Early Steps programs are all about diversity. The Early Steps program in New York City has been going strong for over 20 years to help families of children of color who are applying for Kindergarten and First Grade. The program advocates for the families of these children during the process of applying for New York City independent schools.
Today, more than ever, getting into these schools is time consuming and competitive – and tuition costs are sky rocketing. We work hard to make sure that we continue to provide children of color access and opportunity.
Many independent schools in NYC participate in the Early Steps program, from all over Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and elsewhere. Many of the schools covered in the NYC Private Schools Blog are Member Schools, including, but by no means limited to:
- Mandell School
- The Studio School
- Staten Island Academy
- The Allen-Stevenson School
- The Birch Wathen Lenox School
- The Brearley School
- The Buckley School
- The Caedmon School
- The Chapin School
- Convent of the Sacred Heart
And many more schools.
On Grade Level, the program accepts children who will be starting Kindergarten: Must be age 4 by August 31st of the year they apply or first grade (age 5 by August 31st of the year they apply).
Families must be able to bring their children to schools located in the NYC boroughs of: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island or Tarrytown, NY.
Early Steps works with families of all economic levels. The financial aid process is explained to families who are applying. All families pay some portion of tuition.
Independent schools want to increase their diversity while parents of children of color seeking a quality education for their children want guidance and support through the application process. EARLY STEPS is a resource for both. Since 1986, EARLY STEPS has partnered with families and schools to place children of Black, Latino, American Indian and Asian backgrounds in kindergarten and first grade.
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