Kindergarten

List of 24 frequently asked questions.

• When do I apply for Kindergarten? Is there an application deadline?

  The Admissions process begins 1 year prior to entry. Applications become available online starting the morning after Labor Day. While the application will remain open through the thrid week in October, we encourage families to apply in a timely manner. The deadline to submit an application for consideration is 10/18. (We will do our best to accommodate applications after this date for special reasons, such as job transfers, relocation, illness, etc.).

• Do you have a pre-k program?

  We do not have a pre-k program.

• What age does my child need to be to attend Kindergarten?

  A Kindergarten student should be five years old by September 1 of his/her Kindergarten year.

• Does my child need to take any testing offered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB)?

  If you are applying for Kindergarten or First Grade, you are not required to take or submit any test results. If you are applying to Grades 2-4, we do ask for ERB testing (the ISEE Primary). The link to the Educational Records Bureau is: https://www.erblearn.org/services/isee-overview
  
  

• Do Kindergarten students come from a limited number of schools?

  Students come to Trinity from a variety of schools; this year’s grade has over 25 schools represented.

• Do you require letters of recommendation?

  Recommendations are not required or desired.

• What is the application fee?

  $75. The fee is waived if you are applying for financial aid. The fee is returned if we are unable to process your child’s application.

• Do you see everyone who applies?

  As much as we would like to, we are unable to meet with every family that applies. We look carefully at all the applications we receive and offer appointments to as many families we can. We are guided by many factors; we seek equal numbers of boys and girls; children from a variety of schools; families from different backgrounds, and much more. For more information on how we allocate visits, please read the letter from the Director of Admissions.

• Do you offer spring tours or Open Houses?

  No, we do not offer spring tours or spring Open Houses. We do hold Kindergarten Open Houses in the fall. You do not need to apply to attend.

• Can parents have a tour before submitting an application?

  No, we need to have an application in order to schedule a tour and interview.

• What are the entry grades at Trinity?

  Kindergarten and 9th grade are the main entry points.

• What do I do if my child is applying for a non-entry point grade?

  Grades 1-4 are considered “waitlist” grades at Trinity since they are non-entry points. We interview and enroll students for these grades when we have attrition. Though we typically do not know for many months whether or not we will have space, families interested in applying are still encouraged to submit an application in the fall and send supporting documents to build your child’s file. If we learn of space and can meet your son or daughter we will be in touch to schedule a visit in January or February (or later in the spring depending on late attrition news and/or our enrollment needs). We do not have events or group tours for these grades but encourage you to peruse our website to learn about our school. For more information, please read the letter from the Director of Admissions.

• When will I have my admissions decision?

  We follow the notification dates set by our Admissions Association, ISAAGNY and notify electronically. For more information click this link.
  
  

• How do I find out the status of my child’s application?

  If we are able to meet your family, we will be in touch via email to schedule visits. As it takes time to process applications, you will receive biweekly emails from our office updating you on your child’s application status.

• What materials complete a Kindergarten application?

  The application, school visits (tour and interview), a current school report and a classroom observation either at a child’s current school or at Trinity complete an application. (If you are applying from a far distance and it is not possible to attend a classroom play session at Trinity, this last requirement is waived.)

• In addition to the parent/child visit, will my child be seen at their pre-school or at Trinity on a Saturday?

  We will visit many children at their pre-schools during the admissions season. We know that we will not be able to visit every school so we plan to see children at Trinity as well. If your child attends a public school, an “on-going school” (a school that has a pre-K), a school with few applicants, a school that might not welcome outside visitors or one that is very far away, we might ask you to schedule a Saturday visit with us. It is also possible that we will visit your son or daughter’s classroom on a day your child is absent; perhaps they are sick or on an admissions visit. This is another situation where we might ask you to attend a short Saturday play session at Trinity.

• Is there a benefit to children being seen at their own school or at Trinity?

  We believe both types of classroom observations to be useful and informative and that one is not “better” than another. In both scenarios children are in a classroom playing with peers, utilizing age-appropriate materials and surrounded by experienced, caring, engaging teachers.

• Do certain applicants receive special consideration?

  Sibling, legacy, faculty and staff applicants get preference and receive early and strong consideration.

• Is there bus service provided?

  There is limited Manhattan public bus service available depending on your home location. There are private bus options available as well.

• Is there an after school program?

  Yes, Trinity has an After-School program that offers a wide variety of classes. We also have an activity-based extended day program called Kid’s Club (which runs till 5:45pm).

• Do you have to apply before attending a Kindergarten Open House?

  You are not required to submit an application prior to attending an Open House. However, these events are only for Kindergarten 2020 prospective applicant families.

• Does Trinity offer financial aid?

  Yes, Trinity offers need-based financial aid. For more information about tuition and financial aid, please click here.

• What is the best way to communicate with the admissions office?

  Please email: k-4admissions@trinityschoolnyc.org

• How do I find out more about the Admissions Association ISAAGNY?

  Visit the ISAAGNY website at: http://www.isaagny.org/