Preschool in NYC: Application Notification and Reply Dates 2022

Feeling overwhelmed by the NYC preschool admissions process? Parents League is here to help. With notification time upon us, we can answer your important questions regarding the timeline, possible outcomes, and effective communication with schools.

When do NYC preschools notify parents?

Families should expect to hear from the schools that follow the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY) notification dates as early as January 27th if they live in Brooklyn, Queens, or below 34th Street in Manhattan. Other families will hear from schools on March 3rd if they live above 34th Street, in the Bronx or Westchester. The vast majority of schools will send this information via email; however, a few schools still send their letters via US mail.

Please expect email notifications throughout the day. They are not sent at a specific time. Be sure to also check your spam and junk folders, in case a notification email ends up there.

What if a family hasn’t heard from a school on January 27th or March 3rd?

If you haven’t heard from a school, don’t panic. Don’t be afraid to contact the school directly. The schools want to be sure that every family who has completed the application process has received their decision.

What are the possible outcomes families can expect?

Families can expect three possible outcomes: accept, waitlist, and regret. For most families, the response is going to be an acceptance or a waitlist letter from each school.

What is a waitlist? How should families manage the waitlist?

A waitlist notification means the school considers your child and family a good match for their program, however, they currently do not have the space available to accommodate your child. The good news is that this can change over the course of the notification period. Make sure to follow the instructions the school includes with your notification letter as to whether or not you would like to remain on the waitlist. Schools may ask you to fill out an online form or call them directly.

As the week progresses, schools should have more information regarding the waitlist and will let you know when to check in with them. Try to be patient as the school really is working to find a space for you. It’s okay to reiterate your interest in their school as long as you follow their suggestions on when to check in.

How should families handle multiple acceptances?

Families who receive multiple acceptances often need a few days to review options before deciding. When weighing your options, know that Parents League is here for you. Our advisors are available by phone to talk through your options and discuss what feels right for your family. Things move very quickly once the notifications have been delivered. As soon as you have narrowed down your choices, it’s very important to notify schools if you will be declining their offer. Releasing your space allows schools to accept another family eagerly waiting on the waitlist.

Call or email as soon as possible to let them know and politely decline. The same is true for families on the waitlist. If you are on the waitlist at a school and have made another choice, call or email to let them know as soon as possible. The reply deadline to accept and sign a contract with the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY) schools is by noon on Thursday, March 10, 2022.

If you have more questions about the notification and decision period or the New York preschool admissions process, please send us an email at info@parentsleague.org or call the Parents League office at 212-737-7385.

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