Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions

We realize that since the Admissions process varies from school to school, the details of the process at each school can become confusing to prospective parents. It is our goal to provide you with as much information as possible about the program and community at Bank Street so that you can make a well informed decision based on the type of school community your family values. In order to help make this process as clear and as personal as we can, we offer some responses to the commonly asked questions below.

What is an Open House? Should I come to one?
Yes. At Bank Street School for Children, attendance at an Open House is an important step in our process. This evening event lasts approximately two hours and provides a general overview of the school with a presentation from the members of the Administration as well as a tour of the facility with a parent/student team.

Do I wait until I have all the parts of the application (including a Financial Aid Form if applicable) before I send it in?
No. All we need is the Application Form in order to create a folder for your child. We will collect the additional material as it comes in.

Is it possible that I would be put on a Wait List for a tour and interview even though I sent my application in before the deadline? What does that mean?
Although we try to see many families who apply, it is not possible for us to interview all of them. If we do process your application, we will call you to schedule a tour and interview. Some families whom we do not invite for an interview will be placed on a Wait List in case an interview slot becomes available. We will notify you by mail if this is the case.

Are any applicants given special consideration?
Yes. Siblings of current students, children of the Bank Street School for Children alumni and staff are given special consideration with an option for Early Notification. However, we do not guarantee admission to anyone and make a concerted effort to enroll qualified students from many groups.

Do you enroll an equal number of boys and girls?
As a coed school, we make every effort to balance our classes with an equal number of boys and girls.

Do I need to submit an application fee?
The application fee of $60.00, which we expect you to enclose when you send the application, is a processing fee and is nonrefundable.

Are most of the Bank Street applicants from the Upper West Side?
Although many applicants live in the neighborhood, we encourage and receive applications from many neighborhoods throughout the city, from the surrounding suburbs, and even from other states and countries.

What does it mean when you say the "4/5s"?
Bank Street refers to their grades by the ages of the students in that grade. For example, the Pre-Kindergarten class, the 4/5s, is made up of students whose ages range from 4 to 5 years old. All students must be 4 by September 1st, while some will be turning 5 in the fall. Except in individually specific circumstances, children do not stay in the same grade level for more than one year.

Is there a Birthday Cutoff for applicants?
Yes. We have adhered to the September 1st cutoff for children. For example, a child applying to the 4/5s Program (Pre-Kindergarten) must be 4 years old by September 1st of the entry year.

Do you require Letters of Recommendation?
No. Our Admissions requirements do not include Letters of Recommendation. Sometimes families feel that a particular person who knows them and their child very well can offer another perspective that would be helpful.

Are all of your teachers trained at Bank Street College?
No. Although we have many Bank Street College graduates who teach here, we employ teachers from many different colleges, universities, and graduate schools across the country. We appreciate the diversity of experiences and perspectives that teachers bring from a variety of educational programs.

How many years of experience on average does a Bank Street teacher have?
The average length of experience for Head Teachers at Bank Street is approximately 7 years.

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