In an article today, The New York Times claims that many international families prefer Manhattan and Brooklyn public schools because they are more like the real world. One parent quoted notes that Manhattan private schools offer students too many lunch options. Affluent, Born Abroad and Choosing New York’s Public Schools
In my experience (admittedly biased, because families who call me generally seek private schools), international families go public if their children are elementary-school aged, they will only be here for a few years, and they don’t want to deal with private school admissions requirements or fees. However, on the flip side, affluent international families who want to stay in Manhattan often seek the most elite private schools they can get.
The demand from international families is reflected in the growing number of Manhattan private schools targeting them such as Avenues, Leman Meritas, World Class Learning Academy, and British International School.