Admissions open · Nursery to Grade 12
A BISNY teacher smiling as she works with students at their desks
The British International School of New York Now enrolling · 2026-2027 and 2027-2028

The BISNY Admissions Journey

Being known is where possibilities begin.

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Step by step

Application Stages

This is BISNY’s core belief, and being known through an admissions journey that considers the whole child is the first stage of what will be one of the most important relationships in your family’s life.

  1. Introductions

    A short online form to introduce yourselves and your child or children to our school.

  2. Tour BISNY

    Meeting us in person on a typical school day is the best way to picture your child thriving here.

  3. Application

    Submitted through the BISNY Admissions Portal. Application fee: $125, payable when the application is submitted.

  4. School visit

    Students at all levels spend time in class with BISNY students and teachers.

  5. The offer

    A formal offer, based on whether our school and your child are a promising fit.

Read more about each step

1 · Introductions. Our admissions team will call and/or write to introduce themselves to you and to learn more about your family. We are looking forward to hearing about your lives and what you value in your child’s education. We are happy to address some of your first questions and to set expectations thoughtfully.

2 · Tour BISNY. If your introductory conversation suggests that BISNY could be a wonderful fit for your family, we will invite you to visit us on campus.

  • Early Years: tours are reserved for parents and guardians
  • Primary, Middle and Upper Years: students are welcome to join

All applicants will have the opportunity to participate in an onsite class visit a bit later in the admissions journey.

3 · Application and supporting documents. It has been wonderful getting to know you so far, and now is the time for your family to complete an application to BISNY and submit other documentation to help our admissions team gain a better understanding of your child.

  • All programmes: a teacher recommendation form
  • Other requirements and assessments vary by entry level

See what to submit for each programme

4 · BISNY School Visit. The value of experiencing our classroom environment in person cannot be overstated. The visit will normally include some time together for the student and the relevant Division Head for an interview.

The student visit helps Team BISNY gain a clearer understanding of your child’s readiness for our school, and helps your child gain a truer feeling about how they might enjoy belonging in our community of learners.

5 · The offer. Having gathered multiple perspectives about your child as a learner and as a person, and in consideration of various priorities within the school community, the admissions committee will consider making you a formal offer based on their best judgment.

We are delighted to guide families of admitted students through their offer confirmation and onboarding to BISNY.

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Key dates · 2027-2028 entry

Admissions timeline

BISNY follows the ISAAGNY calendar shared by New York independent schools. Mid-year entry and rolling admissions remain open whenever spaces are available.

Jan 8 Applications and supporting documentation due Friday, January 8, 2027
BISNY classISAAGNY categoryNotification dateParent reply deadline
Nursery and Reception3s Program and Pre-KPreschoolFeb 25, 2027Mar 4, 2027
Year 1KindergartenKindergartenFeb 4, 2027Feb 11, 2027
Year 2 to Year 9Grade 1 to Grade 8Grades 1 to 8Feb 10, 2027Feb 26, 2027
Year 10 to Year 13Grade 9 to Grade 12Grades 9 to 12Feb 19, 2027Mar 11, 2027

Early Decision: we do offer Early Decision for siblings, international applicants, and families who believe BISNY is the right fit for them and are ready to commit to attending.

Year groups and ages

Which year group is my child in?

At BISNY we follow the British “year group” system, split into school divisions, and use a September 1st cut off date to determine the correct year group for students.

Find your child’s date of birth to see their year group, the US grade equivalent and their age during the school year.

Year GroupUS GradeAgeBirth Dates for 2026/27Birth Dates for 2027/28
Early Years Programme
Nursery3s Program3 – 41 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 20231 Sep 2023 – 31 Aug 2024
ReceptionPre-K4 – 51 Sep 2021 – 31 Aug 20221 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2023
Primary Years Programme
Year 1K5 – 61 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 20211 Sep 2021 – 31 Aug 2022
Year 2Grade 16 – 71 Sep 2019 – 31 Aug 20201 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2021
Year 3Grade 27 – 81 Sep 2018 – 31 Aug 20191 Sep 2019 – 31 Aug 2020
Year 4Grade 38 – 91 Sep 2017 – 31 Aug 20181 Sep 2018 – 31 Aug 2019
Year 5Grade 49 – 101 Sep 2016 – 31 Aug 20171 Sep 2017 – 31 Aug 2018
Year 6Grade 510 – 111 Sep 2015 – 31 Aug 20161 Sep 2016 – 31 Aug 2017
Middle Years Programme
Year 7Grade 611 – 121 Sep 2014 – 31 Aug 20151 Sep 2015 – 31 Aug 2016
Year 8Grade 712 – 131 Sep 2013 – 31 Aug 20141 Sep 2014 – 31 Aug 2015
Year 9Grade 813 – 141 Sep 2012 – 31 Aug 20131 Sep 2013 – 31 Aug 2014
Upper Years Programme
Year 10Grade 914 – 151 Sep 2011 – 31 Aug 20121 Sep 2012 – 31 Aug 2013
Year 11Grade 1015 – 161 Sep 2010 – 31 Aug 20111 Sep 2011 – 31 Aug 2012
Year 12Grade 1116 – 171 Sep 2009 – 31 Aug 20101 Sep 2010 – 31 Aug 2011
Year 13Grade 1217 – 181 Sep 2008 – 31 Aug 20091 Sep 2009 – 31 Aug 2010

Children may join Nursery at any point during the year once they turn 3. Please speak to Admissions regarding progression and requirements.

Stretched and supported. Our students’ social and emotional growth is equally as important as their academic development. With this in mind, our teachers are motivated to ensure that all children are both stretched and supported in class, differentiating the learning to enable them to reach their academic potential and make visible progress, as they develop physically, socially and emotionally alongside their peers.

Supporting documents

What to submit for each programme

In addition to your online application, please upload the following documents to the BISNY Admissions Portal. Open the programme your child is applying for to see what is required.

Early Years ProgrammeNursery (3s) and Reception (Pre-K) · Ages 3 to 5
  • For Pre-K (Reception) or K (Year 1) applicants: copies of your child’s past school reports
  • An Early Years Teacher Recommendation Form, to be completed and sent to us by your child’s current school

Please note children do need to be independently potty trained to join the Nursery and Reception/Pre-K classes.

Once we receive your application, we will be in touch to schedule a school visit and an interview with our Admissions Team and the Head of Early Years Programme.

Primary Years ProgrammeYear 1 to Year 6 (K to Grade 5) · Ages 5 to 11
  • A copy of 2 years past school reports, including a current year report (if available)
  • A Primary Years/Lower School Teacher Evaluation, to be completed and sent to us by your child’s current teacher

Once we receive your application, we will be in touch to schedule a school visit and an interview with our Admissions Team and the Head of Primary Years Programme.

Middle Years ProgrammeYear 7 to Year 9 (Grade 6 to Grade 8) · Ages 11 to 14
  • A copy of 2 years past school reports, including a current year report (if available)
  • The following Teacher Recommendation Forms, to be completed and sent to us by your child’s current teachers: Current Year Maths Teacher Recommendation Form; Current Year English Teacher Recommendation Form; and Teacher Recommendation Form (Teacher of your choice)

Once we receive your application, we will be in touch to schedule a school visit and an interview with our Admissions Team and the Head of Middle Years Programme.

Upper Years ProgrammeYear 10 to Year 13 (Grade 9 to Grade 12) · Ages 14 to 18
  • A copy of 2 years past school reports, including a current year report (if available)
  • A recent essay in any subject
  • For U.S. based families or those who have taken it: All ISEE Test Scores or equivalent
  • The following Teacher Recommendation Forms, to be completed and sent to us by your child’s current school: Principal or Advisors Recommendation Form; Maths Teacher Recommendation Form; English Teacher Recommendation Form
  • For Year 12 (Grade 11) applicants: Subject Specific Teacher Recommendation Forms for your chosen A Level subjects

Once we receive your application, we will be in touch to schedule a school visit and an interview with our Admissions Team and the Head of Upper Years Programme.

The BISNY campus at Waterside Plaza on the East River, with the Manhattan skyline
Additional support

Joining us from abroad

Student visas, English language support and a curriculum that travels with you.

  • F1 Student Visas
    Year 1 (Kindergarten) through Year 13 (Grade 12)

  • English as an Additional Language
    Small group and in-class support, Reception through Year 9

  • Relocating within the British Education System
    For families moving from the UK or from a school that follows the English National Curriculum

Read more

F1 Student Visas. BISNY is delighted to be able to issue F1 Visas for students studying at the school in Year 1 (Kindergarten) through Year 13 (Grade 12). Please mention it in your inquiry form and our admissions team will guide you.

English as an Additional Language. As The British International School of New York is truly an international school, we have many students who are learning in a language other than those they speak at home.

For students who need support in learning content in the English language, we offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) to ensure all students reach their full potential and can fully participate in both our curriculum and socially. In collaboration with class teachers, the EAL teacher supports students through small group pull-out lessons in place of French or Spanish, as well as through in-class support.

During pull-out EAL classes, students in Reception through Year 9 receive small group lessons tailored to accommodate each student’s individual language needs within the context of each class unit. We focus on developing vocabulary and grammar, as well as the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Student learning is scaffolded through the use of visual and practical aids, dramatization, graphic organizers, and hands-on demonstrations to provide a clear and concrete context for understanding.

Relocating within the British Education System. If you are relocating from the UK or from a school that follows the English National Curriculum, BISNY offers the quality and consistency you value, plus peace of mind as you manage the logistics of your move to a new city.

At BISNY, we deliver the English National Curriculum through the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) for students from Nursery, 3’s Program, through Year 9, US Grade 8. In our Upper School, students follow the IGCSE and A-Level programmes, qualifications that are respected worldwide and designed to provide flexibility and academic depth as they complete high school.

Our curriculum combines:

  • Internationally recognised qualifications
  • A learning approach that feels familiar
  • Clear academic progression
  • A supportive environment for settling into a new school

Alongside our established academic pathway, the IB’s cross-curricular, inquiry-based approach encourages students to:

  • Build connections between subjects
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Stay motivated and engaged
  • Prepare confidently for the next stage of their education

Why families choose BISNY

Originally founded to support British families in New York, BISNY has grown into a diverse international community. Today, many local New York families choose our school for the quality of a British and international education.

A global perspective in New York

New York families

Nearly a third of our students are American, many from local New York families. They value:

  • A strong balance of academic challenge and pastoral care
  • A clear focus on wellbeing
  • An education that reflects the energy and opportunity of growing up in NYC

Strong A-Level results, typically grades A or B, can often translate into up to a year of college credit at many US universities.

Read more

We combine the academic rigor of the English National Curriculum, the global framework of the International Baccalaureate and the widely recognized IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.

This pathway offers a global perspective in New York and qualifications that are respected by leading universities across the United States.

A warm welcome to New York

International families

Our warm welcome and experience supporting international families can make a meaningful difference as you explore schooling options during your move to New York.

As you coordinate the many details of your move, we are here to provide additional support where needed, including:

  • Rolling admissions
  • F1 student visas
  • Learning support options
  • English as an Additional Language lessons
Read more

We understand that one of the most important considerations when relocating is helping your children settle quickly and happily, feel confident in a new environment, and continue their education without interruption.

Our goal is to make the transition as seamless and reassuring as possible for your whole family.

Ready to start the conversation? It takes about two minutes.

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FAQs

What families ask

How do I apply remotely?

We understand that not all families are able to visit the school in person before relocating to New York. Our admissions process is designed to work smoothly for families applying from abroad.

The steps are exactly the same. Simply start by submitting the Inquiry Form, and our admissions team will contact you to guide you through the process.

Instead of an in-person campus tour, we can schedule a video call, virtual meeting, or continue the conversation via email; whatever works best for your family. From there, we’ll help you move through the application and document submission stages just like any other applicant.

If you are applying from abroad, simply mention it in your inquiry and we’ll be happy to manage the entire process remotely.

Do you accept applications throughout the year?

Yes. We understand that relocating to a new city can be complex and that plans often change. For this reason, we accept applications throughout the year to support families with flexible or uncertain relocation timelines.

Our admissions team will work closely with you throughout the process to ensure you have the information you need and feel confident about your child’s education in New York.

If you’re considering applying, simply complete the Inquiry Form and our team will get in touch to discuss availability and the best possible start date for your child.

What does it cost, and where are the other answers?

Full year tuition for 2026-27 runs from $45,600 for Nursery to $67,800 for Grades 9 to 12, with lunch included, and financial aid is available for families who demonstrate need: tuition and fees. For ages, the school day, transport, the curriculum and international families, see the questions families ask.

Each stage explains its own admissions in detail: Early Years · Lower School · Middle School · Upper School.

Ready to introduce your family?

To find out more about availability or the application process, fill out the inquiry form and our admissions team will get in touch.

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20 Waterside Plaza, New York, NY 10010