Understanding Mary McDowell Friends School Tuition
Mary McDowell Friends School (MMFS) is a K-12 Quaker school in Brooklyn, NY, dedicated to the success of students with learning disabilities. The school offers a college preparatory program along with athletics, performing and visual arts, and opportunities for travel. It cultivates a diverse and anti-racist community grounded in Quaker values of equality, integrity, and social responsibility, where all students can reach their full potential.
Overview of Mary McDowell Friends School
MMFS has been a leader in special education for 40 years, offering a top-tier education, athletics, arts, and extra-curriculars. The school's approach is grounded in the Quaker values of respect for individuals, personal and social responsibility, peaceful resolution of conflict, the importance of diversity and the value of service. The school believes that every child with learning disabilities can learn with the support of a community dedicated to specialized teaching, cooperation and respect.
Academic Environment and Curriculum
During the day, one can find MMFS high school students immersed in all kinds of learning: dissecting specimens in biology, discussing James Baldwin in English, designing posters for the school play, solving linear equations in calculus, or practicing layups in the gym. Students practice Spanish and sign with ASL. The school provides a strong academic foundation while allowing for opportunities to pursue advanced coursework. Some 11th and 12th grade students take the Calculus AB and BC exams, as well as the AP US Government and Politics exam.
Students study a range of writers, styles, and genres, from classic texts to modern literature. The upper school curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation, while also allowing for opportunities to pursue advanced coursework. 9th grade students focus on coming-of-age literature (e.g. 10th graders read about courage and perseverance (e.g. 11th grade English focuses on moral dilemmas (e.g. The Great Gatsby by F. The 12th grade theme is outsiders (e.g. The upper school history program educates students to be active and informed members of the global community. Inquiry, observation, and experimentation are the core of the science program.
Clubs let students develop skills and explore interests outside their regular courses. Co-curriculars promote learning for the sake of learning. The challenges that all teenagers face-physical and social challenges, growing independence, and peer pressure-are heightened for students with learning disabilities. The school's students are not only confident learners, they’re also passionate artists, athletes, actors, and musicians and are school and community leaders. Students pursue an array of artistic, athletic, musical, and theatrical pursuits outside their academic classes. International Travel to Germany, Austria, South Africa, Italy, Japan, Cambodia, and Vietnam are also offered.
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Every student has an advisor, and a support network of language therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists. College counselors guide students through every step of the application process, including interview prep and decision-making support. MMFS students graduate with the tools and confidence to take their next step, whether pursuing college or another path. MMFS juniors in excellent academic standing may submit a proposal to conduct an independent study project, culminating in a research paper and presentation. These long-term projects require critical thinking, organization, and study skills.
Tuition and Financial Aid
As of a verified school update, the yearly tuition is $87,000. Tuition and fees may vary depending on grade, boarding status (if applicable), and may have changed for the current school year. Financial assistance applications for MMFS are handled through Clarity. To apply for financial assistance for the 2026-2027 school year, you must complete the Clarity application online and submit all required documents. Financial assistance is awarded based on demonstration of need and the availability of funds. Financial assistance applications for the 2026-2027 school year must be completed by September 1, 2026 in order to be considered for an award.
Student and Faculty
The school has a student population of 420. With small classes-an average of just 6 students per teacher-and a strong support team that includes OTs, PTs, social workers, and specialists, MMFS creates a challenging and nurturing environment where students with learning disabilities thrive. The school’s student-teacher ratio is 4:1. MMFS also has 40% of faculties whose degrees are master and above. The average class size is 12 students.
Location and Community
Mary McDowell Friends School is located in the Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. When you join MMFS, you become part of a close-knit community of 400 students and 226 dedicated faculty and staff. The School is committed to an educational partnership between faculty and parents and serves as a resource in Brooklyn to provide information about learning disabilities to professionals, parents and the community.
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