9th–12th Grade Admissions

Welcome to the Upper School at Birch Wathen Lenox!

The high school years are a time for students to deepen their learning, discover their voice, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. At BWL, we offer a rigorous academic program rooted in inquiry, integrity, and intellectual freedom—paired with a community that encourages leadership, purpose, and self-discovery.

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to navigate the admissions process, including key dates, application steps, visit opportunities, and events. If questions come up along the way, our team is always here to be of any assistance

Choosing the right school is about more than academics. It’s about joining a community where your child will thrive and your family will feel at home.We invite you to explore how BWL's tradition of excellence, innovative programs, and commitment to constructive dialogue prepare students to think deeply, engage meaningfully, and grow with confidence. By creating a Ravenna Hub account—or adding BWL to your existing Ravenna Hub—you’ll receive updates on upcoming admissions events, important deadlines, and opportunities to experience firsthand what makes our school distinctive.

INQUIRE VIA RAVENNA HUB APPLY VIA RAVENNA HUB

Visit BWL

There’s no better way to experience the heart of Birch Wathen Lenox than by visiting our school.

We would be delighted to welcome your family and share the energy, curiosity, and sense of belonging that define life at BWL.

All visits require advance registration through the Ravenna Hub.

You’ll have three opportunities to get to know us this fall. Navigate through the tabs below to learn more about each event, and check the calendar below or the Ravenna Hub for dates.

Monthly K–12 Intro Program & Tour

Upper School Program & Tour

Upper School Program & Tour:

Hear from our Upper School Directors, participate in Q&A, and enjoy an in-depth tour. This is a required step in the application process for Upper School, but also open to families who are still exploring.Step inside Birch Wathen Lenox and experience how excellence, exploration, and growth define the Upper School journey. At this essential event, you’ll hear directly from our Head of School and Upper School leadership as they share how BWL’s Upper School program blends academic rigor, personal discovery, and real-world readiness to prepare students for college and beyond.

Following the initial conversation, join a guided tour led by members of our Admissions team and a current BWL student ambassador, offering authentic insights into our classrooms, community, and values.

Please note:

Students are encouraged to attend alongside their parent(s)/guardian(s).
This event is distinct from our spring tour and fulfills the required Upper School information session component of the application process.
All families are welcome to attend this session before or after submitting an application.
Attendance at this event is required for all applicant families.

Discover how independence is nurtured, voices are heard, and futures take shape at BWL.

An Evening at BWL: K–12 Open House

An Evening at BWL: K–12 Open House, Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.

Our annual fall celebration of the entire school, welcoming families from all grades to experience BWL’s vibrant community.

Explore what lies ahead for your child at Birch Wathen Lenox—from their next academic chapter through graduation—at An Evening at BWL. This dynamic, self-guided event invites families to move through our classrooms and learning spaces at their own pace, engaging with teachers, program directors, school leaders, and current parents along the way.

We encourage prospective students to join their parents for this special evening, as it offers a rare opportunity to see the full scope of what awaits: rigorous academics, innovative programs, and a vibrant community that supports students as they grow into confident, thoughtful graduates. Stay for as long or as little as you like. The evening is yours to explore.

Apply for 9th–12th Grades

We are thrilled to partner with families as they take this important step in their child’s educational journey.

At Birch Wathen Lenox, every application is the beginning of a relationship built on trust, shared values, and the promise of helping your child flourish. Applications are managed seamlessly through Ravenna Hub, where you can submit all required documents and schedule admissions appointments with ease. We would be honored to receive your child’s application and look forward to getting to know your family.

Note that the deadline for applying for admission is Friday, January 9, 2026. Late applications will be considered depending on available space in your child’s grade.

Admissions Timeline & Events: 9th–12th Grades 2025–2026

Key Dates for 2025–2026

Application Available: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026
Notification Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Decision Deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026

We encourage families to create a profile on Ravenna Hub and search for “The Birch Wathen Lenox School” in the directory to begin.

All events on the calendar below are in person unless otherwise noted. Registration is required through the Ravenna Hub.

SEPTEMBER 2025

OCTOBER 2025

NOVEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

JANUARY 2026

FEBRUARY 2026

MARCH 2026

Frequently Asked Questions for 9th–12th Grade Applicants

When is the application for the 2025–2026 school year available?

When does BWL offer tours?

Is there a sibling/legacy Early Notification policy?

Yes. Siblings and children of alumni are vital members of our community. We participate in the ISAAGNY Early Notification option for qualified applicants. Files must be complete by Friday, November 14, 2025. Admissions decisions for Early Notification candidates are released on Friday, December 5, 2025 at noon. Parents are required to reply to an offer of admission by Friday, December 12, 2025 at noon.

Is there a wait pool?

What is the tuition for the 2025–2026 school year?

Are tuition payment plans available?

Is financial aid available for Upper School applicants?

BWL offers need-based financial aid. Families interested in applying should indicate this on their application and complete the Clarity application by the stated deadline.

Please note that students enrolled in the EXCEL Program are not eligible for BWL financial aid. For EXCEL families, we recommend reviewing the NYC Department of Education’s reimbursement process to explore alternative funding options. More information regarding the reimbursement process can be found on our EXCEL web page.