please contact us anyway as we have programs to help.

Apply today to start your journey

Let’s Talk!

Contact your local admissions office

1. Speak to Admissions

Our Admissions Consultants will invite you to an in-person or online consultation—so you can get to know us and we can get to know you.

2. Start your online application

Choose your EF Academy campus academic program and residence preferences (if applicable). Upload the following documents.

– Transcript or report cards from the last two years

– Passport scan – Student headshot photo

– Medical records (if you have any physical / mobility conditions, learning accommodations, or mental health needs)

We also accept SSAT scores and the completed Character Skills Snapshot as part of your application, however, it is not mandatory.

3. Attend an interview

This is your chance to tell us about your interests and ambitions, academic commitment, and motivation for coming to EF Academy. It is also our chance to get to know you “off paper” and gain a sense of how you will both fit in and stand out as member of our school community.

4. Find out if you’re accepted!

After making a holistic assessment of your application, you will receive our admissions decision. Successful applicants will receive an acceptance pack and our Admissions Consultants will help you finalize any documentation closer to departure.

EF Academy Campuses

New York Pasadena, CaliforniaOxford, UK

582 Columbus Avenue Thornwood New York 10594, USA T: +1 914 495 6056

1505 E Howard Street Pasadena California 91104, USA T: +1 626 507 9223

Accreditations and Memberships

EF Academy New York and Pasadena are fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

EF Academy New York is recognized by the New York State Education Department.

@efacademylife

youtube.com/efacademy

facebook.com/efacademy

efacademy.org/blog linkedin.com/school/efacademy

EF Academy New York and Oxford are IB World Schools, offering the IB Diploma Program.

EF Academy Oxford is proud to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Cotuit Hall, Pullens Lane Oxford OX3 0DA United Kingdom T: +44 1865 759667

EF Academy New York is a Member of the Council of International Schools.