All your answers in one place.
Below are answers to questions we are frequently asked about Town and our admissions process. For any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact our office at admissions@townschool.org or 212-288-6395.
What are the birthday cut-offs for each grade?
Students must be the following ages for 2026-27 admission:
Nursery 3 applicants: must be three by 9/1/26.
Nursery 4 applicants: must be four by 9/1/26.
Kindergarten applicants: must be five by 9/1/26.
1st-7th Grade* applicants: we do not follow a strict birthday cut-off. Instead, we consider each child’s academic skills, social-emotional development, and how they might thrive within the dynamics of their rising cohort.
*we do not accept applications to 8th grade
When is your application deadline?
The application deadline for students starting in fall 2026 is December 1st, 2025.
Do you require any standardized tests as part of the admissions process?
We do not currently require any standardized testing for applicants applying to Town for grades Nursery—4th grade. Applicants applying to 5th—7th grades are required to submit the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam).
Do you offer tours?
Yes! All applicant families will be invited to schedule a tour date that is convenient for them through their parent portal. Parents/guardians will attend a 60 minute small group tour led by a member of our admissions team, followed by a 15 minute Q&A with our Head of School, Doug Brophy.
Please note, we cannot accommodate tours for families who have not submitted an application.
Do you ask for personal letters of recommendation?
The Town School does not require or encourage personal letters of recommendation.
What are your sibling and legacy policies?
The Town School Sibling Policy
The Town School is a community that embraces families and welcomes applications from siblings of currently enrolled students and graduates. Sibling applications are given preference but admission is not automatic. While we would like to keep families together at Town, we must ensure that every applicant will thrive in our program and is the right fit for the school. We advise sibling applicants to apply to at least three other schools. Sibling applicants are given the option of early notification in the admissions process and must withdraw their applications to other schools if they accept an early decision offer of admission to The Town School.
The Town School Legacy Policy
It is the ultimate compliment for Town School alumni/ae to want their children to experience a Town education. The Town School considers anyone who graduated from Town eligible for a legacy application. Legacy applicants are given preference but admission is not automatic. We advise legacy applicants to apply to at least three other schools. Legacy applicants are given the option of early notification in the admissions process and must withdraw their applications to other schools if they accept an early decision offer of admission to The Town School.
All Nursery and Kindergarten sibling and legacy applicants should complete their appointments with The Town School Admissions Office before December 1st if they are interested in the ISAAGNY option of early notification.
Where do Town students go after they graduate?
Town graduates go on to attend a variety of independent, boarding, and specialized public schools in the greater New York area. To learn more about where our graduates attend high school, please visit our High School Placement page for information on high school and college destinations.
How do I get to Town?
The Town School is located at 540 East 76th Street. See our Transportation page for more details.
Do you have before and after school programs?
Yes! Learn all about the different options here.
Does Town offer Financial Assistance?
Absolutely. We are committed to helping families afford a Town education.
Financial Assistance begins in Kindergarten, and our application process is confidential, thoughtful and highly personalized for each family. Learn more on our Tuition & Financial Assistance page.