Kindergarten Application Process

*Note that our Zenith and Dylan Program applicants are considered on a rolling admission basis. We notify families of admission decisions for these programs within two weeks of completed application submissions.

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How to Apply

Applying to an independent school can be a daunting task. We’re here to help you along the way. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to complete your IDEAL application. 

Step 1: Our preliminary application
On Ravenna, our application platform, look for The IDEAL School of Manhattan in the school directory and submit your application.

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Our Ravenna application will ask if your child has an IEP, has an IESP, or receives services. If you answer “yes” to that question, you will be prompted to fill out Part 2 of the application for the Zenith or Dylan Program. Ravenna will provide you with necessary information to complete this portion of the application.

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Step 2: A school visit and parent interview*
Your child’s visit: Once you have submitted your preliminary application and, if applicable, Part 2 of the application for the Zenith or Dylan Program, we will reach out to you to schedule a classroom visit and/or observation for your child. A member of our Admission Committee will meet with your child and invite them to participate in a kindergarten activity at IDEAL or they may observe your child at their current preschool.*

Your parent visit: When we schedule your child’s visit and observation, we will also schedule a time for you to tour IDEAL’s Lower School campus and meet with our Director of Admission for a parent interview.*

*Note that we require all school visitors of eligible age to provide proof of vaccination and a picture ID at the time of their visit. We cannot accommodate exceptions to our visitor rule. If IDEAL’s COVID protocol or a CDC mandate in place at the time of the school visit does not allow us to meet with you and/or your child in person, we will set up an appointment to meet over Zoom.

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An alternative to an in-person school visit for children applying to our Standard Program is the Kindergarten T&E Assessment. This assessment was devised to put minimal pressure on young children and families during the pandemic and provide participating schools with information about kindergarten applicants when we are not able to meet and observe them in person.

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Step 3: Current Teacher Recommendation
On Ravenna, you will find the “ISAAGNY Kindergarten & Grade 1 Recommendation Form” as one of your required application steps. Please follow the instructions provided on Ravenna to send the recommendation form to your child’s current classroom teacher. After the teacher completes their recommendation, they will submit their form directly to IDEAL. This step will be marked as “complete” on your application checklist once we receive your child's recommendation from their teacher. 

Step 4: School Report Release Form
On Ravenna, you will find “Report Card Release Form” as another required application step. Rather than asking you to follow up with your child’s school for the most recent report cards or progress reports, we will do the work for you. Please follow the instructions provided on Ravenna, print out the release form, sign it, and email the form to admissions@theidealschool.org. Once we receive your signed release form, we can reach out to your child’s school directly to request the necessary report(s).

Step 5: Applying for Tuition Assistance (optional)
This step is optional, but it is required for families who would like to apply for tuition assistance. Whether you are applying for financial aid for the Standard Program or an Amended Tuition Payment Plan for the Zenith or Dylan Program, the application process is the same. Please follow this link to the solutionsbysss.com website to create an account. The application will ask you to complete a parent financial statement and upload your most recent tax documentation.

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Mid-Year Admission

The IDEAL School has limited openings for mid-year admissions in select grades for qualified candidates. For those families who are interested in a potential immediate school placement for their child, please contact our office directly at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699. 

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The IDEAL School of Manhattan does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance, and other school-administered programs.