About Brown School

Welcome to Brown School

Since 1893, we carry on in the tradition of Helen “Nellie” Brown. Expert and experienced faculty work with small groups of students in an atmosphere of acceptance, experimentation, and joy in discovery of the wonders of the universe. Teachers at Brown School exemplify the qualities we prize in our students: they are eager learners, active citizens and effective communicators of knowledge and feeling.

Brown School families find themselves deeply involved in the life of the school community and in the education of their children: partnerships between parents and teachers often result in life-long friendships in support of the strivings of our students and graduates.  

The best education acknowledges the developmental pace of students, while challenging them to embrace new understandings of the intellectual and physical world and of each other. Brown School is alive with the possibilities of its students and is dedicated to maintaining an atmosphere in which they can become their best.  

It is impossible to appreciate the energy of Brown School without experiencing it yourself. We invite you to come in for a visit!  Our students are excited to show you what school can be.

Patti Vitale
HEAD OF SCHOOL
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1893
Year Established
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22%
Students Receiving Aid
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7:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
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14
Grades Offered

Our Values

Brown School is alive with the possibilities of its students and dedicated to maintaining an atmosphere in which they can become their individual best.
Mission

Our mission is to mindfully educate all students to pursue their individual potential in a nurturing, collaborative environment through the arts, humanities, mathematics and sciences.

Diversity

Brown School is an inclusive school that respects the dignity of the individual in the areas of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, culture, personal choices and family differences. All members of the Brown School community are mindful of and responsible for understanding and advancing diversity in the school.

Accreditation

Brown School has an absolute charter by the New York State Board of Regents.Having met or exceeded criteria for accreditation based upon principles of best practice, Brown School is the only school in Schenectady and one of only 13 schools in the Capital District accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Independent Schools.Brown School has held accreditation since 1996 and has been continuously re-accredited since that time.

Our History

Brown School modestly began in 1893 with only 12 students. More than a century later, Brown School continues to grow while remaining steadfast in its mission to mindfully educate all students to pursue their individual potential in a nurturing, collaborative environment through the arts, humanities, mathematics and sciences.

Come see all we have to offer with a private tour,
Or plan to attend a scheduled open house!

Where are they now?

Brown School prepares students for success beyond our hallways and classrooms. Our students have gone on to attend and graduate from top colleges and universities around the country.

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