N – 8:  a school designed to maximize the growth and development of children

The truth is that children learn differently from high school students or adults. They have unique needs and characteristics, and by focusing only on children The Town School ensures that everything we do – from the types of teachers we hire to the curriculum we teach – is designed to bring about the most academic and personal growth from our students. Noted psychologist and author Michael Thompson wrote, “If I could design psychologically safe schools, every elementary school in the United States would go from kindergarten through grade eight and be no larger than four hundred students.” This is the structure of The Town School, and we believe our structure yields immense benefit for children between the ages of 3 and 14.

When our Eighth graders stand on the stage of Alice Tully Hall at graduation, we see the full promise of the N-8 model – young adults who are thoroughly prepared for high school and who are confident, capable, and curious – and are, very importantly, happy.

Focusing exclusively on what children really need

By focusing exclusively on what children really need and making sure that every child is known and valued, the N-8 model creates an environment where children thrive, where the right balance between high expectations and nurturing support is lived, and where children, truly, learn best.