The Bourne Mansion on Long Island, New York was built in 1897 for the president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. In 2025, it became the first American base of a storied 453-year-old British boarding school that lists Winston Churchill, Lord Byron, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Benedict Cumberbatch amongst its alumni.
Located roughly midway between Manhattan and the Hamptons, Harrow International School New York opened its doors to its first cohort recently in September. The founding students in Grades 6 to 9 are set to experience an education that merges the best of many worlds – the innovative spirit of New York and the centuries-old tradition forged since Queen Elizabeth I granted Harrow UK its Royal Charter.
Harrow’s signature curriculum emphasises character development as much as academic achievement. Learning is brought to life through a house system reminiscent of Harry Potter – all within the former estate of Frederick G. Bourne. What was once described as “the first modern multinational industrial enterprise of any nationality”, has been reimagined with state-of-the-art facilities designed to prepare students for the future.
“I think what we offer is a chance to be a part of a new founding cohort, a founding family, at a new school — but with traditions,” said Principal Matthew Sipple, Harrow New York’s principal, to the Wall Street Journal.
Harrow New York blends the vibrance of city life with the security of a tranquil waterfront campus. Source: Harrow International School New York
A vibrant, diverse community of local and international boarders
At Harrow New York, a member of the global Harrow Family of Schools, families choose what works best: the five- or seven-day boarding option, or the day school programme. All options allow students to maximise the various opportunities available on a 170+ acre waterfront campus.
The school day is designed to be full and fulfilling. With an extended schedule, co-curricular and super-curricular activities already fill the calendar with purpose and energy. After a 7:00 a.m. breakfast, the day unfolds through classes and experiences that develop the whole student. Learning happens everywhere — in classrooms, on sports fields, in theatres and band rooms, and through partnership initiatives that connect students with the wider community.
And that’s just the weekdays. Full boarders enjoy weekends that are equally enriching — a lively mix of social, cultural, and recreational activities, including visits to New York’s theatres, museums, and galleries, all just a short journey away.
What truly makes this a Harrow school, however, is its Individualized care — thoughtful, personal, and unmatched in its attention to every student’s well-being. It’s a system built on relationships, care, and the belief that every student should feel seen, supported, and valued. This is made possible through the Harrow House System, Personal Tutor Programme, and Vertical Groups.
In the Harrow House System, friendships grow and younger students benefit from the guidance of older peers. Each House is guided by a dedicated team, a Head of House, Matron, and House Tutors, who work together to ensure every child feels at home.
The Wellbeing Committee further strengthens this network of support. Counsellors and peer mentors are always close at hand, while students have a voice in shaping their community through Food and ICT Committees, House Councils, and more.
Led by top faculty from around the world, Harrow New York guides its students through the International Baccalaureate (IB) — one of the most respected and rigorous qualifications globally. Source: Harrow International School New York
The IB advantage
While Harrow New York draws inspiration from its British counterpart, it distinguishes itself through the International Baccalaureate (IB) — a framework that replaces the bespoke UK curriculum. The IB encourages deep academic inquiry, intercultural understanding, and personal growth, preparing students for leading universities and meaningful careers around the world.
In the IB’s Middle Years Programme (MYP), “students don’t just absorb information, they ask questions, solve problems, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations,” says Principal Sipple. “The approach to learning framework ensures that they develop the essential skills, like research, communication, collaboration, and self-management, giving them the tools they need to succeed, not just in the classroom but in life.”
The Diploma Programme (DP) builds on this foundation. Theory of Knowledge, a distinctive feature of the DP, challenges students to think critically about how we understand the world. The Extended Essay is a self-directed, 4,000-word research project that develops university-level analytical and writing skills, while Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) encourages growth through cultural, physical, and social engagement.
“The IB Diploma is one of the most respected qualifications in the world, recognised by top universities for its depth, rigour, and holistic approach to learning,” says Principal Sipple.
It’s little wonder why graduates of Harrow International Schools have gone on to attend Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League universities, and other leading institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia.
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