Join us for an info session at our 180 Maiden Lane location, in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District, just steps from the East River waterfront and the iconic South Street Seaport. It’s one block from the Imagination Playground, with Battery Park and the Brooklyn Bridge a short walk away. See firsthand why Alpha is ranked among the best private institutions thanks to its groundbreaking learning model.
When choosing the right learning environment, nothing matters more than hearing from families just like yours.
These New York City parents share how their children gained confidence, learned faster, and rediscovered their love of learning.
In one evening, you’ll see how Alpha kids learn twice as fast, meet teachers, and talk with parents whose kids are already thriving. Walk away knowing whether Alpha is the right fit for your child.
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Alpha New York
Dr. Tasha Arnold is a dynamic educational leader with extensive experience in American and international schools across the US, Europe, and Asia. She has spent her career transforming schools, implementing innovative learning models, and fostering personalized educational experiences that empower students to reach their highest potential. She has taught at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, specializing in IB/AP Sciences and Learning Support across various curriculums (USA, UK, IB, and AP).
I joined Alpha because I believe in redefining education. Personalization, hands-on learning, and skill development are the pillars of a truly impactful education. Alpha’s approach aligns with my vision of ensuring every child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a way that is uniquely suited to them.
As Dean of Parents, Terrence will strengthen and expand the support our families already receive—not replace existing relationships. As Alpha New York grows, he will help ensure every family continues to feel personally known, heard, and cared for. For our founding families especially, the close communication and partnership you’ve come to expect will only deepen as we continue building a connected, supportive community together.
Nancy Torvund is a Penn alum, lifelong learner, and Mensa member with a deeply personal relationship to education. A grade-skipper who began college just after turning seventeen, she understands what it means for students to outpace traditional systems. She started her educational career as a public-school teacher in Norway, later serving as a regional teachers’ union leader before leaving when meaningful change proved structurally out of reach. She went on to build an online learning system at a private school, becoming a shareholder and board member overseeing admissions and strategic development. After long believing a return to the U.S. would require something extraordinary, she found that in Alpha, where she brings a global and personal perspective to helping students find environments where they can thrive.
Drew is a proven coach who develops confident, driven leaders through intentional mentorship and real-world challenges. With experience across public high schools, universities, and The College Board, he’s guided students through SAT prep, AP coursework, college applications, and post-grad planning. At Alpha, he sets a championship-level standard while designing life skills programs that stick—from financial literacy workshops to a WWII history trip to France—ensuring students grow into purposeful, prepared young adults ready to lead in any arena.
Emily Lopez is entering her fifth year at Alpha, where she began as an L1 Guide and has since helped build experiential learning programs, leadership initiatives, family experiences, campus operations, and Guide development. Her background in international education and mentorship in Spain and Honduras shapes her belief that students thrive when they’re trusted with real responsibility, surrounded by high expectations, and inspired by meaningful work.
In her strategy and leadership role at Alpha New York, Emily partners across the school to launch new initiatives, strengthen Guide coaching and development, and create exceptional experiences for students, families, and team members. She is passionate about building schools where both students and educators are empowered to grow, take ownership, and achieve more than they thought possible.
Jenna is an experienced educator and reading specialist with a master’s degree in education and reading and is a proud Penn State graduate. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham–aligned literacy instruction and has years of experience supporting young learners as they build strong foundational reading skills through evidence-based practices that prioritize confidence, connection, and growth. For the remainder of the school year, Jenna will serve as the Reading Specialist at Alpha’s New York campus. She is passionate about partnering with families to support children’s literacy development. Outside of school, Jenna enjoys yoga, spending time with her family, and hanging out with her dog, Ollie.
Hannah is thrilled to be part of the Alpha community this year. She has spent the past seven years teaching in both public and private schools, earning the distinction of Master Teacher. She graduated with honors from Boston University with a BFA in Classical Acting before earning her master’s degree in Learning and Technology, an experience that deepened her passion for innovative, student-centered education. Hannah brings creativity, presence, and a deep belief that students thrive when they love school, make meaningful academic progress, and develop real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Varenya is a Level Lead Guide at Alpha NYC. Her background spans learning science, team leadership, and instructional design. She holds a Master’s and Doctorate in Cognitive Neuroeducation and Learning Science from Johns Hopkins University, where she studied how people actually learn best, not just what we hope works. She has coached teachers in their leadership development, taught across Mexico and Ohio, and designed technical training programs for global companies. Her mix of cross-cultural classroom experience, research foundation, and organizational leadership informs everything she brings to her work, and she’s thrilled to be at Alpha!
Jesse Moskowitz is an educator and former librarian. He has extensive experience supporting different learning styles, working with children and teenagers across a range of learning environments. He has helped develop and led interdisciplinary programs, including coding and literacy initiatives.Jesse holds a summa cum laude degree in Creative Writing from Emory University, a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Simmons University, and a Master’s in Cybersecurity Engineering from NYU. He is passionate about helping students take ownership of their studies and develop a lasting love of learning.
Celine is a French-American educator with a background spanning global classrooms, 1:1 and group coaching, and educational innovation research. A McKenna Scholar, she graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian of her class from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in Organizational Studies. She’s studied alternative learning models firsthand, from Learnlife in Barcelona, to Montessori classrooms in Chile, to innovative learning labs in New Zealand, and has advised school boards on how to bring those ideas home. She’s driven to help students build the agency, curiosity, and joy to surpass what they thought was possible. When she’s not at Alpha, you’ll find her playing spikeball, tackling crosswords, or dancing bachata.
Asa is a classically trained actor, educator, entrepreneur, and public speaker with a passion for helping young people build confidence, communication skills, and leadership. For 11 years, he worked as a teaching artist in the New York City public school system, using drama-based learning, role-play, and theater techniques to help students strengthen self-confidence, make positive decisions, and develop effective interpersonal skills.
A nationally recognized voice actor, Asa served as the primary brand voice for American Express for more than a decade. His entrepreneurial experience includes founding and scaling a wellness startup, as well as advising businesses on growth and strategy. He brings a unique blend of creativity, real-world business experience, and mentorship to inspire students to think boldly, communicate effectively, and pursue ambitious goals.
Bethany holds a Master’s degree in Education and teaching certifications in nine states. With 15 years in education, she is passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. With nearly 20 years of coaching competitive cheer, she has led multiple National Championship teams and is proud that every athlete she has coached with aspirations of cheering in college has earned a spot on a collegiate team. She is also a highly sought-after cheerleading judge, officiating premier competitions across the U.S. and Europe. As a proud mom of three, Bethany believes some of life’s greatest lessons are learned through encouragement, perseverance, and strong relationships. She is excited to begin this new adventure and inspire the next generation.
Tatiana is an educator with a commitment to ensuring that every child has a high quality education and develops a love of learning. She graduated from Georgetown University with a double major in Psychology and Women’s Studies, where she focused on developmental psychology. She spent the last two years teaching 9th grade English in a Title I school in Denver, Colorado through Teach for America. Her experience in education has given her the privilege of teaching students with a diverse set of academic backgrounds and enabled them to reach academic success and growth regardless of their starting point. Helping students develop curiosity and independence in their learning is what drives her work, and she is excited to bring that to Alpha! Outside of Alpha, Tatiana enjoys live music, yoga, and cooking.
Austin has a background in high-performance coaching and athlete development, with experience in player development in the NBA G League. A former Division I basketball player at Baylor University, he earned multiple First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors before playing professionally overseas in Europe. While living and playing abroad, he completed a master’s degree with distinction in International Business Management and Sustainability from Newcastle University in the UK. Austin is passionate about helping students build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning while creating a fun, engaging environment where every child feels supported to grow. Outside of Alpha, he enjoys playing basketball, and spending time at the beach.
Chauncey Nartey is obsessed with helping students become leaders, and helping leaders become students. Immediately prior to joining Alpha, Chauncey launched the artificial intelligence practice at Experience Institute, coached 200+ leaders at companies like Disney, Deloitte, and Pfizer, served as a VP at Goldman Sachs, and was the Founding Director of Admissions for ed-tech unicorn, Multiverse ($1.7B valuation).Chauncey began his career as a Teach for America corps member in Philadelphia. He holds a BA in Political Science and Public Policy from Duke University, a Master’s in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and is an ICF-certified coach via Brown University’s Leadership and Performance Coaching Program.He is proud to be Andrea’s partner, dad to 3 girls, a hot sauce fanatic, and a forever student/teacher.
Sam is an educator with a global perspective, shaped by his Swedish-Irish roots, a childhood in Hong Kong, and six years driving curriculum innovation in London and Nairobi. As an educational researcher and recent U.Penn graduate, his work focuses on the future of education and building student-centered learning models. Sam is deeply passionate about designing learning environments that build metacognition and push students to embrace productive struggle. Outside of Alpha, Sam loves adventure, whether offshore sailing or driving a motorbike across East Africa, but is equally happy trying new recipes at home.
William joins Alpha NYC with nearly 10 years of experience in education across a variety of roles, most recently at an international charter school in Miami. He loves meeting students where they are, supporting them as they grow, and helping them push beyond what they thought was possible. Before joining Alpha, William also worked at several startups and at JPMorgan Chase, where he supported entrepreneurs in business banking. He has lived in Peru and Brazil as well as seven U.S. states, and speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Outside of school, William enjoys tennis, CrossFit, solo travel, and beekeeping.
Parthvi Harde has a background working in early-stage startups, where she focused on building programs, collaborating across teams, and navigating fast-moving, ambiguous environments. She’s spent over 4 years being a management consultant to scaling startups in the marketing and climate tech fields. She now brings that real-world experience into her work at Alpha, helping students connect learning to problem-solving, creativity, and ownership. Her approach emphasizes curiosity, clear thinking, and collaboration.
Jebin joins Alpha NYC from Alpha High in Austin, where he first served on the SAT Launch Team, helping students from other high schools develop AlphaX projects while improving their SAT scores before transitioning into a Guide role. With a background in psychology, he is passionate about understanding what truly motivates students to rise to high expectations and how to support their growth holistically in preparation for the real world. He is excited to help build Alpha’s high school program in New York City. Outside of school, Jebin enjoys road cycling, playing guitar, and exploring new neighborhoods in search of great food.
Julianne is a dedicated education professional with a background in student leadership, academic support, and community engagement. She has worked across higher education and student services, designing and supporting initiatives that foster student success and community connection. With an educational background in Marine Biology and a passion for student success, Julianne brings an organized, thoughtful, and student-centered approach to her role as Campus Coordinator. Outside of work, Julianne enjoys crocheting, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors.
Zara brings years of experience in public administration, supporting schools across South Asia with implementing edtech and improving access to education. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University, where her work spanned global policy and diverse stakeholder groups. That path — from implementation on the ground to strategy in New York — taught her to pair practical empathy with systems thinking. She is passionate about building systems that last, and at Alpha she brings that to campus operations, family communications, and the planning behind new programs — making sure every family’s transition into the community is seamless and intentional
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Alpha serves families across Lower Manhattan, including the Financial District, Tribeca, Battery Park City, the Lower East Side, and Greenwich Village, as well as nearby Chelsea. Thanks to easy ferry access, we also welcome families from Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope. In addition, we support families from surrounding areas and boroughs, offering a convenient and innovative option for those seeking personalized education in New York City. If you live near ZIP codes 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10002, 10003, 10011, or 11201, Alpha is here for you.
We chose 180 Maiden Lane because it offers the perfect mix of accessibility and community. It’s close to families in Lower Manhattan and easily reached by ferry for Brooklyn parents. Just as importantly, our partnership with the building’s developer—who shared our enthusiasm for bringing a groundbreaking, personalized education model to New York—made this the ideal home for Alpha’s first NYC campus.
Every school day includes around 60 minutes of unstructured play, weather permitting. Students often head to nearby play spaces like the Imagination Playground, just one block from our campus, for active outdoor play. In addition, we offer a movement-based workshop twice a week—usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays—ensuring kids stay active, energized, and connected to their environment.
Each Alpha student follows a customized learning path supported by adaptive apps that adjust in real time to their progress. Students master core subjects at their own pace—no gaps, no burnout, no unnecessary repetition. Beyond academics, Teachers work one-on-one with students to set goals and choose workshops based on their interests—from creative storytelling to robotics—so each learner thrives in a way that fits them perfectly.
The daily schedule at Alpha runs from 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM. Students arrive for morning drop-off at 8:15–8:30 AM, and the day finishes with afternoon pick-up between 3:30–4:00 PM.
You can find more information on what an Alpha day looks like in the Info Packet linked above.
Alpha New York serves K-12 students at 180 Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan.
Alpha structures core academics around a focused two-hour block. Students use AI-supported, mastery-based tools that adjust to their level and pace, while Guides coach progress, goals, and learning habits instead of delivering one lesson to an entire class.
Students progress through core subjects at their own pace and advance when they demonstrate mastery. Adaptive technology adjusts difficulty and pacing, while Guides monitor progress and step in with coaching or support when needed.
AI-supported learning tools personalize the sequence, difficulty, and pace of core academic work. Concentrating that work into a focused morning block leaves more of the day for collaborative projects, workshops, and real-world skill development.
Alpha’s mastery-based model can fit students who are ready to move faster because progress is based on demonstrated understanding, not a whole-class calendar. Students can move ahead in areas of strength while receiving targeted support elsewhere.
After focused core academics, students participate in structured workshops that develop skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, relationship building, and grit.
Guides act as coaches and mentors. They monitor academic progress, help students set goals, support motivation and learning habits, and provide individual guidance as students move through personalized coursework.
Independence is built into the daily structure rather than taught separately. Students advance when they demonstrate mastery instead of moving on a whole-class calendar, set goals with a Guide who coaches learning habits rather than delivering lessons, and help choose the workshops they take.
Families should review the current campus page and admissions materials, then ask about grade placement, daily schedule, tuition, enrollment availability, workshops, and fit. Alpha New York currently presents itself as serving K–12.
Compare five things: how the school paces advancement, the adult-to-student ratio, how progress is measured and reported, what the afternoon actually contains, and total annual cost including aid. Ask how many hours a day are direct instruction versus independent or project work, and ask what a typical Tuesday looks like.
Alpha New York fits students comfortable working at their own pace with a Guide's coaching: mornings are a focused two-hour core academic block, afternoons are workshops. Families who want traditional whole-class lessons, a fixed grade-level calendar, or a pre-K program should look elsewhere — the campus page states it serves K–12th grade.
Alpha School lists Alpha New York's tuition amount on its New York City campus page. Tuition is set per campus, so confirm the amount for your application year with New York admissions at admissions.newyork@alpha.school or (646) 363-6678. A $1,000 deposit secures an offered place and is credited toward tuition; enrolled siblings after the first receive 5% off.
Alpha New York's campus page links to three next steps: an info session, a booked call, and the online application. It also links Alpha's admission guide and the current info packet. For grade placement or timeline questions, email admissions.newyork@alpha.school or call (646) 363-6678.
Alpha New York serves K-12 students at 180 Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan, which includes the elementary grades.
Alpha New York serves K-12 students at 180 Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan, which includes the middle grades.
Alpha New York is an innovative option for families seeking personalized education in New York City. Instead of a conventional full-day class schedule, the campus runs a two-hour block of AI-supported, mastery-based core academics, then spends the rest of the day on workshops and projects.
Alpha New York pairs mastery-based core academics with daily workshops in leadership, communication, teamwork, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, relationship building, and grit. Students build real-world skills for their future by practicing them throughout the school day, not only during academic time.
