New York School Admissions

High energy New York is a popular place to visit, and a vibrant city to live in or close to. Much like London, its educational provision is wide and includes the American public system, American private schools, and a small number of international schools. Each suits a different type of resident.

ISA-TOKYO CAN HELP

We have connections with schools both in New York and further afield. We know the admissions requirements and can support families in the application, assessment, and interview process. We would love to hear from you and show you how we can support your family with a personalised admissions plan. Get in touch for an initial chat. 

For those who intend to be in New York for the long-term, both the American public system, which includes traditional public schools and public charter schools, and the private system are good options. Public schools and charter schools are free and will accept new students at any time of the year (if they have a place available) and entry requires only the completion of several forms. Traditional public schools follow the Common Core for English and Mathematics and some sort of localised curriculum framework; whilst charter schools can innovate freely and determine their own policies. Enrolment can be done through the ‘MySchools’ platform or at a ‘Family Welcome Center’.

Admission to New York’s private schools requires a greater deal of planning as there are so many highly regarded private schools which can be very academically selective and competitive such as Horace Mann and Dalton, amongst others. Applications normally start being accepted from late summer/early fall, but good preparation is needed as the admissions process is far more rigorous, requiring the completion and provision of certain documentation, a formal academic assessment, and most commonly, an interview (student, and sometimes, parents). There are a range of online platforms for applications with well-known platforms such as the Standard Application Online (SAO) or RAVENNA often used.

For those families who are intending to be in New York for the short-term, or who have a more mobile lifestyle, there is a third option, international school. As New York is an English-speaking country, there is not a vast choice when it comes to international schools (approximately 20, of which some are small, and only cater for certain grades). Most of these international schools, use the International Baccalaureate as their curriculum framework with many also using a particular country’s curriculum, such as the British International School of New York (BISNY). Entry requirements are similar to that of New York’s private schools, and most require a certain level of English proficiency. 

For more information on studying and living in the United States of America, please visit Visas and Immigration.

ENTRY ASSESSMENT

PUBLIC/CHARTER SCHOOL

Public schools carry no formal entry assessments and are open to anyone who has the residence/visa status to apply.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Private schools in New York use standardised testing as part of their application process, the main ones being the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE). These assess students’ verbal, reading and mathematical skills. The ISEE can only be taken four times a year during fall, winter, spring and summer testing periods. These exams would also apply to students applying from overseas.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Most international schools will set their own admission assessment which can be taken at any time of the year, although some may use a published test such as a MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test which assesses proficiency in reading, language, and mathematics. Assessments can usually be taken remotely.

OPEN DAYS

We have included only a selection of the open days taking place. Please visit the admissions section of each school’s website for further information.