
Welcome to Brearley

Welcome from Jennifer C. Rao, Head of School
Welcome to Brearley! As the sixteenth Head of the Brearley School, I'm thrilled to invite you to learn more about this community where the love of learning and a commitment to excellence are woven into the fabric of our school experience. Girls’ education has been my personal and professional calling for two decades, and I know it to be singular in its ability to teach young women to find their voice and purpose.
At Brearley, we believe in the power and promise of girls of adventurous intellect and diverse backgrounds. For over 140 years, the school has empowered girls to discover the strength of their mind and spirit. Brearley students are steadfast in their love of learning and undaunted by hard work. They are originals—authentically themselves in their academic work, pursuits outside of the classroom, and in their deep and joyful friendships, which will serve them over a lifetime.
We invite you to explore what makes Brearley extraordinary and unique.
I look forward to meeting you,
Jenny Rao
Head of School

Brearley Is Where We Believe in the Power of Girls’ Intellect
We are intentionally rigorous, providing students an education that challenges their limits and helps them to realize their potential. Our intellectually curious, unapologetically ambitious community flourishes in its shared pursuit of excellence.

Brearley Students Thrive Together in an Inspiring Environment
Together, they explore, collaborate and grow with an abundance of joy at every turn. Forever united with the generations who came before them, they share an unwavering bond that supports, motivates and sustains them for a lifetime.

Brearley’s Faculty Are More than Educators
They bolster students' resilience, catalyze their growth and champion their success. Through their dedication and contagious enthusiasm, they foster a passionate exchange of ideas both in and out of the classroom, shaping students into confident adults.

Brearley Girls Are Emboldened to Better the World Around Them
Students develop critical and creative thinking skills that prepare them for principled engagement in the world. Empowered by their mentors and energized by their classmates, they are moved to bring forth positive and meaningful change.

Our Mission
The Brearley School challenges girls of adventurous intellect and diverse backgrounds to think critically and creatively, and to act with courage and integrity.
The School fosters a love of learning, excellence in the liberal arts and engagement in a lively and inclusive community.
Guided by dedicated faculty and staff, students learn to uplift one another as they grapple with complex ideas and develop a strong sense of self. We value empathy, originality and depth of thought and character.
The Brearley community cultivates the joy of lasting friendships, the confidence to pursue one's ambitions and a commitment to the greater good.