Next Steps Transition Program Application Process
Applying to a postsecondary program 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.
Our Next Steps Transition Program follows the traditional school year calendar. We offer rolling admission to all applicants. The IDEAL School has limited openings for mid-year admissions for qualified candidates. For those families who are interested in a potential immediate school placement for their student, please contact our office directly at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699.
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. Our Ravenna application will ask if your student has an IEP, IESP, or receives services. When you answer “yes” to that question, you will be prompted to fill out a supplemental application for our Zenith and Dylan Programs. Ravenna will provide you with necessary information to complete this portion of the application.
Step 2: A school visit and parent interview*
Your family visit: Once you have submitted Parts 1 and 2 of the application for the Zenith or Dylan Program, we will reach out to you to schedule a school visit and interview for your student. A member of our Admission Committee will meet with your student for an interview and our Director of Admission will meet with you 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 student in person, we will set up an appointment to meet over Zoom.
Step 3: Current Teacher Recommendation
On Ravenna, you will find two application forms under Teacher Recommendation steps, the “ISAAGNY Math Teacher Recommendation” and the “ISAAGNY English Teacher Recommendation.” Please follow the instructions provided on Ravenna and submit the recommendation forms to the appropriate teachers. After the teachers complete their recommendations, they will submit their form directly to IDEAL. This step will be marked as “complete” on your application checklist once IDEAL has received your student's recommendation from their teachers.
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 student’s school for their most recent report card or progress report, 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 student’s school directly to request the necessary report(s). This step will be marked as “complete” on your application checklist once IDEAL receives your student's reports from their current school.
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 our Standard Program or our Amended Tuition Payment Plan for our Zenith and Dylan Programs, the application process is the same. Please follow this link to the solutionsbysss.com website to create an account. The two-step application will ask you to complete a parent financial statement and upload your most recent tax documentation.
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.