Academic Program

K-12 Academic Program

The K-12 academic journey at Spence is fueled by the perpetual promise of each student and excellence in teaching and learning.

Our exceptional faculty focus on meeting student potential with a rigorous curriculum that deepens academic prowess and prioritizes self-agency and inclusion. We continue to build on Spence’s long legacy of educating women scholars, with the confidence that our students leave Spence prepared for an ever-changing world, always inspired to learn not for school, but for life.

Shaping your questions

“Spence helps us to be comfortable in what we know, and that we’re never completely finished. We’re not only prepared with so much content, but we’re also taught how to learn, how to keep asking questions and to keep wanting to ask questions.”
—MEGAN
You are known, seen, and respected

“By the time our students graduate, they understand themselves as a learner, and they've heard their own voice in a setting that's welcoming, warm, and encouraging, and also one that provides support.”
— SANDRA SMITH, HISTORY TEACHER, HISTORY FELLOW ADVISOR
Making the academic adventure your own

“Spence gives us a lot of opportunity to challenge our preconceived notions about ourselves, our passions, and what excites us. The faculty rarely say no, but we’ve learned to take the initiative to go and seek out opportunities we are interested in.”
— CLARISSA

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MICHELE MURPHY, DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM

“Our belief in the strength, intellect, and the vitality of women underpins Spence’s transformative education that harnesses the power of girls and women to pursue intellectual challenges throughout their lives and lead with purpose.

We continue to build on Clara Spence’s extraordinary vision, defining education as a 'moral and intellectual adventure.' Today, our program still answers that call for a diverse, multi-identity community committed to learning from multiple viewpoints to develop a nuanced and equitable understanding of the world.”

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Explore Spence

81% of Teachers

Have Advanced Degrees

129

Upper School Course Offerings

105

Electives

4 Languages

Chinese
French
Latin
Spanish

Middle & Upper School

22 East 91st Street
New York, NY 10128

Lower School

56 East 93rd Street
New York, NY 10128

Athletic & Educational Facility

412 East 90th Street
New York, NY 10128

A K-12 independent school in New York City, The Spence School prepares a diverse community of girls and young women for the demands of academic excellence and responsible citizenship.

212-289-5940

© 2024 Spence School