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Wetherby-Pembridge School
Wetherby-Pembridge School > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are our Program Hours?

In Nursery 3 and Pre-Kindergarten, the school day runs from 8.30am to 3pm each day.

From Kindergarten to Grade 5, the day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

The option to stay for daily after-school clubs starts in the Pre-Kindergarten and these generally run until 4.00pm.

 

How does WPNY approach the phase-in process?

In the Nursery, the children start on half days in September which run from 8.30am to 12pm and the children do not stay for lunch. In order to give the children a friendly, fun and gentle start to Nursery life, this lasts for the first few weeks and generally, the Rosh Hashanah Public Holiday in New York signals the move to full days from 8.30am to 3pm for the rest of the year.

The children generally manage this very well but we are a nurturing, understanding and accommodating teaching team and understand that each child is different and might need additional support and care. A Quiet Time and nap opportunity is offered each day after lunch should the children need to rest.

We have found that most children in Nursery and Pre-K do not need them and adjust quickly to their new routine, ready for their afternoon activities!

What is the class ratio for each grade level?

Wetherby-Pembridge can accommodate 15 children in the Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten and there will always be teaching assistant support in each class. Extra support is offered in the Kindergarten – Grade 3 classes where the class sizes reach 20 children.

Teachers often rotate to take small groups out for enrichment and booster classes which provide bespoke attention to the specific needs of each child.

What’s the average class size?

Currently, most classes range from approximately 10 to 18 pupils, with a maximum of 20 pupils per class. The emphasis is on the quality teaching and bespoke care of each pupil.

Do you provide transportation?

The School will consider daily transportation and a School Bus but this is subject to demand. Many of our families live in the immediate area and walk to School where possible.

Do all the Lead Teachers come from the UK?

At WPNY, the School enjoys a blended teaching approach with both UK and US teachers standing side by side to educate our young minds and learners. That way, the children benefit from the experience gained by our UK Teachers of the National Curriculum standards and from our team of US and local specialists and experts to produce a perfectly pitched and balanced educational offering.

Are most of the students and families from the UK or expats?

Approximately 30% of our families are currently from the UK or from outside the US. 70% of the remaining school community are local New York families from a diverse range of international backgrounds. All are united under a common sense of purpose, centred round the academic achievement and personal success and fulfillment of their children.

Is the School propietary?

Yes, the School is part of the prestigious Alpha Plus Group based in the UK. Please read more in the Governance section of the website.

Is there reciprocity with the British schools and to what extent?

Once families join Wetherby-Pembridge, they become part of the Alpha Plus Family and a member of the international alumni network this provides. There may be a number of exchange program opportunities as the children progress to the Middle School.

Are there other Alpha Plus schools outside of the UK?

Wetherby-Pembridge is the first international School for the Alpha Plus Group.

Who is the Head of School, Brodie Bibby?

Brodie is an historian, having taken a BA degree at Exeter University in Ancient History and Archaeology, followed by a Post Graduate Certificate of Education and later a Masters in Education.

Initially he taught in Banda School in Kenya. When he returned to the UK he was the Deputy Head at Westminster Under School at the same time as Kate Bailey, Wetherby-Pembridge’s Founding Head of School, taught there. He then worked at North Bridge House Prep where he was Head of School for 13 years.

He re-located to Manhattan in 2022 with his wife Nina, who is American, and is currently working here. His daughter has just completed her first year at Harvard University and his son having graduated High School in the UK, is expecting to study at Edinburgh University in the autumn.

Brodie is a very experienced educationalist with an impressive track record in school leadership. He also has a wide range of interests including writing, reading, cooking and playing the saxophone.

 

Who is the Head of Admissions?

Mrs Judith Keaveney is the school’s Head of Admissions and she runs the WPNY admissions process for all year groups, in conjunction with the Head of School. If you would like to make an enquiry about the admissions process or to discuss an application, please contact Judith on 646-213-3419 or at judith.keavene@wetherbypembridge.org

ADMISSIONS

What is the deadline for applications?

Normally, applications are received by 15th December before the year of entry. However, we offer a rolling admissions program and will consider applications for Nursery to Grade 5 throughout the year, so do contact the School Office at info@wetherbypembridge.org or 646-213-3400 if this applies to you and your family.

Is there a test required for Kindergarten, Grade 1 or Grade 2 applicants?

We do not require testing for application to Kindergarten and Grades 1 & 2.

Does the School offer Financial Aid?

Wetherby-Pembridge will provide limited financial aid for September 2023 applications to the Nursery 2 to Grade 5.

Applications for financial aid must be submitted by December 1st 2022 and will be reviewed by Alpha Plus Group in London on an individual basis.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

What is the school's philosophy?

In New York, parents are faced with decisions to make and which school philosophy works best for their children and family.

At Wetherby-Pembridge, we are a British school following the English National Curriculum. We offer a traditional, yet forward-looking syllabus and we aim for a balanced and well-rounded approach. Success is achieved in aspiring to excellence in all areas of the school and we bring with us our trademark success from the schools in the UK. The teaching team expect excellent standards and nurture the children in their care to produce happy, confident and lifelong learners.

Visiting the school, you will feel at home with the children – they have a natural sense of welcome and are very good company.

Does the School accept children with special educational needs?

Wetherby-Pembridge prides itself on its high standards of teaching and learning. Each Class Teacher is empowered to reach a range of needs within their classes and they are experienced at handling issues as they arise. As a School, we will consider all applications and providing we can meet the needs of the child and the educational philosophy resonates with the family, we can offer a place. We must be a School where all children can feel happy and thrive and therefore each child is handled separately and with care. Enrichment classes are frequently offered for support in phonics, fine motor, study skills, English and Maths, amongst many others.

What do the students do for PE?

Athletics and PE is an integral part of the school curriculum.

From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3, the children swim all year round at the 92Y on Lexington Avenue and attend PE and Gymnastics sessions in their Wonder Fit and Mack Gym. From Kindergarten, Seasonal Sport sessions are additionally introduced with the School Coach and these may include, Soccer, T-Ball, Athletics and Tennis. A weekly after-school Sports Club is additionally provided.

 

What are the academic challenges for a child who has not gone through Nursery under the British curriculum and is entering at the Pre-K or Kindergarten?

The School enjoys meeting all children for Play Sessions and looks for potential and character, as well as ability. Many children starting do not have a basic grasp of phonics or numbers and the teaching team provides scaffolding and enrichment support in a number of ways to help children close the gaps, if necessary. The teaching team are on hand at all times to guide and advise how parents can help from home where required. Children tend to grasp new concepts quickly and are helped to gain a solid understanding at their own pace.

How does the school help a child who isn't performing at the same level as their peers?

Enrichment classes are on offer in most areas of the curriculum, whether that be fine motor skill development, phonics and reading, number work. The groups are fluid and designed so that children can come and go when deemed necessary. Booster sessions such as these can make all the difference to a child’s attainment and overall personal learning confidence.

These learning journeys are shared with parents every step of the way.

Are there Report Cards?

A progress report card is sent home in December and a full written report card is sent at the end of the academic year.

What is the Homework Policy for the current grades at Wetherby-Pembridge?

At Wetherby-Pembridge, homework is set in order to allow parents to celebrate and reinforce their child’s learning at home. Homework should consolidate or finish-off work started at school. It should be able to be completed by the majority of pupils within an allotted time.

From Pre-Kindergarten upwards pupils take a reading book home each evening.

On a Friday, ‘Weekend Talk’ is sent home. This is an opportunity to promote discussion around an interesting topic that can involve the whole family.

Until the end of Kindergarten, homework should be completed with adult support and supervision. From Grade 1, all children should try to work independently at a task before seeking parental guidance.

Pre-Kindergarten

Reading— Children are encouraged to read out loud, or enjoy a book with an adult, for 10-15 mins every day. The book will either be from the reading scheme or chosen by the child from the library. Both parents and teachers communicate daily in the Reading Journal.

Additional phonics, sight words, handwriting and mathematics may supplement this from time to time.

Kindergarten

Reading – Children are encouraged to read out loud, or enjoy a book with an English speaking adult, for 10-15 mins every day. Both parents and teachers communicate daily in the Reading Journal.

The library books are the children’s own choice. Some guidance is given but do not worry if this book seems too hard or too easy, as it is a book for the parents and child to share together. If necessary phonic sounds need to go home daily to be practised.

Spelling – The children are given spellings that need to be learnt over a week. This is a combination of irregular spellings and phonic based words.

Maths -Tasks will be sent home weekly.

Literacy – From Term 2, a grammar based homework activity is given weekly.

Grade 1

Reading – Children are encouraged to read out loud, or enjoy a book with an English speaking adult, for 10-15 mins every day. Both parents and teachers communicate daily in the Reading Journal

The library books are the children’s own choice. Some guidance is given but do not worry if this book seems too hard or too easy, as it is a book for the parents and child to share together. If necessary phonic sounds need to go home daily to be practised.

Spelling – The children are given spellings that need to be learnt over a week. This is a combination of irregular spellings and phonic based words. The children are tested on the first 200 high frequency words each term.

Maths – Children complete one or two tasks per week. A homework activity based on the concept being taught in maths is also given out once a week.

Literacy – A comprehension activity is set weekly. This is differentiated to their guided reading ability groups. A second activity is also sent home weekly either based around creative writing or a grammar and punctuation task.

How is the school going to manage its growth and philosophy?

As the School grows, class sizes will remain at a maximum of 20 pupils. The school will aim to be two form entry in each year group and there will be a Lower School and Middle School divide across two sites.

Will kids be prepared for American school and college?

All pupils at Wetherby-Pembridge are prepared for top boarding or day High Schools in the US, UK and internationally. If families aspire to US High Schools, all preparation and relevant testing is accounted for and families meet with the Head of School from Grade 6 to decide relevant choices and next steps.

SCHOOL LIFE

Do you provide a daily lunch and snacks?

Yes, we do.

A hot and nutritious lunch is provided to all children in the school on a daily basis by JC Food. Each meal is balanced with a choice of fresh vegetables and fruit for pudding. All dietary requirements are respected and once the school is informed by a family, we will directly meet those needs. The School is a nut free environment at all times.

Daily snacks are provided ranging from fresh fruit three times a week and on other days we might provide vegetable crudites with humous or cheese and crackers. These are provided every morning and for after-school activities.

Healthy eating is valued at Wetherby-Pembridge and we are regularly visited by ‘Veggiecation’ who talk to the children about a balanced diet and healthy food choices. We enjoy family-style lunches each day with an emphasis on table manners and good conversation!

Do you have an after-school programme?

We offer an after-school clubs programme from Monday to Friday. These generally run from 3.30 to 4.30pm each day.

Outsourced activities are provided in Chess run by ‘NYChess Kids’ and Saber Fencing which takes place at Tim Morehouse Fencing Club on the Upper West Side. Children can also attend Carousel of Languages on Madison Avenue to learn French and Mandarin amongst other options.

Additional Clubs include computing, cookery, gardening, arts and crafts, board games, tap dancing, outdoor sports and fitness, construction and Friday ice skating.

Where do the children go for trips around New York?

Trips and visits play an integral part of each child’s learning at Wetherby-Pembridge.

The Nursery 2 have visited venues such as the Daryl Roth Theater for the showing of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. They have been visited by the FDNY and visit the local Library and Post Office to support their topics.

Pre-Kindergarten have visited the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park Zoo.

Kindergarten and Grade 1 are part of the Musical Explorers Programme at Carnegie Hall and visit the Hall twice a year for musical concerts. Other venues have included the Whitney Museum and the Hall of Science in Queens all accessed by School Bus for the day with a delicious packed lunch.

From Grade 2, trips take the children further afield and in the Summer Term, Grade 2 go away for a two night residential to the Ashokan Center. This trip has a teambuilding and educational focus and is a lot of fun! Activities include blacksmithing, countryside hikes, camp fires, science and ecological workshops and a step back in history to visit an old-fashioned classroom.

What happens at break times when there is wet weather?

The children go to Central Park every day (enjoying the playground at 96th and East Meadow at 97th and Fifth). When the weather is inclement, they have arranged activities in the School Hall such as Yoga, indoor soccer and soft hockey. They can also take part in construction and board game activities. Often, this is a good time to share stories or reading and research time in the Library.

Is Wetherby-Pembridge strict?

Wetherby-Pembridge is a warm and approachable, yet purposeful environment and this welcome is extended to all who visit the School. There is good order and a clear structure which helps each child to thrive and know where they stand. This provides the school community with stability and a sense of purpose, with all united under clear goals and expectations. Above all, we are about a love of learning for life, a passion for education and thoroughly enjoying the process along the way. The teaching team champion the children in their care and this is simply part of what we do.

Children will make mistakes and this is only normal and it is our role to help them understand what went wrong and more importantly, how they can ‘come back better’ next time. Good humour is shared by all and we celebrate each child’s unique talents.

If you visit London, do drop into our Schools as they are rich in the same qualities of achievement, warmth and humour.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT

How are the parent community involved at Wetherby-Pembridge?

Our parent community are highly involved in the weekly life of the School. Parents can attend a monthly Friday Family Assembly and there are frequent opportunities to attend Stay and Play sessions in the Nursery 2 and Pre-K and Stay and Learn classes from the Kindergarten. There are Termly social evening events such as ‘Carols by Candlelight’ and Summer Cocktails and the first WPNY Parent/Staff Book Club was established this term.

The School encourages mothers, fathers and family members to visit the school on the way to work to read to their child’s class. The WPNY PA, known as ‘Friends of Wetherby-Pembridge’ acts as a bridge between the school, parents, children and the local community and are involved in fundraising and community events.

There is an open door policy at WPNY and parents are encouraged to book appointments with Class Teachers or the Head of School at all times, should they wish to discuss a matter. We work as a partnership and your child’s education is a shared journey. Frequent communication from the School keeps parents informed, whether that is weekly class reports or our fortnightly newsletter, The Wetherbridge.

FACILITIES

How do you plan on using this building as you grow?

7 East 96 provides excellent facilities to support the broad curriculum. From Kindergarten, pupils can use the Science Laboratory, Art and Design Suite and can access all Music, Language and multi-purpose areas for Drama, Public Speaking, Debating, Yoga and Dance. Gardening takes place on the Top Terrace and the first floor outside space is used by the Nursery 2 and Pre-K children. The Library on the second floor and Founders’ Hall are used for functions, Open House events, dinners and indoor soft PE sessions and Clubs.

How are spaces at the School used for PE?

The Founders’ Hall is often used for soft PE and fitness sessions such as soccer, hockey, gymnastics and the Nursery 2 use it once a week for their movement and dance sessions. They often hold their obstacle course here in the winter months. In the summer, they go to Central Park for their PE sessions. Plans are in place to build out the ‘Loft’ at WPNY on the fifth floor as an auditorium space for Ballet, Yoga, Tap Dance and Drama and Music.

What is the school's plan for growth?

Wetherby-Pembridge will grow to Grade 8 and another facility will be added to the school’s portfolio to house the Middle School and the older year groups with comparable facilities. Sport will evolve and move away from the 92Y for the younger students to compete with other top US schools in Manhattan.

In this section
  • Our School
    • Welcome from Head of School
    • What sets us apart
    • Philosophy & Values
      • Learning in a co-educational setting
    • Building and Facilities
    • Staff List
    • Policies
    • Advisory Board
    • Governors
      • Governance
    • Alpha Plus Group
    • Alumni
    • Parents
      • Newsletters
      • Parent Portal
  • Admissions
    • Open House Events
    • Application Process
    • Admissions Timeline
    • Tuition Fees
    • How to Apply
    • Enquiry Form
    • FAQ
  • Preschool
    • Nursery & Pre-Kindergarten
  • Lower School
    • Kindergarten and Grade 1
    • Grade 2 to 5
  • Middle School
    • Grade 6 to 8
  • School Life
    • Term Dates
    • Wetherby-Pembridge Diary
    • Athletics
    • Clubs and Extra-Curricular
    • Pastoral and Well-Being
    • House System
    • School Affiliations
    • School Lunches
      • Chef Nancy’s Cooking Videos
    • School Uniform
    • Summer Camp
    • Our Community: Videos
  • News & Events
    • News
    • Education Evenings
    • Head’s Blog
    • WPNY Spotlight Series
  • Enquire
Register here to attend an open house
Register here to attend an open house
News
News
Philosophy & Values
Philosophy & Values
A Day in The Life
A Day in The Life

“What immediately spoke to us was the ethos of the school. From day one, Wetherby-Pembridge has treated parents with so much respect and engaged with us as true partners in our child’s education.”

Parent, Wetherby-Pembridge

“Wetherby-Pembridge works with families to cater to different learning styles of each child.”

Parent, Wetherby-Pembridge

“It was immediately clear to us that Wetherby had a higher level of academic rigor when compared to the other private schools…”

Parent, Wetherby-Pembridge
Welcome from  The Head of School
Welcome from The Head of School
Philosophy & Values
Philosophy & Values
Staff List
Staff List
Advisory Board & Governance
Advisory Board & Governance
Buildings & Facilities
Buildings & Facilities
Alpha Plus Group
Alpha Plus Group
Alumni
Alumni
sentinel

Register Here

To Attend an Open House

A Day in the Life of Wetherby-Pembridge
Launch of partnership with the Guggenheim

We were delighted to welcome the Guggenheim to Wetherby-Pembridge on Friday for the initial workshop of our educational program. The program connects our art department with the modern and contemporary collections and exhibitions in the Guggenheim, allowing our students to...

Full Article - More News
The rainforest comes to the Upper East Side

The rainforest comes to the Upper East Side, courtesy of...

WPNY Spotlight Series
WPNY Spotlight Series – Joseph T Rallo (January 2023)

WPNY Spotlight Series January 2023

Our Destination Schools

Browning School
Chapin School
Sacred Heart
  • www.wetherbyschool.co.uk
  • www.wetherbyprep.co.uk
  • www.wetherbysenior.co.uk
  • www.pembridgehall.co.uk

7 E 96th St, New York, NY 10128

info@wetherbypembridge.org
646 213 3400
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We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming Open House event:

Tuesday March 7th at 9.00am

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