Where does your child go to school?

“In the 21st century, children not only need to speak languages – they need to be able to understand

different cultures. Léman Manhattan is a true global community

where children receive a fantastic education and learn about the world beyond New York City.”

Scott Genzer, Head of Upper School

Welcome to

Léman manhattan

“Léman Manhattan is a vibrant, growing, 21st century preparatory

school located in the financial district – the heart of historic

downtown Manhattan. We offer the highest-caliber academics

delivered by an outstanding, energized and passionate faculty.

We teach students from Early Childhood through Grade 12 to be

nimble, courageous, critical thinkers who are prepared to succeed

at top-choice colleges and throughout their lives.

However, our rigorous academics are only one part of our story.

We provide our families with a rich, diverse experience that you

simply won’t find anywhere else in New York City. We’d like to

share these stories with you through the personal viewpoints

of those who know – and love - Léman Manhattan the best: our

students, parents, teachers and administrators.”

Head of School

Welcome to

our mission

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School is an international learning community

committed to educating, empowering and inspiring students from early childhood

through 12th Grade to be confident, independent critical thinkers.

We equip young minds with the knowledge, character and life skills they need to

become informed and engaged citizens of the world.

Léman Manhattan is a member of The Meritas International Family of Schools.

Meritas provides highly personalized education to more than 12,000 students at

10 elite college preparatory schools in the United States, Latin America, Europe

and Asia. Meritas graduates are prepared to excel at the goals they set for

themselves and to make a difference in the world.

our

We believe that learning resilience, empathy and

open-mindedness is just as important as learning

calculus, chemistry and history. Our challenging

yet collaborative educational approach prepares

students to lead and succeed with courage and

confidence in today’s fast-paced world. We also

believe that a strong partnership and open

communication among students, parents, faculty

and administration is the finest foundation for

academic success.

And did we mention: our parents tell us their

children really enjoy coming to school?

CollaborationCommunity

Curiosity

CivilityCreativity

“Over the years, family and teachers have smiled at Eve’s preference for attending every last minute of school. My husband and I have tried to entice her away for an extended weekend at the beach. She insisted that school was much more fun.”Beverly Bracken, Parent

values

In addition to strong academics, we believe that 21st century learners should be caring, risk takers, and critical thinkers who are able to take a problem out of context, make sense of it and act on it.

Our educational approach brings together all of these elements so students

not only understand what they’re learning, but why they’re learning it.

Scott Genzer, Head of Upper School

ACADEMICSOur academic programs are steered by proven Meritas methodologies and enriched by our affiliation with our international sister schools; Collège du Léman in Geneva, Switzerland, Léman International School in Chengdu, China and Instituto San Roberto in Monterrey, N.L. Mexico.

“”

PersonAl leArninG PlAns

“Personal learning plans are designed around each student’s strengths and identified areas of growth. This

approach results in passionate learners

and well-informed and engaged

teachers.”

Drew Alexander, Head of School

“I have 4 very different children at Léman and it’s the right place for all

four of them.”

Kerry Ann King, Parent

“Sam is on his way to becoming an All American Scholastic Athlete. He was selected to swim at the

Olympic training center in Colorado

Springs. Sam was able to get all

of his assignments during winter

recess and return to school totally

prepared because the whole faculty

and administration were so very

supportive. One of his Olympic

coaches commented: ‘This is a school

that helps Sam academically while it

also respects him as a person.’”

Linda Sherman, Parent

Find a spark. Blow on it. And create a bonfire. That’s the powerful idea behind our Personal Learning Plans. Léman Manhattan offers small group and one-on-one instruction that creates an inspired curriculum, targeted goals and differentiated instruction. We know that when students are challenged and excited, their love of learning always burns bright.

WHY?

Millions saw the apple fall, but newton was the one who asked

Bernard Baruch

Critical thinking involves broad, in-depth analysis of evidence to make decisions and communicate one’s beliefs clearly and accurately. Whether our students are learning American History or Geometry or how to play a team sport, we inspire them to ask thoughtful questions, use higher-order reasoning and solve problems creatively.

CRITICAL THINKING

“In the 21st century we are not data poor – we are data rich – you cannot simply learn all the facts that exist in this world. Students need to synthesize, understand and sift through information and make sense of it.” Scott Genzer, Head of Upper School

“We encourage students to build the stamina to solve problems that might not have easy answers. They learn to use information that they already have and also how to find information that they might not have.

This shows they have a larger understanding of the concept.” Rachel Griffin, Head of Lower School

meAsureDAcHieVementUsing the most sophisticated methods of monitoring and measuring student progress, we constantly assess what’s been learned in our classrooms and hold ourselvesaccountable for each student’s academic growth.

WorlD VieWs From eVerY clAssroom

“Over the summer, Micaela went to the Meritas Student Government Summit and

had an amazing time. She and two other students represented Léman. They got to meet the student leaders from other Meritas schools. She came back with friends from Switzerland and Mexico and a sense of pride in belonging to a

family of schools. It was a real confidence booster and made her feel like a leader.”

Mary Lohr, Parent

WorlD VieWs From eVerY clAssroom

At Léman Manhattan, we encourage young minds to see the world from diverse perspectives. We are the only preparatory school in Manhattan that offers students international learning opportunities beginning in the 2nd Grade with our established sister schools in Europe, Asia, Latin America and throughout the United States.

Our students participate in exciting international academic, athletic, music and art programs that develop cultural knowledge, global experience and friendships that will last a lifetime.

MERITAS PROGRAMS • Academic Olympiad Meritas Seminar at Balliol College, Oxford UniversityThe Meritas Games • Student Government SummitFine Arts Festival

“The Meritas Academic Olympiad was an amazing experience that was competitive, yet friendly. I also enjoyed meeting members of the other schools. The entire trip was fantastic!” Evan, Middle School Student

internAtionAl

“I’ve been dreaming about going to China since I was 11 years old. Léman made it happen and I am forever grateful. Going there changed my life. I experienced new food, new culture, new people, and got to know the people from my own school better as well. The Peking Duck was terrific. I’m getting hungry thinking about it. At Dufu’s Cottage I was surrounded by nature and history. It’s a memory I will never forget.” Nyree, Upper School Student

The richness and diversity of our community is an integral part of Léman Manhattan. Families come from Lower Manhattan, the larger New York City region and from over 20 nations around the world.

DIVERSITY

We go beyond simply memorizing a language in a classroom. We offer real-life application of each language. Our students can travel to China, Switzerland

or Mexico where they can be immersed in the culture and the environment of that country.

Sarah Feldman, World Languages Department Chair and Assistant Head of High School

“ ”

BoArDinG

“Our new international boarding program brings students together from all over the world and provides them the unique opportunity to live and learn in New York City. Most importantly, this experience offers the students a global perspective and sensitivity to other cultures that will prepare them for future international challenges and contributions.” Drew Alexander, Head of School

toucHPoints

12:40 p.m. Video conference debate.

Two countries. One classroom. A world of problems solved.Imagine students thousands of miles apart working face-to-face to tackle giant global issues like deforestation, peacekeeping and poverty. That’s the whole idea behind Touchpoints, the unique, year-long learning experience for 2nd through 8th Grades. Under teacher guidance and with on-going parent engagement, Léman Manhattan students collaborate with peers from other Meritas schools. Together they research a global issue, post questions, findings, solutions and ideas using Skype as well as Smartboards. The highlight of the program is an end-of-year video-conferenced Lincoln-Douglas style debate between the paired classes on their proposed resolution to the assigned global issue.

“Students discover that ideas in New York may be vastly different than those of their peers in Geneva or Mexico, China or another part of the United States.” Rachel Griffin, Head of Lower School

our outstAnDinG

A student’s pAssion for leArning stArts with our fAculty’s pAssion for teAching.There’s nothing like an inspired teacher to make learning irresistible. At Léman Manhattan our teachers are involved, enthusiastic and passionate. And the Meritas Teacher’s College ensures that our teachers receive the support, intensive professional training and opportunities to share best practices with colleagues at other Meritas schools. As a result, our teachers remain as inspired as their students.

FACULTY

“Collaboration happens all the time at Léman. The fact that we are a newer school means that we are not bound by traditions. My conversations with colleagues and students focus on finding the best ways to tackle problems and to create the most effective learning experiences, rather than relying on what’s been done in the past.” Benjamin Cope Kasten, Middle School Social Studies Teacher

“One of the teachers that changed my life is Dr. Davis. Before I arrived at Léman I had never attempted to learna new language. Dr. Davis was the hardest teacher I’ve ever had. She knew my potential and she pushed me to reach levels that I didn’t even know I had. That’s what school is all about.” Nyree, Upper School Student

“I would say it is a great school. The teachers are really nice and I have made lots of great friends. I think kids would really, really like it here.” Jack, Lower School Student

tecHnoloGYtechnology

Students today can switch their attention from one medium to another in search of new entertainment and information multiple times an hour. So how do we keep them engaged? We teach the way they learn. We offer state-of-the-art classrooms complete with SMART technology and full audio/visual capabilities that encourage anywhere-anytime learning.

We also have piloted a flipped classroom program, in which students view teacher-created videos at home and do assigned homework in class as a means to increase interaction and take advantage of classroom time. The flipped classroom makes technology the primary source of learning, thus freeing up time for each teacher to work with students individually. The teacher is not the “sage on the stage”, but the “guide” on the student’s side.

“Ethan has thrived from the flipped classroom opportunities. He can learn at a much faster speed and his attention is more focused. His interest and participation has increased and his grades have gotten even higher.” Carol Moy, Parent

“Mr. Isaac’s videos on YouTube are very helpful. They help me better understand the lesson. I can replay it and really focus in on what I need to better understand. I can go back to different lessons and catch things that I missed.” David, Upper School Student

“I did a pilot of the flipped classroom model with my Chemistry class. Feedback from students all around the world has been pretty amazing and humbling. And many educators from all over the country have noticed and reached out to me for advice on how to implement a similar program. I just hit over 1,000 subscribers and 180,000 views. My own students say their favorite part is being able to re-watch lessons and review them, and I’ve seen them doing this in the hallway on their smartphones and in the computer labs at school.”Joshua Isaacs, Science Department Chair

Our Lower School, at 41 Broad Street, the former headquarters of Bank of America International, accommodates students from our 3’s Program through the 4th Grade.

Our Upper School is located on six floors of the Cunard Building — steps from the iconic Wall Street Bull — at Morris Street and Broadway.

We are located in the heart of American history. If you look outside our window, the Statue of Liberty is there welcoming people as she has for the past 125 years. It’s just an amazing, amazing placeto be able to teach children.Christine Karamanoglou, Middle School Teacherand Assistant Head of the Middle School

“ ”

locAtion &

sPAcious, nAturAl liGHt-FilleD clAsses AnD Work sPAces

25 YArD comPetition Pools on eAcH cAmPus

rock climBinG WAll

reGulAtion-size GYms

FullY-equiPPeD trAininG room

liBrArY oVerlookinG neW York HArBor

ProFessionAl PerForminG Arts AuDitorium

lArGe rooF PlAY AreA

common sPAces For stuDents tHrouGHout eAcH FAcilitY

cAFés run BY ProFessionAllY-trAineD cHeFs

facilities

“The facilities give students lots of opportunities to participate in community-building activities. The athletic department includes a rock climbing wall and fitness center with extended hours. Performing arts includes Glee Club, Jazz Band and a recording studio! It is a great mix that cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie in students and parents. The school is truly a second home for us.”Patty Olivares, Parent

We liVe on tHe uPPer eAst siDe AnD commute All tHe WAY DoWn to lémAn. i like tHe DoWntoWn ViBe. Zina Goldrich, Parent

“Walk two blocks down the road and you’ll be where George Washington took his oath of office in 1789. Walk a few more blocks and you’ll see where Manhattan was purchased four hundred years ago.”Drew Alexander, Head of School

“”

eArlY cHilDHooD

loWer scHool

“We follow the responsive classroom approach which is all about building a community for the children to get to know each other and for the teachers to get to know the children. It creates a powerful sense that we are working together to support and to learn from each other.” Rachel Griffin, Head of Lower School

eArly childhoodWe believe that curiosity, creativity, independence, cooperation and persistence enhance early learning and development. Our Early Childhood curriculum promotes social, emotional, intellectual and physical development in a safe and nurturing environment. Our children learn and have fun at the same time through exploration and hands-on experiences. The key areas of development include promoting leadership skills, self-motivation, expressive and receptive language, and positive self-esteem.

lower schoolOur Lower School curriculum is focused on educating the “whole child”. It offers a rich, diverse curriculum that is designed to enable children to discover and pursue their passions so that they fully realize their potential, explore who they are as learners and find their place in the world. Ensuring proficiency in language and math is paramount. Our Lower School program also emphasizes world language, humanities, science, physical education and visual and performing arts. Our young students become independent thinkers and confident decision makers who are excited to learn.

“Well, I loved multiplication. That was really cool. But my favorite was studying Harriet Tubman. Did you know that she was considered the conductor of the Underground Railroad, which really wasn’t a real railroad? It was a path to freedom. And New York was pretty much the free-est place for them to go! Harriet Tubman made like 70 trips on the Underground Railroad. She was so brave.” Jack, Lower School Student

miDDle scHool“Our Strengths4Success (S4S) Program introduces students beginning in 6th Grade to the study skills, self-knowledge, career discovery and college readiness they need to succeed in the classroom and throughout their lives. Students learn how to make good choices long before they have to make difficult decisions.” Hillary Hewins, Director of College Counseling

we offer AcAdemicAlly-demAnding clAsses And giVe students the

personAlized skills And tools they need to Accomplish their goAls.

Critical thinking is extremely important in Middle School. At this age students start

to develop logic and understand that their decisions impact others around them and their

own success. Each student is part of a small advisory group that offers a safe, supportive forum for dealing with issues of significance.

the result: A well-rounded, hAppy, confident And successful

middle school child.

HiGH scHool

Our expanding high school, with its first senior class graduating in June 2013, supports student success via rigorous academic programs; high expectations for all community members; a large variety of co-curricular activities; project days; and internships with neighboring government, non-government, artistic, environmental, educational and financial organizations.

Our college-preparatory curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and is brought to life in a student-centered environment. Students engage daily with other students from around the world via this challenging and inquiry-based curriculum, one that is constantly reviewed through a reflective and dynamic process in order to best prepare our students in this ever changing world.

“Colleges today are looking for students who have distinguished themselves inside and outside the classroom. Of course, universities want to know about academics, but they also want to know that students have the skills to be successful and that they are going to actively contribute to the campus community. Léman’s curriculum prepares students to do just that.” Hillary Hewins, Director of College Counseling

All of this ensures thAt our students will grAduAte with the chArActer And knowledge necessAry to ensure success At their top choice colleges And in other lifelong pursuits.

AtHletics

“We have a world-class swimmer in our school who benefited from our pool as he prepared for the Olympic trials. His parents chose Léman because of the support we can give him to accomplish his goals.”Drew Alexander, Head of School

we promote healthy minds and bodies through a wide variety of sports that encourage athletes to develop skills, strategy, teamwork – while having great fun.

“We have relatively small classes which are perfect for art and a fabulous studio that is second to none in New York. Just look out the window on a glorious morning at the Statue of Liberty lit up in the sun and even the most hardened no-I’m-not-going-to-do-well-in-art type student is inspired.” Gary Schwartz, Visual Arts Department Chair

Just as an orchestra comes alive in a concert hall with superior acoustics and an athlete plays better on a surface designed for sports, students and teachers benefit from inspiring spaces to learn and grow. In our naturally-lit rooftop art studio overlooking New York Harbor, budding Van Goghs and Gauguins find an endless source of creativity.

“My favorite thing about Léman Manhattan is the band program because you get to play music, perform and hear what your efforts sound like. And in performances you feel proud and can have everybody congratulate you.” Christian, Middle School Student

“All of the performances feel really professional and the costumes and sets are always amazing. I’ve made a lot of friends too, and there is a great sense of community between all the actors. We always have a lot of fun singing and playing around backstage, but it all really pays off!” Emma, Middle School Student

“Léman is very focused on making sure that the arts are both academic and artistic. Students aren’t just parroting songs back or learning a pratfall, they learn theory and history. But more importantly, they learn to take responsibility for their work. We simply help them find their own individual creativity.” Mariah Sanford-White, Performing Arts Department Chair

Artsfor this chorus line, BroAdwAy is just one Block AwAy.At Léman Manhattan, productions like Once On This Island and Little Shop of Horrors are not some after-school plays. They are a full dress rehearsal for the future. Under the direction of performer, choreographer and department chair Mariah-Sanford White, our young artists can develop their passions, technical skills and individual voices in a mini-conservatory setting, making the trip from Lower Broadway to 42nd Street an express ride.

world Views from eVery clAssroom

learn more about léman manhattan. contact: janet Barrettdirector of Admissions lower schoolphone: (212) 232-0266 ext. 259email: j.Barrett@lemanmanhattan.org

Amina o’kanedirector of Admissions upper schoolphone: 212-232-0266 ext. 525email: A.okane@lemanmanhattan.org

www.lemanmanhattan.org

lower school 41 broad street new york, ny 10004 middle & high school 1 morris street new york, ny 10004

facebook.com/lemanmanhattan

http://lemanmanhattan.tumblr.com/

linkedin.com/company/leman-manhattan

youtube.com/lemanmanhattan

twitter.com/lemanmanhattan