What is the Parents League?
Parents League (PL) is a non-profit membership organization of Independent Schools and families. The Parents League of New York is affiliated with over 286 Independent schools, including early childhood programs, day schools and boarding schools. Parents League serves as a resource center for all New York City Parents. We have information on every topic related to raising a child.

What comes with membership?
Our membership benefits are tailored to the age of your child. Click Here for a list of benefits by age.

Who are the PL school advisors?
PL has 12 highly trained school advisors with expertise by age group, including boarding schools, and programs for children with special needs. Our advisory staff has a wide range of experiences. Backgrounds range from former preschool directors, admissions officers and directors, board chairs & former teachers. The PL Advisors make regular visits to our affiliated schools and share reliable information. The Parents League of New York is affiliated with over 286 Independent schools, including preschools, day schools and boarding schools. The Advisory team works 12 months a year by appointment and call back. During the summer months, advisory is limited to families requesting September placement.

What's a call back?
For an advisory issue that needs immediate attention, our Advisors call you back right away. Most calls are returned the same day.

If I need a place for my child for the current academic year, does the PL know where there are openings?
Yes. Our Advisory team is kept informed of grade openings by our affiliated schools.

What can I expect from my advisory appointment?
Information on admission timeline, resource material, testing, putting together a balanced list of programs, tuition and fees, what to look for and more. Schedule an appointment and bring your questions.

Can you help me find a summer program for my child?
Our book, Summer in New York City, included in your membership, lists over 400 programs in and around the city for children of all ages. In addition members can meet one-on-one either in person or by phone with one of our summer advisors. We also have feedback cards from parents on summer programs their children have attended.

What does Membership cost?
Our best value is a 3 year Membership at $95 per year or $285.00, the cost is $120 for one academic year. In the Spring, for $185, membership extends through the next academic year.

Once you join, everything is free. There is unlimited use of all of our services for all of your children. After your Early Childhood workshop or Advisory appointment, you can continue to have as many phone appointments as you wish.

Can I schedule an Early Childhood (EC) Workshop now?
Yes. The EC Workshops are held at the PL office several times each week during the school year. Call the office to schedule.

Does the PL have information on public schools?
We have resource numbers, websites we can refer you to, and publications to recommend on the NYC public schools.

My children are already in school.
Everybody needs Summer in New York, The Guide to New York, afterschool files, summer helpers, summer advisory, tutors, workshops, volunteer opportunities.

If I join, may I speak to an advisor about my grandson?
Grandparents/friends can join on a person's behalf and act as an intermediary if there is a language barrier or the like.

What services do you offer non-members?
We offer the following free services:

• Fall and Spring Admission Forums with a panel of Admission Directors
• Independent School Day
• Website with links to member schools
• Bulletin Boards at PL offices on childcare, cultural events, services, enrichment, safety and more.

Do you know any organizations to help place students of color in Independent Schools?
For K or 1st grade contact Early Steps at 212-288-9684. Its mission is to promote multicultural diversity within ISAAGNY member independent schools.

Am I joining too early?
Many preschools start at age 2. If you apply the year before, your child is 1 in September when you apply. To be ready to apply you should come to an Early Childhood Workshop before your child is one. You can come in the fall, winter or spring before your child is one, whatever time is most convenient.

We are relocating and I need a spot.
We can always help a family. Many families do not apply to schools during the regular admissions process. Our affiliated schools give our advisors grade opening information throughout the year.