Frequently Asked Questions

While boys and girls are undoubtedly capable of achieving the same goals, boys often benefit from movement, space, action, and rest to fully reach their cognitive and intellectual potential. All-boys schools are designed to accept boys as they are, granting them permission to be themselves so they can take risks, gain self-confidence, and develop life skills that transcend the classroom. Buckley believes in teaching to the “whole boy,” implementing a balanced, sensory-based curriculum to make learning fun, approachable, and memorable. Buckley taps into all aspects of a boy’s development—the social-emotional, the intellectual, the creative, and the athletic—all the while making the learning process lively and challenging. For more information about all-boys education, please visit the International Boys’ Schools Coalition website.

Each year, we accept applications for our Beginners (Kindergarten) Program. Applications for all other classes are reviewed dependent upon openings. Please submit an inquiry to receive further grade-specific information. In the event of an opening, a member of the admissions team will contact you.

Your son must be 5 years old before August 31 of his Kindergarten year in order to be considered for the Beginners (Kindergarten) program.

Yes, Buckley has an Open House for families applying to Beginners. This year's will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Please come to our Open House to learn about The Buckley School and hear from our Head of School, Greg O’Melia, and key administrators. You will have an opportunity to visit classrooms and engage with faculty, parents, students, and other members of our community.

Yes, we receive applications from many schools throughout the five boroughs of New York City, as well as neighboring suburbs. We also welcome out-of-state and international applications.

Part of what makes Buckley such an exciting community is its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The School welcomes families from all different parts of New York, as well as from other countries. Some boys at Buckley speak multiple languages, some have lived abroad, and some have special talents that set them apart from others. Regardless of families’ backgrounds or circumstances, Buckley, under the guidance of its Administrative  Diversity Council, strives to ensure that all boys respect one another and appreciate their respective differences.

The tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is $66,500. This includes lunch, books and supplies, activities, student accident insurance, and athletic uniforms for interscholastic sports.

Buckley’s after-school program, Boomerang is available to Beginners (Kindergarten) through Class VI, Monday through Friday until 6:00 pm. Fees for Boomerang classes vary and families receiving financial assistance will pay a reduced rate based on need.

Yes. Fees vary for our afterschool program, Boomerang, and families receiving financial assistance will pay a reduced rate based on need.

No. Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic physical education department works with each boy to develop his natural abilities and build his confidence. All boys participate in physical education at all levels. Buckley’s athletic program places a high value on character development, teamwork, good sportsmanship, fitness, and the cognitive and emotional benefits of engaging in regular physical activity. In addition to playing sports, Buckley boys in all grades participate in plays, clubs, musical performances, debates, and more.

We recognize that boys will change throughout their nine or ten years at Buckley and that they will need guidance and support in finding the appropriate secondary school. Secondary school placement advising begins the spring term of Class VII. The Head of School plays an active role in overseeing the process and advocating for our boys, along with the Director of Secondary School Placement and Director of Upper School. With a deep understanding of their students’ individual needs and an extensive knowledge of high schools, the placement team is devoted to helping each boy find the school best suited for him.

Buckley boys are consistently admitted to a wide range of boarding and day schools, including, but not limited to, Andover, Berkshire, Bronx Science, Browning, Choate, Collegiate, Dalton, Deerfield, Exeter, Friends Seminary, Grace Church, Groton, Horace Mann, Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, Packer Collegiate, Regis, Riverdale, St. Andrew’s, St. Paul's, Stuyvesant, Taft, Trinity, and Westminster.