Frequently Asked Questions

What are the age requirements for applicants?

• Applicants for Léman Explorers must be 12-24 months old on or before September 1 of the year for which they are applying.
• Applicants for PreK2 must be two years old on or before December 31 of the year for which they are applying
• Applicants for PreK 3 must be three years old on or before December 31 of the year for which they are applying
• Applicants for PreK 4 must be four years old on or before December 31 of the year for which they are applying
• Applicants for Kindergarten must be five years old on or before December 31 of the year for which they are applying
• Applicants for Grade 1 and above are considered based on both age and prior school experience.

What are the admission requirements for Léman Manhattan?

The application process is comprised of three key elements: required forms; campus visits and interviews; and admission testing (Grades 6 through 12). Please select the grade your child is applying for specific information on admission requirements.

How are the admissions pieces evaluated?

There are multiple inputs into a student's candidacy for admission and we consider each child holistically. For Lower School, the student's visit, report from the current school, parent statement and interview aid us in reaching an admission decision. For Middle and High School, all six pieces of the application are important and weighed equally (parent statement, student statement, school report, recommendations, standardized testing, and student visit).

What is the parent interview?

The parent interview is a time for parents to meet with a member of our Admissions Team so we can better understand your interest in Léman and more about your child academically, socially and emotionally. It is also a time for parents to ask questions about Léman's program and the admissions process. This meeting will be scheduled after you submit your admission application and will last approximately 45 minutes. All parents in the family are required to attend the interview.

How do I schedule a visit?

Upcoming tour dates are listed on our Ravenna page. Reservations are required. To schedule a visit please contact a member of the Admissions Team either by email: admissions@big5vn.com or phone: 212-232-0266.

How do I contact the admissions team?

We are available to answer any of your questions. Please feel free to contact us either by email: admissions@big5vn.com or phone: 212-232-0266.

What takes place during my child's visit?

PreK 3, PreK 4 and Kindergarten applicants participate in a group student assessment with similar-aged children and are observed for their executive functioning, social and collaborative skills, as well as developmentally appropriate academic skills. Students applying to Grade 1 through 5 are required to have a half-day classroom visit at Léman. Middle and High School students have a one-on-one interview with Admissions.

When will I be notified about admission decisions?

Léman is part of ISAAGNY and follows the timeline as many other private schools for admissions decisions and parent replies. Dates by grade can be viewed here.

How do students get to Léman?

Students walk, ride scooters, take the subway or ferry, or travel by car to school. Situated in Lower Manhattan in a transportation hub, Léman is easily accessible from all neighborhoods in New York City. The 4/5 and 2/3 express subway lines are at our doorstep. With 50% of Léman students living downtown, we are a neighborhood school within walking distance for many families. Our proximity to the West Side Highway and the FDR make car travel from uptown easy. Ferry service a short walk from Léman transports students from DUMBO and Williamsburg.

Does Léman Manhattan offer Financial Aid?

Yes, we offer Financial Aid beginning in Kindergarten. Financial Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year and is communicated to families as part of the admission decision.

Léman Manhattan encourages families with demonstrated need to apply for financial assistance. Léman Manhattan's application for financial aid is provided by School and Student Services (SSS) by the National Association of Independent Schools. Based on the information you provide, SSS gives us an estimated amount your family can contribute to educational expenses, which helps us make fair and objective financial aid decisions.

Should I apply for financial aid?

The amount of tuition that a family should be expected to pay is based on the family's financial need. Financial need is defined as the difference between the family's resources and its total educational expenses. The major factors affecting financial need include the family's net income and assets, the number of dependents and the number of children attending school and colleges charging tuition. Allowances are made for certain taxes, medical costs, and unusual expenses.

Can only families of modest income qualify for financial aid?

No, net income is just one of the factors used when determining whether or not a family qualifies for financial aid. Assets, debts, and the number of dependents also influence the financial aid process. Léman Manhattan's financial aid program serves families with a broad range of income levels.

Will a request for financial aid influence an admission decision?

No. A request for financial aid will not influence our decision to offer admission. Admission is need-blind and based solely on the academic merit and personal qualities of each applicant. In accordance with the National Association of Independent Schools Principles of Good Practice, Léman Manhattan utilizes a need-blind admission process that keeps admission and financial as separate processes.

Is financial aid automatically renewed each year?

No. Families are required to reapply for financial aid each year.

Does a change in a family's financial circumstances result in a change in the financial aid decision?

Significant changes may influence the amount of aid that is awarded the following year. Depending on the change, this could result in an increase or decrease in the level of aid awarded. Also, changes in the financial aid budget and allocation may affect the amount of aid awarded.