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Welcome
A message from Head of School David Egolf and Assistant Head of School Mansi Vasa.
DEIB
Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
About Corlears
Learn about Corlears School's history, educational philosophy, mission, core values, and more.
Faculty and Staff
Meet our faculty and staff and explore the directory.
More to Explore
Blog
Press and Media Coverage
Careers
FAQs
Parent Reviews

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Admissions Overview
Everything prospective families need to know about Corlears admissions.
How to Apply
Outlining the admissions processes for each of our academic programs, from toddlers through fifth grade.
Tours, Events, and Webinars
Visit our campus and go inside the curriculum with school leadership. 
TEAM Tuition Model
Changing the paradigm from financial aid to equitable tuition level-setting for all families.
Quick Links
Roots Toddler Application
Outplacement
TADS
Ravenna
Viewbook flatlay

Everything you need to know about Corlears School in one handy booklet. Follow the link to receive a digital copy in your inbox.
Download the Viewbook
Early Childhood Division
Toddler
The Roots program for ages 16–24 months celebrates the way toddlers learn best: through the art of play and wonderment. 
Nursery
The Seedlings nursery program fosters the natural wonder and curiosity of 2- and 3-year-olds.
PreK
Empowering children to become even greater participants in their learning and school community.
Elementary Division
Kindergarten
As Corlears students enter the all-important elementary years, it’s all about making connections and building independence.
Elementary
Building the foundation kids need to fall in love with learning and gain confidence for everything to come.
Middle School Outplacement
Comprehensive, individualized support for all Corlears graduates.
Auxiliary Programs
Camp Corlears
Classic summer fun with plenty of outdoor play, arts and crafts, and fun with friends. Led by Corlears teachers. Open to all.
Corlears Plus
All about the before- and after-school care available to families enrolled at Corlears.
Learn. Play. Grow.
Free family activities available on select Saturdays throughout the school year.
See Complete Program Overview
Board of Trustees
Meet the volunteer Board of Trustees and learn more about the committees and structures that govern Corlears School.
School Calendar
Events, holidays, and school closings.
Families Association
Corlears families are important members of our school community, and we offer a number of ways to get involved.
Alumni
How to get connected and stay involved with Corlears School's alumni community.
Ways to Support
Corlears is a small school, but our community has a big heart — and many ways to get involved.
Make a Donation
Every dollar has a lasting impact — not just on  students attending Corlears today, but on all children who come through our doors.
Volunteer
There are a variety of opportunities available for current and alumni community members to get involved by volunteering their time. 

A TRANSFORMATIONAL VISION
The Corlears 50th Anniversary Campaign

In 2018, Corlears celebrated its 50th anniversary. In honor of this significant milestone, Corlears School embarked on a 5-year, $4 million campaign that goes beyond our physical structure; this campaign is focused on our heart. Over the past five years, Corlears has been building a truly innovative and transformational vision that is growing a new model for what a private school made just for young children can be.

Learn More About the Campaign
Students having fun at a backyard sing-along

Admissions

Everything prospective families need to know about admissions at Corlears, including policies, deadlines, how to apply, and more.
Thank you for your interest in Corlears, a progressive school dedicated to the education of children from toddlers through fifth grade located in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Students at Corlears are intellectually curious, creative, and have the potential for great academic achievement, peer leadership, and social and emotional growth.
We understand the school admissions process can be daunting for families, which is why we strive to provide a supportive and transparent experience, guiding prospective families every step of the way while helping them gain a deeper understanding of Corlears School's progressive educational philosophy. As a school made just for young children, we believe in the importance of these foundational years and we remain committed to fostering the growth of compassionate emerging young leaders who thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Families who have submitted an application are encouraged to register for a private tour with our admissions team for a firsthand look at our classrooms and community. Throughout the admissions season we also offer a selection of webinars that delve deeper into our curricular approach.
Early childhood students having fun in the backyard-sm
We also encourage you to check out what other families have to say about their Corlears experience to get a sense of our vibrant community. Choosing your child's school is an important decision, and we are committed to providing you with the information and support you need to make the best choice for your family. We look forward to getting to know you!

Admissions Policy

Corlears School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or scholarships.

As a school that values equity and inclusion, we believe each child deserves to thrive in their learning environment. As a general education setting, our student success team is dedicated to ensuring students receive what they need to succeed; however, we do not have special education teachers in each classroom, nor integrated therapeutic services for students with high support needs who would benefit from a more specialized setting.

Decisions and Timing

Guided by our commitment to the school’s mission, admissions are based on a combination of criteria including evaluation of the applicant's visit, academic records, and balance within a grade level. Admission decisions will be emailed by the ISAAGNY notification dates for applicants to Seedlings and above; decisions for our Roots toddler program are provided on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Dates and Deadlines

Learn more about ISAAGNY's notification dates and parent reply deadlines by visiting their website.
  • Admissions
  • Notification Dates
  • Parent Reply Deadlines

August 30, 2023

2024–25 Application Launch

September 12, 2023

TEAM Assessment Launch

The TEAM process is supported by the TADS Financial Aid Assessment module during the admissions or reenrollment process to determine an equitable tuition level — from zero to maximum — for all of our families. (Of course, families may also choose to opt out and pay the maximum tuition.)

Learn more about TEAM.

January 11, 2024

TEAM Application Deadline

Families opting into TEAM must submit their application through TADS by November 16 in order to receive their assessment by the ISAAGNY parent notification deadline. TEAM applications received after this date will be processed on a rolling basis.

January 11, 2024

2024–25 Application Deadline

For families applying to Seedlings and up. Admissions for the Roots toddler program are rolling throughout the year.

February 8, 2024

Kindergarten

Delivered no earlier than 10:00 a.m.

February 13, 2024

Grades 1–5

Delivered no earlier than 4:00 p.m.

February 29, 2024

Seedlings and PreK

Delivered no earlier than 10:00 a.m.

February 15, 2024

Kindergarten

Replies must arrive no later than 12:00 noon.

March 4, 2024

Grades 1–5

Replies must arrive no later than 12:00 noon.

March 7, 2024

Seedlings and PreK

Replies must arrive no later than 12:00 noon.

Tuition Equity

In the 2022–23 school year, Corlears introduced the Tuition Equity and Accessibility Model (TEAM), changing the paradigm from financial aid to equitable tuition level setting for all families. The TEAM process is supported by the TADS Financial Aid Assessment module during the admissions or reenrollment process to determine an equitable tuition level — from zero to maximum — for all of our families. (Of course, families may also choose to opt out and pay the maximum tuition.)

A family's determined tuition level is independent from decisions related to enrollment; this information is kept confidential and is not shared with the admissions committee. Additionally, receiving an indication of your TEAM tuition level does not signify enrollment or admission to Corlears School.
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ISAAGNY Logo

Corlears School is a proud member of the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY). Founded in 1965, ISAAGNY aims to ensure orderly, professional, and equitable admissions processes at member schools: we do so by observing a shared admissions timeline, engaging in professional development to hone our collective craft, exchanging resources and best practices, and more. The resulting spirit of cooperation serves schools, families, and nearly 30,000 students across greater New York.

Connect with Admissions

Have questions? Our admissions team would be happy to help. Connect with the team anytime at admissions@corlearsschool.org, or click the button to subscribe for more information.
Request More Information