How to Apply | JK–8

The application process takes place during the fall, one year before the student wishes to enter. Applications for the 2022-2023 school year will open after 9:00 am on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. We will be processing applications for the following active grades: JK, K, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. We welcome applications for all grades and hope to be able to activate waitlist applications later in the fall. We thank you for your interest in Grace.

Junior Kindergarten applicants must be four years old, Kindergarten applicants must be five years old, and First Grade applicants must be six years old before September 1 of the year in which they will be entering the school.

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • JK, K & Grade 1

    1. Appointments:
    Once your application has been submitted, you will be able to select a tour and an ‘Introduction to Grace’ with the Head of School that is convenient to your schedule.
     
      • After you have selected your tour, please call Simon Thomas-Train in the Admissions Office at 212-475-5609 to arrange interviews.
      • Parent interviews will be conducted on zoom. Student interviews will be conducted in person. Of course, if you are uncomfortable coming to Grace, we will arrange virtual meetings.
      • Both parents and students are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid test administered no more than 72 hours prior to the date of the visit. All visitors will need to bring a paper copy of negative test results to the school.
      • The application fee is waived for prospective students applying for financial aid.
      • There is no standardized testing required for applicants to JK, K, & 1.
     
    2. ISAAGNY School Report: The applicant's current school should send the ISAAGNY School Report Form directly to Grace Church School.

    3. Optional Video: Please send us a video of your student, no longer than 2 minutes, that shows your student engaging in a fun activity that you would like to share with us to help us know them better. It could be of them singing a favorite song, reciting original poetry, showing us artwork or computer programming/robotics, playing sports or an instrument - anything that you would like to share with us that shows their creativity!

  • Grades 2-4

    1. Appointments:
    Once your application has been submitted, you will be able to select  a tour and an ‘Introduction to Grace’ with the Head of School that is convenient to your schedule.
    • After you have selected your tour, please call Simon Thomas-Train in the Admissions Office at 212-475-5609 to arrange interviews.

    • Both parents and students are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid test administered no more than 72 hours prior to the date of the visit. All visitors will need to bring a paper copy of negative test results to the school.

    • Of course, if you are uncomfortable coming to Grace, we will arrange virtual meetings.
    • The $100 application fee is waived for prospective students applying for financial aid.
    • There is no standardized testing required for applicants to Grades 2, 3, & 4. 
    2. ISAAGNY School Report: The applicant's current school should send the ISAAGNY School Report Form directly to Grace Church School.

    3. Teacher recommendations: Invite a teacher recommendation through the online application portal. Schools should not send transcripts or recommendations before mid-November, at the earliest, to give faculty time to know your child. Forms are available on the online application portal.

    4. Optional Video: Please send us a video of your student, no longer than 2 minutes, that shows your student engaging in a fun activity that you would like to share with us to help us know them better. It could be of them singing a favorite song, reciting original poetry, showing us artwork or computer programming/robotics, playing sports or an instrument - anything that you would like to share with us that shows their creativity!

  • Grades 5-8

    1. Appointments:
    Once your application has been submitted, you will be able to select a tour and an ‘Introduction to Grace’ with the Head of School that are convenient to your schedule.
      • After you have selected your tour, please call Simon Thomas-Train in the Admissions Office at 212-475-5609 to arrange interviews. Parent and student interviews will be conducted on zoom.

      • Both parents and students are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid test administered no more than 72 hours prior to the date of the visit. All visitors will need to bring a paper copy of negative test results to the school.

      • Of course, if you are uncomfortable coming to Grace, we will arrange virtual meetings.
      • The $100 application fee is waived for prospective students applying for financial aid. 
    2. ISAAGNY Report: The applicant's current school should send the student’s transcript (minimum 2 years) directly to Grace Church School.

    3. Submit two teacher recommendations from your current math and English teachers, as well as a recommendation from the Head of School, guidance counselor or division head, through the online application portal. Schools should not send transcripts or recommendations before mid-November, at the earliest, to give faculty time to know your child. Forms are available on the online application portal.

    4. Arrange for your child to take either the ISEE or SSAT test. Applicants may choose to take the SSAT in person at Grace in November. The test date and test registration at Grace will open in late September, with a limited number of seats available.

    5. Submit a copy of a graded essay with the teacher's comments visible. The essay should not be a creative writing paper; it may be selected by the student from a current English or history class. This essay should be uploaded via the online application portal.

    6. Submit a copy of a graded essay with the teacher's comments visible. The essay should not be a creative writing paper; it may be selected by the student from a current English or history class. This essay should be uploaded via the online application portal.

    7. Grace Math and English assessments: A member of the Admissions team will reach out to you to schedule. They will take place the first week of January.

    8. Optional Video: Please send us a video of your student, up to 2 minutes of length in total, of your student engaging in a fun activity that you would like to share with us in an effort to know them better. It could be of them singing a favorite song, reciting original poetry, showing us artwork or computer programming/robotics, playing sports or an instrument - anything that you would like to share with us that shows their creativity!

Admissions Policies

Siblings, legacies, staff/faculty of Grace Church School, and Grace Church members of at least 3 years standing receive preference at the Junior Kindergarten entry level only.

Parents will be notified of admissions decisions for the next academic year from February to early March according to the dates specified by the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY). Please note that these notification and reply dates apply to application files that are completed by Friday, January 7, 2022.

Grace Church School does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in its admissions policies or educational programs.

Get to Know Grace

ISAAGNY Notification and Reply Dates

Grade 
Notification 
Reply
JK
Thu 1/27/22
Thu 3/10/22
K
Thu 2/3/22
Thu 2/10/22
1-8
Tue 2/8/22
Tue 3/1/22
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Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for over 700 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.