JK-8 Admissions FAQs

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• May parents attend a tour before applying?

  Once your application has been submitted, you will be able to select a date for a school tour led by our Parent Ambassadors.

• Should my child attend a tour?

  Middle school applicants are encouraged to attend tours led by current Grace middle schoolers.

• How can I see the high school?

  All families will have the opportunity to tour the high school in January. See "Optional Items" in your application checklist.

• What should I expect for my child’s interview?

  JK & K student interviews are conducted by our head teachers in one of our JK & K classrooms. They last approximately 50 minutes and are held in the middle of the day. Any adult is welcome to bring your child to their interview and may wait in our Parents Lounge. Parents do not need to be present for the child interview.
  
  

  Applicants for 1st-4th Grades will be seen for approximately 90 minutes at Grace, in a small group format. This visit will be facilitated by faculty and members of the Admissions Team.

  
  Middle School applicants (5th - 8th Grades) will be interviewed via Zoom.

• How do I make appointments?

  All appointments are self-scheduled via the parent portal. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the JK-8 Admissions Team at 212-475-5609 or jk8admissions@gcschool.org.

• What are the predictable entry grades at Grace?

  The predictable entry grades are JK, K, 5th, 6th and 9th grades though spaces in other grades are often available. Feel free to contact the Admissions Team at 212-475-5609 or jk8admissions@gcschool.org with any questions.

  
  
  

• Does Grace maintain a wait pool after admission decisions have been made?

  Yes, we maintain a wait pool through the summer.

• Does Grace offer financial aid?

  Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

• I didn’t apply for Financial Aid. Can I apply later?

  Yes. If there is a sudden change in circumstances, the FA office will welcome your FA application immediately. Otherwise, families have to wait for two years after matriculation and apply in the third year as the school expects parents to have thought through their financial situation carefully and it takes time for monies to be freed up for additional financial aid grants to be available to that grade.

• When must applications be complete?

  The deadline for the initial application is December 1, 2024. Applications submitted after December 1 may not be accepted until after the first round of decisions is rendered. All required application checklist items are due by January 9th, 2025.

• Which grades wear uniforms?

  Students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8 wear uniforms. The GCS school uniform is designed to: 
  

  • Remove issues of clothing competition and commercialized fashion from the daily lives of our students which allows them to focus on the more important jobs of learning and growing.
  • Provide identity and a sense of membership in the community of the school through the consistent use of symbols such as the crest and colors.
  • Give all children in this economically diverse community full access to reasonably priced schoolwear.
  • Ensure that clothing worn at school is comfortable and appropriate for daily activities.

  High School students do not wear a standard uniform, but adhere to a dress code.

• How do I get to Grace?

  The Junior Kindergarten - 8th Grade campus is located at 86 4th Avenue. The 9th-12th Grade campus is located at 46 Cooper Square.