Imagine Friends Seminary!
As a Quaker school, and as NYC’s oldest continuously operated, coeducational school—now in its 240th year—Friends is distinguished by a legacy of intellectual vibrancy informed by Quaker values of integrity, equality, simplicity, community, service and peaceful conflict resolution.
Optimism and a “can do” attitude resonate throughout the School. Whether grappling with a literary analysis, competing on the soccer field, or proactively supporting an important social issue, Friends students have the confidence to “go for it”, to problem solve and to push reset when needed. At Friends, the joy of teaching, learning and engagement is a palpable experience.
To learn more about Friends, we invite you to take a tour, join our events, connect with teachers and students, visit our website, read our social media posts, and experience the warm, welcoming and vibrant community of Friends Seminary!
.jpeg)
Sincerely,
Nisa K. Bryant
Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management
Get in touch
P.S. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see what's happening at Friends each and every day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now available!
Click here to apply.
Friends Seminary does not accept mid year transfers. After an academic year has began, families will need to apply for the following academic year.
Kindergarten and Grade 9. Openings for all other grades are dependent on attrition.
Yes, for Kindergarten and Grade 1 only.
For Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by August 31.
For Grade 1, children must be six-years-old by August 31.
Friends offers Early Notification for Kindergarten and Grade 9. This applies to children of (1) current sibling families, (2) current faculty and staff (3) alumni , and (4) Members of the Religious Society of Friends. Please complete the Early Notification Form and submit your Application for Admission in Ravenna.
Applications are available online in Ravenna.
Click here to apply.
The application deadline is November 17, 2025; however we encourage you to submit the application for admissions as soon a possible.
The Financial Aid application for prospective families is due in Clarity on December 15, 2025.
All supplemental documents must be completed by January 8, 2026.
If families apply after this date, applications will be placed on hold pending openings.
Please reach out to the Admissions Office for more information at [email protected] or at 646.979.5041.
Click Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School to learn about application requirements for each grade.
Yes, the "Application for Admission" form must be submitted before an interview can be scheduled.
The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is November 17, 2025.
Applicants residing overseas or outside of the New York metropolitan area may request a Zoom interview. Please contact the admissions office to schedule an appointment.
Please visit Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School to learn how to schedule a school tour.
Friends Seminary require a score report for either the ISEE or SSAT for Grades 5 - 12.
Testing should NOT take place prior to August 1, 2025.
Please click on links below to register for your test.
ISEE (ERB) - School code: 333645
SSAT (EMA) - School code: 3340
Please visit the How to Apply page for additional information.
Please ask the teacher to fill out both forms as each recommendation offer different questions.
- Log into your Ravenna account
- Locate your student on the left side panel
- Select Applications
- Select Friends Seminary
- Select Go to Application
- Search for Additional Steps
- Select Register for an event
Yes, Friends has a substantial Financial Aid and Affordability Program. More information can be found on the Tuition and Affordability page and by attending the Affording Friends webinar.
As interview spaces become available, the Admissions Office will contact families on the waitlist.
Applicants who have been placed on the waitlist may opt to remain active until the beginning of the school year.
Our before-school program, Early Bird, is available for Kindergarten-Grade 4 at no cost. Our after-school program, After Owls, are available for Grades K-6. Financial assistance is available for families receiving aid. Click here for more information on Extended Programs.
Geographically, Friends casts a wide net; students represent over 80 zip codes within the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey and Connecticut.
Kindergarten - Grade 6 families living in Lower Manhattan
Free bus transportation is provided by the NYC Board of Education. For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Lower School Head at 646-979-5111.
Kindergarten - Grade 6 families living on the Upper East Side
Free bus transportation is provided by the NYC Board of Education. For more information, please contact the Assistant to the Lower School Head at 646-979-5111.
Kindergarten - Grade 12 families living on the West Side (above West 20th Street)
Bus transportation is provided by a private bus company in the morning, as long as the minimum number of students subscribe to this service. Please call the Admissions Office for more information at 646-979-5044. Financial assistance is available for families who receive financial aid.
Kindergarten - Grade 12 families living in Brooklyn
Bus transportation is provided by a private bus company in the morning, as long as the minimum number of students subscribe to this service. Please call the Admissions Office for more information at 646-979-5044. Financial assistance is available for families who receive financial aid.
Grade 5-12 students, city-wide
OMNY cards are available to students residing in New York City.
Please visit the Matriculation section of COLLEGE COUNSELING page on our website.