Is this a real entry point?
Larger cohort, unquantified opening, attrition, closed grade, or a status that still needs confirmation.
New York City · Grade 6 and Grade 9
NYC Private-School Grade 6 and Grade 9 Entry Guide
Is this school a credible application for this child, in this entry grade, in this cycle—and what must you still verify? Compare the facts that shape a workable list without turning schools or children into scores.
How this explorer was researched
Every record is grade-specific and tied to a current school source. “Not published” is different from “not required.” A recurring process is different from a larger entry cohort. Conflicting and stale dates remain visible rather than being silently repaired.
Read our editorial standard →Questions in a parent’s mind
What should your shortlist process still resolve?
What will it ask of the student?
Testing, writing, individual or family interviews, group work, and school assessments.
Can the current school do its part?
Records, current grades, recommendations, institutional forms, and internal deadlines.
Could the family sustain it?
Application timing, four-year cost, aid, commute, grade runway, and activities.
Could the student live well there?
Newcomer integration, course placement, support, workload, and the school-day commute at actual arrival and dismissal.
What remains unknown?
The question a portal, admissions office, current family, or school visit still needs to answer.
Fall 2027 source-checked explorer
Find credible entry points. Keep the unknowns.
18 schools · 36 separate Grade 6 and Grade 9 records. No rankings, odds, or inferred openings.
Read the Grade 6 process guide →
What the labels do—and do not—mean
A published opening count is not an acceptance rate or a probability. “Applications accepted” does not establish a known seat. Attrition-based does not mean lower quality or bad faith. Portals may be newer than public pages.
Grade 6Manhattan · Chelsea
Avenues New York
Published expansion cohort
Typically 30–35 new students- Earliest action
- Binding First Choice: November 1, 2026; regular: December 1
- Testing
- ISEE or SSAT optional
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · Age 1–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Parent conversation; grade-specific applicant steps are supplied in the portal.
Dates
Supporting file: November 18 First Choice; January 8 regular. Aid: November 18 First Choice; January 8 regular.
Important caveat
First Choice is binding and the school says a majority of open seats are filled there. It is not ISAAGNY connected Early Notification.
Question to ask next
How are incoming students mixed with continuing classmates during orientation, advisory, and course placement?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Brooklyn · Park Slope
The Berkeley Carroll School
Limited, attrition-based openings
Not published- Earliest action
- December 2, 2026
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · 3s–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Student interview by invitation; Middle/Upper open house encouraged.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 1, 2026.
Important caveat
Grade 6 is explicitly attrition-based. An application does not establish that a place exists.
Question to ask next
Is a seat currently expected, and will every completed applicant receive the full process?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper East Side
The Brearley School
Applications accepted · count not published
Not published- Earliest action
- December 1, 2026
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required
- Enrollment
- Girls · K–Class XII
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Required in-person student and parent interview; optional 45-minute tour.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 1, 2026.
Important caveat
The school decision date conflicts with current ISAAGNY timing. Confirm the controlling date in writing.
Question to ask next
How many new students entered in each of the last two years, and what is expected for Fall 2027?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper East Side
The Browning School
Current opening needs confirmation
Not published- Earliest action
- December 1, 2026; appointments may fill earlier
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required if the grade is open
- Enrollment
- Boys · K–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
School tour and parent conversation are listed for K–8 applicants.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: January 8, 2027.
Important caveat
Browning asks families to confirm which select grades have openings; do not assume Grade 6 availability from the timeline alone.
Question to ask next
Is this grade open now, and which portal deadline and applicant steps control?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper East Side
The Chapin School
Applications accepted · count not published
Not published- Earliest action
- December 1, 2026
- Testing
- Do not submit ISEE/SSAT; Chapin administers its own assessment
- Enrollment
- Girls · K–Class 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Family tour, student-only interview, independent questionnaire, and school academic assessment.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 1, 2026.
Important caveat
The assessment is school-created and should not be compared as if it were a live writing sample or standardized test.
Question to ask next
How many new students entered in each of the last two years, and what is expected for Fall 2027?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Carnegie Hill
The Dalton School
Not accepting for Fall 2027
No general applications for Fall 2027- Earliest action
- Closed-grade inquiry only
- Testing
- Not applicable; grade closed
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · K–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
No general Grade 6 process.
Dates
Supporting file: Not applicable. Aid: Not applicable.
Important caveat
Dalton says the temporary closure reflects unusually high retention. A closed-grade inquiry is not an application.
Question to ask next
What would cause the school to activate this grade, and is a closed-grade inquiry useful?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper West Side
Dwight School
Applications accepted · count not published
Not published- Earliest action
- Binding Early Decision: November 13; regular: December 1
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · Preschool–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Group student interview and collaborative project, family tour, plus separate virtual parent interview.
Dates
Supporting file: November 20 early; January 8 regular. Aid: November 20 early; December 1 regular.
Important caveat
The Middle School page retains a stale test deadline; use the regular file date and confirm score timing.
Question to ask next
How many new students entered in each of the last two years, and what is expected for Fall 2027?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Bronx · Fieldston
Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Published expansion cohort
25–30 new students; class about 134- Earliest action
- November 13, 2026 at noon
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required by December 31
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · Pre-K–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
40-minute online joint student/parent conversation plus separately scheduled campus tour.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 1, 2026.
Important caveat
The school’s decision and reply dates conflict with current ISAAGNY dates. Confirm which dates govern.
Question to ask next
How are incoming students mixed with continuing classmates during orientation, advisory, and course placement?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Gramercy
Friends Seminary
Limited, attrition-based openings
Not published- Earliest action
- November 16, 2026
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · K–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Up to 90-minute tour/group interview with brief writing sample if attrition processing advances.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 15, 2026.
Important caveat
Grade 6 is nonannual and attrition-based. Interview availability does not establish a seat.
Question to ask next
Is a seat currently expected, and will every completed applicant receive the full process?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Bronx · Riverdale
Horace Mann School
Published expansion cohort
55–60 new students- Earliest action
- October 15, 2026 to guarantee interview; application November 18
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE required; SSAT only if also considering boarding
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · Nursery–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Required approximately 90-minute student and parent interview plus campus tour.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: November 15, 2026.
Important caveat
Self-scheduling is guaranteed only through October 15. A separate official page conflicts on recommendation timing.
Question to ask next
How are incoming students mixed with continuing classmates during orientation, advisory, and course placement?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper East Side
Marymount School of New York
Applications accepted · count not published
Spaces described as limited; count not published- Earliest action
- December 1, 2026
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required
- Enrollment
- Girls · Nursery–Class XII
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Family tour, Class VI group assessment, and parent interview.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 1, 2026.
Important caveat
Marymount accepts Classes VI–VIII but does not publish a Class VI count.
Question to ask next
How many new students entered in each of the last two years, and what is expected for Fall 2027?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Brooklyn · Dyker Heights
Poly Prep Country Day School
Published expansion cohort
About 35–38 new students- Earliest action
- November 20, 2026
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT; no preference; superscored
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · Nursery–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Small-group student interview and short writing activity while parent meets admissions.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 15, 2026.
Important caveat
Some search metadata surfaces another date; the current grade-specific body gives November 20.
Question to ask next
How are incoming students mixed with continuing classmates during orientation, advisory, and course placement?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Bronx · Riverdale
Riverdale Country School
Published expansion cohort
20–25 new students; grade 85–90- Earliest action
- Application opens September 8; current deadline not verified
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · Pre-K–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Required student interview; exact appointment format follows application.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 15, 2026.
Important caveat
The public page retains a 2025 preliminary deadline. Confirm the current deadline in Ravenna.
Question to ask next
How are incoming students mixed with continuing classmates during orientation, advisory, and course placement?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper East Side
Convent of the Sacred Heart
Applications accepted · count not published
Not published- Earliest action
- December 1, 2026
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE required
- Enrollment
- Girls · Pre-K–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Virtual parent interview, in-person group visit, and individual assessment.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 1, 2026.
Important caveat
The page heading uses an older cycle label while its exact dates serve Fall 2027.
Question to ask next
How many new students entered in each of the last two years, and what is expected for Fall 2027?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Carnegie Hill
The Nightingale-Bamford School
Applications accepted · count not published
Not published- Earliest action
- December 1, 2026
- Testing
- ISEE or SSAT required; school does not name the level
- Enrollment
- Girls · K–Class XII
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Separate 45-minute in-person family tour and 45-minute virtual family interview.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 1, 2026.
Important caveat
Nightingale accepts Class VI applications but does not publish seats or identify it as an expansion grade.
Question to ask next
How many new students entered in each of the last two years, and what is expected for Fall 2027?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper East Side
The Spence School
Applications accepted · count not published
Not published- Earliest action
- December 13, 2026
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required
- Enrollment
- Girls · K–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
25-minute student interview, 10 minutes with parent, plus Grade 6 group experience.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: December 1, 2026.
Important caveat
Spence publishes no Grade 6 seat count or group-experience rubric.
Question to ask next
How many new students entered in each of the last two years, and what is expected for Fall 2027?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper East Side
Trevor Day School
Applications accepted · count not published
Not published- Earliest action
- December 1, 2026 or when visits fill
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE or Middle Level SSAT required
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · Preschool–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
Required two-hour visit with tour, student interview, and parent conversation.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: January 1, 2027.
Important caveat
Visit inventory may fill before the stated deadline; testing language retains an ambiguous cycle label.
Question to ask next
How many new students entered in each of the last two years, and what is expected for Fall 2027?
Verified August 31, 2026
Grade 6Manhattan · Upper West Side
Trinity School
Limited, attrition-based openings
Not published- Earliest action
- Complete file by January 8; visit only if a seat arises
- Testing
- Lower Level ISEE required
- Enrollment
- Coeducational · K–Grade 12
What the visit involves and what to verify
Published applicant experience
No initial visit; school contacts applicants only if attrition creates a seat.
Dates
Supporting file: January 8, 2027. Aid: January 8, 2027.
Important caveat
A complete Grade 6 file does not imply an opening or interview.
Question to ask next
Is a seat currently expected, and will every completed applicant receive the full process?
Verified August 31, 2026
Continue the decision
The explorer narrows a list. It cannot manufacture fit.
Start with the Grade 6 guide or Grade 9 guide for the full process. The Grade 9 school-list and fit guide turns seat evidence into a varied, attendable shortlist without invented odds. Use the financial-aid guide before treating a list as sustainable.
Niche links provide self-selected community perspective across grades and years. They are not authorities for current deadlines, openings, testing, or cost. Official school pages remain the operating source.
Our read
Separate planned entry grades from vacancy-only possibilities.
Build around schools with published expansion cohorts. Treat schools that accept applications without publishing openings as questions, and attrition-only schools as optional possibilities. Eight famous names with similarly uncertain openings do not create a balanced list.
At Grade 6, investigate how a child joins the cohort. At Grade 9, investigate whether the student can own the choice and sustain the four-year path. No badge here estimates admission, evaluates school quality, or decides which child belongs where.
Coverage note: This verified set is not an exhaustive directory. Inclusion is not endorsement; omission is not criticism. Tuition is omitted until every figure and its inclusions can be verified consistently.