Founded in either 1628 or 1638, Collegiate School stands as a testament to time. It is the oldest private secondary school in the United States. Imagine the stories within these walls.
Collegiate School began with the Dutch colonists. Reverend Jonas Michaelius wanted to teach Native American students. He wanted to teach them language and Christian religion. By 1632, a Dutch school existed in Manhattan.
In 1638, Adam Roelantsen was licensed to open a school. The Dutch West India Company funded it. Initially co-ed, Collegiate became all-boys in the late 19th century. The founding date has changed over time. In 1984, it was set to 1628 based on a letter from Michaelius. This allows Collegiate to claim the title of oldest school in America.
For over a century, Collegiate retained its Dutch identity. Classes were in Dutch until 1773. Only members of the Dutch Reformed Church were educated here until 1869. The school gained independence from the Reformed Church in 1808.
Lemuel C. Mygatt became headmaster in 1887. He transitioned Collegiate into a college-preparatory school. The school moved to 74th Street and began charging tuition. Collegiate stopped admitting girls in 1892.
Collegiate historically catered to an upper-class clientele. In the 1960s, more students began attending day schools. The school also offered financial aid.
In the 21st century, Collegiate has had six Heads of School. In 2018, Collegiate opened a new building at 301 Freedom Place South. The West End Collegiate Church wanted to sell its land. The school moved at the behest of the Church. In 2024, they opened an annex at 50 Riverside Boulevard.
Today, Collegiate educates around 670 boys in grades K through 12. The student-to-teacher ratio is about 5.1 to 1. Collegiate is a member of the New York Interschool Association and the Ivy Preparatory School League.
Collegiate’s sports teams are known as the Dutchmen. The school colors are orange and blue. These colors are based on the flag of Prince William the Silent.
The school seal has evolved. It once featured the motto Eendracht Maakt Macht. This Dutch phrase means “In unity there is strength.” The new Latin motto is Communitas, Sapientia, Humanitas. The school translates this as “Community, Wisdom, Humaneness.”
Tuition for the 2024–25 academic year is $65,900. Nearly 17% of students receive financial aid. Collegiate’s endowment stands at $75 million.
Collegiate’s new facility includes classrooms, athletics, a theater, and more. The Lower School is on floors 2 and 3. The Middle School is on floors 8 and 9. The Upper School is housed on floors 5 and 6.
Collegiate boasts athletic success. Their soccer team won state championships in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The basketball team won five straight state championships. The cross-country team dominated for 25 years.
From its Dutch roots to its modern campus, Collegiate School embodies history and tradition. It prepares young men for a lifetime of learning. The Collegiate School remains a distinguished institution. It shapes future leaders.