The Masters School
The Masters School is a 147-year-old independent coeducational day and boarding school in Dobbs Ferry, NY, serving grades 5-12 across Middle School, Upper School, and 5-day/7-day boarding programs with a Harkness-method, college-preparatory curriculum and proprietary Advanced Studies track replacing AP.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1877
- HeadquartersDobbs Ferry, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Masters School does
The Masters School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school serving students in grades 5-12, founded in 1877 by Eliza Bailey Masters and located on a single campus at 49 Clinton Avenue in Dobbs Ferry, Westchester County, NY. The institution is structured as a nonprofit governed by a Board of Trustees and led by Head of School Laura Danforth, with no parent company, PE/VC ownership, or external controlling entity disclosed in available data. The school operates three core enrollment divisions — Middle School (grades 5-8), Upper School (grades 9-12), and Boarding Programs offered in both 5-day (Sunday evening through Friday) and 7-day formats — and serves a mix of domestic and international students with documented representation from at least 14 countries. Staffing is reported in the 101-250 employee band, consistent with a mid-sized independent school.
The school's core product is a college-preparatory academic program built around the Harkness method of student-centered, discussion-based instruction conducted at oval tables. Curriculum is differentiated by specialized programs including the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (with makerspace equipment), the Science Research Program (producing WESEF, NYSSEF, and ISEF competitors), Global Studies, Journalism, and the annual WinterMission experiential learning program (48 courses offered in 2026). A significant curriculum restructuring is underway: the school will sunset its AP affiliation at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year and replace it with proprietary Advanced Studies courses developed in-house. Co-curricular programming (community service, debate, Model UN, performing arts, athletics across 14+ varsity/JV sports) is positioned as a required curriculum component. Support services include the LEAD Office for students with documented learning differences, the Writing Center, College Counseling, and a Library.
Revenue is generated almost entirely through annual tuition subscriptions across three pricing tiers (day, 5-day boarding, 7-day boarding) supplemented by need-based financial aid and philanthropy via an annual giving program. The school pursues a community-led, direct-to-consumer go-to-market motion through its website (mastersny.org), active social channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn), admission events, Gold Key student ambassadors, and the Dobbs Alumnae/i Association network. International student recruitment is operated as a dedicated channel. No revenue figures, enrollment counts, or pricing details are disclosed in the available source data, and the school has no disclosed patents, API, proprietary AI capabilities, or technology integrations beyond the third-party myMASTERS school management platform.
The Masters School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Masters School
- Legal name
- The Masters School
- Website
- https://mastersny.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1877
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- The Masters School is a 147-year-old independent coeducational day and boarding school in Dobbs Ferry, NY, serving grades 5-12 across Middle School, Upper School, and 5-day/7-day boarding programs with a Harkness-method, college-preparatory curriculum and proprietary Advanced Studies track replacing AP.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Masters School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Independent K-12 Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Nonsectarian Independent Boarding Schools (EDAJABAB)
Keywords
Where The Masters School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dobbs Ferry
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Masters School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Day Student Tuition: Tuition revenue from day students in grades 5-12. The school offers a comprehensive academic program for day students who commute to campus daily.
- Boarding Student Tuition: Tuition revenue from residential students (both 5-day and 7-day boarding programs). Boarding tuition includes room, board, and round-the-clock supervision by residential faculty.
- Financial Aid Programs: Need-based financial aid available to admitted students. The school admits students of any race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Day Student Tuition - grades 5-12 |
| Subscription | Annual | 5-Day Boarding Program - grades 9-12 |
| Subscription | Annual | 7-Day Boarding Program - grades 9-12 |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
The Masters School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Masters School is an independent coeducational day and boarding school serving students in grades 5-12, delivering college preparatory education through the Harkness discussion-based instructional method. The institution offers 5-day and 7-day boarding programs alongside day enrollment, a comprehensive co-curricular program in athletics, performing arts, and visual arts, and specialized academic tracks including Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Science Research, Global Studies, and Journalism. It also provides dedicated College Counseling, learning support (LEAD), and signature experiential programs such as WinterMission and a custom Advanced Studies curriculum replacing AP courses from fall 2027.
Product overview
The Masters School is an independent day and boarding school (grades 5-12) offering a unified educational program built around the Harkness method of student-centered discussion. The institution operates three core divisions: Middle School (grades 5-8), Upper School (grades 9-12), and Boarding Programs (5-day and 7-day options). Academic offerings span traditional subjects enhanced by specialized programs including the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, Science Research Program, Global Studies, and Journalism. The Co-Curriculars program is a required component of the curriculum covering athletics (varsity/JV teams across 14 sports), performing arts (theater, dance, music), and visual arts. Additional support services include College Counseling, Learning Support (LEAD Office, Math Clinic), Library, and The Writing Center. The school also offers unique annual programs like WinterMission (intensive experiential courses) and maintains a robust College Counseling Office that communicates academic program details to colleges and universities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Middle School Program (Grades 5-8) Educational program for grades 5-8 emphasizing experiential learning, Harkness discussion methods, interdisciplinary projects, and character development through annually themed curriculum frameworks. Designed for students transitioning from elementary school to upper school rigor.
- Upper School Program (Grades 9-12) College-preparatory program for grades 9-12 offering Advanced Placement courses transitioning to Advanced Studies courses beginning fall 2027, Harkness method instruction, and comprehensive curriculum including specialized tracks in Global Studies, Journalism, and Science Research.
- 5-Day Boarding Program Residential program allowing students in grades 9-12 to board on campus Sunday evening through Friday afternoon, combining academic rigor with community living and returning home for weekends.
- 7-Day Boarding Program Full-time residential program for grades 9-12 where students live on campus seven days a week with all meals and accommodations included, experiencing complete immersion in the school community.
- Athletics Program Comprehensive athletic program featuring varsity and JV teams including baseball, basketball, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, squash, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
- Performing Arts Program Program offering instruction and performance opportunities in dance, music, and theater through courses, productions, and ensembles including Dobbs 16 a cappella group and mainstage musicals.
- Visual Arts Program Comprehensive visual arts education including studio art, photography, ceramics, media arts, and digital photography with exhibition opportunities for students.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) IEC program fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking through project-based learning, makerspace equipment (3D printers, laser engravers, embroidery machines), and the Diamond Challenge pitch competition for student entrepreneurs.
- Science Research Program College-level research program enabling students to conduct original scientific research with mentorship, participating in competitions including WESEF, NYSSEF, and ISEF with record placements.
- WinterMission Annual four-day intensive schoolwide experiential learning program offering 48+ diverse courses ranging from outdoor activities to arts, sciences, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship.
- College Counseling Comprehensive college guidance program helping students navigate the application process with support from dedicated counselors, including communication with colleges about academic programs.
- Learning Support Services (LEAD) Academic support services including LEAD Office for students with documented learning differences, Math Clinic, extra help appointments, and study skills development.
- Global Studies Program Interdisciplinary program exploring global perspectives, international relations, and cross-cultural understanding within the upper school curriculum.
- Journalism Program Upper school journalism program offering opportunities for student reporting, writing, and publication through school media.
- Advanced Studies Program (replacing AP) Custom advanced curriculum developed by Masters faculty replacing AP courses, designed to be student-centered and aligned with school mission. Launching fall 2027, replacing AP program at end of 2026-2027 school year.
Quantifiable outcome
- First NEPSAC final four appearance in program history for varsity boys basketball (2026)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use The Masters School
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Masters School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
The Masters School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Hudson Valley ShakespearecoreLongstanding collaboration between upper school English classes and Hudson Valley Shakespeare teaching assistants. Professional actors coach students during Shakespeare workshops supporting studies of Hamlet and The Taming of the Shrew. Workshops include acting warmups, rehearsals, and performances. Teaching assistants will return to work with ninth graders on Romeo and Juliet.
- Mastercard Tech HubminorBusiness Dynamics students toured Mastercard Tech Hub offices in Manhattan, met with industry experts, and learned about career mentorships and advanced digital payment technology. The visit provides real-world exposure to professional business environments and technology careers.
- Murray's Cheese CavesminorWinterMission CheeseMission course included a private tour of Murray's Cheese Caves in Long Island City, which normally doesn't offer tours to the public. Students received firsthand tour with the head affineur learning about cheese aging processes.
- The Aerin ProjectminorNational letter-writing initiative in memory of Aerin Glaser. MISH and Writing Center students participate by writing encouraging letters available for community members to read during difficult moments. The project connects service, writing, and community connection.
- Dobbs Ferry Senior Citizen ProgramminorIntergenerational photography project partnering photography students with local seniors. MISH students helped coordinate interviews while photography students captured portraits. Project builds community connections across generations through the arts.
- Westchester Academy of MedicineminorNico Khoury-Levy won the Future of Medicine Award and received invitation to present research at the annual meeting of the Westchester Academy of Medicine following his WESEF success.
- Feeding WestchesterminorArt Feeds You exhibition raised close to $900 for Feeding Westchester, a county food bank fighting food insecurity. Ceramics students organized community bowl-making and glaze nights with proceeds supporting the organization.
- Diamond Challenge (University of Delaware)coreThe Masters School is a Diamond Challenge Pitch Partner, one of only 20 globally and 4 in the United States. Hosted third annual pitch competition. Two winning teams advance to Diamond Challenge Finals at Limitless World Summit in Delaware competing for prize money.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Masters School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Taft School: Elite coed boarding school in Watertown, CT, serving grades 9-12. Comparable in college-preparatory academic rigor, residential program, and athletic profile.
- Deerfield Academy: Elite coed boarding school in Deerfield, MA. Overlapping residential model, college-prep mission, and competitive athletics; competes for the same boarding family segment.
- Emma Willard School: Independent boarding school in Troy, NY, serving grades 9-12. Comparable residential model and college-preparatory mission, with stronger STEM research traditions.
- Lawrenceville School: Elite coed boarding school in Lawrenceville, NJ, with a signature discussion-based House system analogous to Masters' Harkness approach. Direct competitor for boarding enrollment.
- Hotchkiss School: Elite coed boarding school in Lakeville, CT. Comparable in college-prep rigor, STEM research opportunities, and competitive athletics.
- Rye Country Day School: Independent coed K-12 day school in Rye, NY, in Westchester County. Comparable size, tuition band, college-preparatory curriculum, and competitive athletics profile.
- Choate Rosemary Hall: Elite coed boarding school in Wallingford, CT. Overlapping boarding programs, college-prep mission, and similar athletic/arts offerings.
- Hackley School: Independent coed K-12 day and 5-day boarding school in Tarrytown, NY, located within roughly 10 miles of Masters. Very comparable in size, mission, tuition band, and Harkness-style progressive pedagogy.
Regional players
- Brunswick School: Independent boys day school in Greenwich, CT, in the same Fairfield-Westchester prep school athletic league (FAA). Comparable college-preparatory offering for the regional day-school segment.
Broad incumbents
- Phillips Exeter Academy: Elite coed boarding school in Exeter, NH, and the originator of the Harkness method. Establishes the benchmark discussion-based pedagogy Masters explicitly emulates.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Masters School social profiles
Digital presenceThe Masters School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Masters School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
The Masters School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Masters School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Masters School
What does The Masters School do?
The Masters School is an independent coeducational day and boarding school serving students in grades 5-12, delivering college preparatory education through the Harkness discussion-based instructional method. The institution offers 5-day and 7-day boarding programs alongside day enrollment, a comprehensive co-curricular program in athletics, performing arts, and visual arts, and specialized academic tracks including Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Science Research, Global Studies, and Journalism. It also provides dedicated College Counseling, learning support (LEAD), and signature experiential programs such as WinterMission and a custom Advanced Studies curriculum replacing AP courses from fall 2027.
Is The Masters School a public or private company?
The Masters School is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Masters School founded?
The Masters School was founded in 1877. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is The Masters School based?
The Masters School is headquartered in Dobbs Ferry, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Masters School make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Day Student Tuition is the primary driver. The others are boarding Student Tuition and financial Aid Programs.
Who are The Masters School's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Taft School, Deerfield Academy, Emma Willard School, Lawrenceville School, Hotchkiss School, Rye Country Day School, Choate Rosemary Hall and Hackley School. Brunswick School is listed as a regional player. Phillips Exeter Academy is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does The Masters School have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Masters School.
What industry is The Masters School in?
The Masters School's product category is Independent K-12 Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJABAB, Nonsectarian Independent Boarding Schools. Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.