List of 20 frequently asked questions.

• When will Friends begin accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year?

  Applications for the 2024-2025 school year open on August 28, 2023.
  Click here to apply.

• What are the annual entry grades at Friends?

  Kindergarten and Grade 9. Openings for all other grades are dependent on attrition.

• Does Friends have a birthday cut-off date?

  Yes, for Kindergarten and Grade 1 only. 
  For Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by September 1.
  For Grade 1, children must be six-years-old by September 1.

• Does Friends offer Early Notification?

  Friends offers Early Notification for Kindergarten only. This applies to children of (1) Members of the Religious Society of Friends, (2) current sibling families, and (3) current faculty and staff. Please complete the Early Notification Form and submit your Application for Admission in Ravenna.

• How do I begin my application to Friends?

  Applications are available online. 
  Click here to apply.
  

• When do applications for Academic Year 2024-2025 need to be completed?

  The application deadline is November 20, 2023; however we encourage you to submit the application for admissions as soon a possible. 
  
  All supplemental documents must be completed by January 11, 2024. 
  
  If families apply after this date, applications will be placed on hold pending openings. 
  
  For late K-12 applicants, no fee is required until the application is processed. Please reach out to the Admissions Office for more information at admissions@friendsseminary.org or at 646.979.5041. 

• What are the application requirements?

  Click Lower School,  Middle School, or Upper School to learn about application requirements. 

• Do I have to submit an application to schedule in order to schedule an interview?

  Yes, the "Application for Admission" form must be submitted before an interview can be scheduled.

• Is an application required to tour the School?

  Please visit Lower School,  Middle School, or Upper School to learn how to schedule a tour.

• Does Friends require standardized testing?

  Friends Seminary requires a score report for the ISEE or SSAT for Grades 9 - 12.
  Please visit the How to Apply page for additional information. 

• For Grades 5-12 current teacher recommendations, what if the same teacher teaches both English and Math?

  Please ask the teacher to fill out both forms as each recommendation offer different questions.

• How do I register for Admissions Events?

  Registration for admissions events are done through your Ravenna account.

• Does Friends have a Financial Aid and Affordability Program?

  Yes, Friends has a substantial Financial Aid and Affordability Program. For more information, click Tuition and Affordability.

• What is the process for applications that are on the waitlist for Kindergarten or Grade 9 interviews?

  As spots become available, the Admissions Office will contact you.

• What happens to applications for attrition grades when an opening is not available?

  The applications will remain on an active hold. As openings become available, and if we are able to process your application, the Admissions Office will contact you.

• How does the waitlist work following notification?

  Applicants who have been placed on the waitlist may opt to remain active until the beginning of the school year.

• Does Friends have before and after-school programs?

  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.
  

• Where do Friends families reside?

  Geographically, Friends casts a wide net; students represent over 100 zip codes within the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey.

• How do students commute to Friends?

  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 646-979-5042. 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 646-979-5042. Financial assistance is available for families who receive financial aid.
  
  Grade 5-12 students, city-wide
  Metrocards are available to students.
  
  

• To which colleges and universities do Friends graduates matriculate?

  Please visit the COLLEGE COUNSELING page on our website.