Admissions FAQsBelow you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to the admission process. Please also visit the main FAQ section for other userful information about ECF.
- Admissions
- Are any applicants given special consideration?
- Yes. Sibling and alumni applications are given special consideration. ECF prefers to keep families together; however, admission is not automatic. All applicants (regardless of prior family connection to the school) are evaluated according to the same criteria. All decisions weigh the best interests of the individual child and the best interests of the school. With ever growing numbers of sibling and legacy families applying, admissions decisions have become more selective in an effort to continue to provide access to families new to the school, and who represent the school’s mission and goals.
- Are campus tours and open houses available?
- Yes. Group tours and open houses are offered in the Fall and the Spring. Information about the school and the admission process is presented by the faculty and administration. Please contact the office of admissions at the division you are interested in touring to make an appointment.
- Can I download applications for admission from the website?
- Yes. Applications, instructions, and deadlines are all available for downloading and printing in the admissions section of the website - click here.
- Can we apply for admission to both Ethical Culture and Fieldston Lower?
- Families must apply to one division but can request to be considered at either division should an opening become available. Families who wish to tour both campuses before making their final choice should contact the director of admissions at either location to make arrangements.
- Do you require letters of recommendation for students applying to ECF?
- Letters of recommendation are not required for students applying to pre-kindergarten through first grade, but we will read and consider any letters that are sent on behalf of an applicant.
We ask that applicants to grades 2-5 submit one academic recommendation form (included in the application package).
Applicants to grades 6-12 must submit two academic recommendation forms from current teachers (mathematics, English, history, science or foreign language).
Personal recommendations are not required, but will be included as part of your child's application file if received. If you choose to submit personal recommendations they are most appropriate from people who know both you and your child personally.
- Does ECF have a wait pool?
- Yes. Each year we receive applications from many more qualified candidates than we are able to admit. Children whom we would have admitted were the class size not limited are offered a place in the wait pool. Wait pool candidates are not ranked numerically. Should an opening become available, the wait pool candidates are reviewed and another round of selections is made. Offers of acceptance from the wait pool can be made on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer months as openings become available. Offers cannot be made to families who have enrolled at ISAAGNY member schools. Wait pool activity varies from year to year and is impossible to predict. If (while active in the wait pool) you sign a contract with another ISAAGNY member school you are obligated to withdraw your child’s name from all wait pools.
- How can I get more information about admissions?
- How do I apply to ECF?
- I live in a country other than the United States. What do I need to do to apply to ECF?
- In what colleges do ECF seniors traditionally enroll?
- Click here for a list of colleges chosen by our recent graduates.
- In what grades do you accept students?
- Admissions entry points at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School are at the pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, sixth and ninth grade levels. Openings in all other grades are dependent on attrition. Therefore, applications to non-entry-point grades are accepted only on an interview wait pool basis.
The interview wait pool - Applications for non-entry-point grades will be reviewed and candidates will be selected to complete the interview process if and when an opening is anticipated.
- Is financial aid available?
- Financial aid is available to those families who demonstrate a financial need. We have one of the largest and most comprehensive financial aid budgets of any independent day school in the country. Click here for additional information.
- Is there a birthday cutoff date for kindergarten applicants?
- Yes. Our age policy requires that children applying to pre-k must have passed their fourth birthday by September 1 of the year they are entering pre-k. All applicants for kindergarten must have passed their fifth birthday by September 1 of the year they are entering kindergarten. First graders must be 6 years old.
- What are the application requirements?
- What are the criteria for admissions?
- When selecting new students to join our community, we look at several areas. The student report, academic recommendations, ERB and ISEE test results, interview and extra-curricular activities. It is important to us that we admit students who will be able to have a successful academic career as well as participate in the life of the school.
- What can I do to increase my child’s chances of being admitted?
- The application process can be stressful for all involved. You, as parents, want to ensure you are doing all you can to provide your child with the best opportunities. We, as admissions professionals and educators, strive to make the process as informative and positive as possible. Please make sure you are aware of all the requirements and deadlines as you head into the process. Only those applications that are completed by the deadline date will be considered for admission. Missing deadlines and rescheduling appointments may delay the application process. Feel free to contact the admissions office if you have any questions or concerns.
- What percentage of the student body receives financial aid?
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