Mon, June 9, 2025

NYC Private School Admissions: Get Ready Now

Applying to private and independent schools in New York City (and beyond) is no walk in the park, but with these helpful tools, you’ll be on your way!

1. Independent School Admissions Timeline

Get our comprehensive outline by season. Find out when to get your list of schools together, when to apply and when you’ll get notifications from schools. Download the preschool timeline here.

2. Preschool Age Calculator

For fall enrollment, your child generally needs to be at least 2.0 years old by September 1 of the year of entry, though a select few NYC preschool programs begin at a younger age–as early as 1.6 years old. Use this age calculator to determine your child’s eligibility.

3. Private School Admissions Checklist

Keep track of your applications and where you are in the admissions process for each school. Get the private school admissions checklist here.

4. Special Education Schools

If you are considering a special education school for your child, read this detailed guide to the application process written by expert special education school advisor, Chantal Aflalo.

5. Financial Aid Estimator

The following independent schools provide a financial aid calculator, chart, or other relevant context to help you decide whether to apply for financial aid:

Hotchkiss Financial Aid Estimator

The Dalton School

The Dwight School

Choate Rosemary Hall

6. NYC Notification and Reply Dates

If you are applying to NYC independent and private schools, be sure to have the 2025-26 ISAAGNY application deadlines and notification dates on your calendar.

7. Boarding Schools

We’ve all heard of boarding school, but what does it mean to consider sending your child to boarding school today? The answers to these common questions may surprise you! Read more…

Do you need more help understanding the independent and private school admissions process?

Parents League is here to help you create your list of schools and make decisions about the best education for your family. Become a PLNY member here to make your first appointment with a member of our expert school advisory team today.