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Admissions FAQ
Admissions Questions
What are the standardized testing requirements for admission? (e.g. ISEE, SSAT, TOEFL)
Our application process does not require the ISEE, SSAT, or TOEFL test results.
International applicants for whom English is not a native language are required to take an online English language assessment. Test access will be provided free of charge during the admission process. An Intermediate level is typically required for successful transition to our Middle and Upper School programs of study.
Does your school accept international applicants?
Yes, we do! International students are valuable members of our multicultural community. Kew-Forest is authorized by the US Department of Homeland Security, Student & Visitor Exchange Program (SEVP) to issue I-20 forms to sponsor non-US citizens wishing to secure an F-1 student visa.
Does your school offer English Language Learner (ELL) Courses?
Yes! We offer an English Language Learner (ELL) course for students for whom English is a secondary language. Our International Student Coordinator provides additional support, guidance, and in-language services to students and their parents. For more information, please visit our international student page.
Can interested families visit the school? (Open Houses, Tours, Information Sessions)
Yes! We are eager to welcome you to campus either in person or virtually via Zoom. Go to our admissions webpage's Visit and Meet Us section for more information and to register for multiple events.
Individual appointments for family-specific questions can also be scheduled by contacting [email protected].
What are the main entry points at K-F? Do you accept applications for all grades?
We accept applications for all grade levels. Our primary entry points are Preschool, Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade.
Do you admit students in the middle of the year?
We will consider mid-year* applications if space is available in the grade. Please contact the Office of Admission before submitting an application.
*A mid-year start is considered any entry date after the official first day of school.
If I miss the deadline, can I still apply? Do you accept Rolling Admission?
We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Any admission applications not complete by the December and January priority round deadlines will be processed as part of rolling admissions. Starting in April, admission decisions will be released for rolling admissions applications if space is available. Please note there is no guarantee that a spot will be open, and applicants may be placed in a waiting pool.
Do you have a Waitlist?
Each year, the number of qualified applicants exceeds the available spaces. The Admission Committee will offer selected students a spot in the waiting pool if they are deemed admissible, but there are no spaces available. Parents must either accept or decline being placed in the pool.
The pool is not ranked, and there is no way to predict a candidate's chances of being called from the waitlist. If space becomes available, we will consider all active candidates for the grade.
General Questions
What are the school hours?
Lower School begins at 8:00 for students in Grades 1 through 5. Preschool through Kindergarten students can arrive as late as 8:30 before being considered “late.” Lower School dismissal runs from 2:50 p.m. through 3:10 p.m.
Classes for Middle and Upper School run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with a daily activity period from 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm, which includes extra help, clubs, and other extracurriculars. Middle and Upper School students are expected to arrive by 7:50 a.m.
Early drop-off is available beginning at 7:30 a.m. Lower School students are supervised in the gym until 7:55 a.m., while Middle School students remain in the main rotunda. Upper School students may go to their first-period class. This service is free of charge.
An extended-day after-school program is available to PS-Grade 5 students for an additional fee. See the Afterschool & Mini-Courses page for more information.
A supervised study space is available for students in grades 6-12 every day after dismissal until 6:00 p.m.
What is your average class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
Our average class size is 14. Our student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.
Is your school affiliated with a church or other religious organization?
No, Kew-Forest is an independent school that is not affiliated with religious organizations. Students and families of all faiths are welcome to apply.
What is your mascot and why?
Our mascot is the jaguar. The jaguar is the perfect mascot for The Kew-Forest School because it embodies the strength, agility, and intelligence that define our vibrant school community. Much like a jaguar navigating its diverse habitat with grace and power, our students excel in a nurturing environment that champions academic excellence and personal growth.
Jaguars are known for their keen perception and adaptability, qualities that mirror our commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive atmosphere where every student can thrive. At Kew-Forest, we encourage our students to exhibit the same resilience and determination as a jaguar, preparing them to confidently face the challenges of the future while contributing positively to their community.
Does your school require students to wear uniforms?
Yes, we require all students to wear uniforms during the academic day. There is a separate physical education (PE) uniform. All uniforms can be purchased through Lands' End.
Under the tradition of "Senior Privileges", students in the 12th grade are allowed to wear "business casual" attire to school instead of the uniform.
On designated "Jagwear Days," all community members are invited to come to school wearing items that show their school spirit (the jaguar is our mascot). Jagwear includes school-branded t-shirts, sweatshirts, and fleeces or simply wearing the traditional school colors of red (maroon) and blue (navy).
Does your school offer bus service?
Yes, the school participates in the NYC DOE Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) "Stop-to-School" program and free MetroCard program. Please visit the NYC Public Schools Transportation page for additional information on eligibility.
Also, the school is conveniently located near the E and F trains and bus lines operating on Queens Blvd. and Union Turnpike. It is easily accessible by car for curbside drop-off and pick-up.
Does your school offer lunch service?
Yes, the cost of lunch and snacks is included in tuition. Lunch is a time for our community to come together, so we want to be sure everyone can participate in the same way. We use Butter Beans Kitchen as our food service provider offering students many nutritious and varied meals. In addition to the rotating menu options, there are always salad fixings, sandwiches, plain pasta, and yogurt available.
Does your school require vaccinations or immunizations?
Yes. Everyone who enrolls in Kew-Forest agrees to follow the health guidelines set by the School and New York State to keep everyone safe from infectious diseases. This means ensuring your child is up-to-date with all required vaccinations and health tests and providing any necessary health documents to the School. These requirements include vaccinations mandated by local and state laws and any additional immunizations the School might decide are necessary for your child's continued enrollment. This helps us ensure a healthy environment for all students.
Kew-Forest strongly recommends that all eligible students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but it is not required.
What clubs do you offer?
All clubs are student-initiated and vary from year to year. Students may apply to start a new club if they are interested in an area not already covered.
Current clubs open to Middle and Upper School students include the American Math Competition, Fall Film Festival, Forensics, Games & Strategy, LGBTQIA+ Awareness, Psychology, and Story Club.
Clubs open only to Upper School students: The Blotter (yearbook class), Cultural Diversity Club, Kaleidoscope (social justice, diversity, inclusion), K-F Thinkers Magazine, Science Research, Mock Trial, Model UN.
In which sports does Kew-Forest compete?
The roster of teams that we field can vary from year to year based on student interest. Typically, we offer students the following options: soccer, volleyball, cross-country, track, tennis, table tennis, basketball, and archery.
To learn more, visit Middle School Athletics and Upper School Athletics.
Lower School (Preschool-5th Grade)
What is the age cutoff for entrance to each of your grades?
Students applying to our Preschool class must turn three by December 31st of the year of entry. Depending on the readiness of the child, enrollment may be delayed until the child turns three.
For all other grades, a student's chronological age is considered along with social/emotional development, school experience, the student's current grade, and the age range in the cohort they would be entering.
Do you have extended-day programs?
We offer afterschool and mini-courses for children from preschool through sixth grade.
Afterschool is available from school dismissal until 6:00 p.m. Mini-courses typically run from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. and can be combined with aftercare until 6:00 p.m. For additional information and a listing of current fees and mini-courses, please visit Afterschool & Mini-Courses.
Do you offer a summer camp?
We offer Summer Camp for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade.
Summer Camp provides children with academic enrichment in reading, writing, and mathematics, along with recreational activities that include arts & crafts, dance, drama, field trips, martial arts, STEM, swimming & so much more!
For more information, contact our Director of Auxiliary Programs and Summer Camp, Keesha Sterling, at [email protected]
Middle and Upper School (6th grade-12 grade)
Does your school offer Advanced Placement Courses (AP)?
On-campus courses depend on student interests and may vary from year to year. Additional options are available online through the One Schoolhouse consortium.
AP COURSES OFFERED:
- AP 2D Art and Design
- AP 3D Art and Design
- AP African American Studies
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Human Geography
- AP Physics
- AP Spanish Language and Culture
- AP US Government and Politics
- AP US History
- AP World History
