The Collegiate School, founded in 1628, is the oldest independent school in the U.S. and continues to be a distinguished choice for boys' education in New York. It embodies an ethos of being “old but not old-fashioned” and their move in 2018 to a purpose built campus on Freedom Place certainly supports this. Having all the pupils now in a single building has reemphasised a strong sense of community. Facilities include a 40,000-volume library, two gymnasiums, and specialised spaces for arts and athletics. A bespoke social-emotional curriculum encourages boys to ‘be themselves’ acknowledging there are many ways to be a ‘boy’ and in turn, a man. The rigorous liberal arts programme is supported by a plethora of clubs and societies to educate and develop ‘citizens who act with conscience, courage and compassion’.