Admissions

What is Avenues looking for in an applicant?

There is no single profile of an Avenues student and all applicants are considered on their completed application. Avenues seeks students who can thrive in a rigorous, collaborative and creative learning environment. Avenues strives to have a student community diverse in interests, talents and backgrounds, and the application process is designed to assess all these aspects equally.

What standardized testing is required?

Standardized testing is required for students applying to grades 9-12. Students applying to these grades may opt to take the ISEE or the SSAT.

For students applying to the Lower Division (grades 1-5) and middle grades (grades 6-8) we are test-optional. Students who are applying to grades 2-4 may opt to take the ISEE Primary. Students who are applying to grades 5-12 may opt to take the ISEE or the SSAT.

Are there minimum test scores needed to be considered a competitive applicant?

We do not require a minimum score for any form of standardized testing. Each candidate is assessed against a range of criteria; standardized test scores represent only a portion of the application that we review. With that said, for those who do submit testing, results are typically above the 75th percentile, both overall and in each section of the test.

Can my family request an application fee waiver?

Yes. If the application fee poses a financial hardship for your family, you may reach out to waiver@avenues-ny.org to request an application fee waiver.

What is the birthday cut-off?

Small World, nursery, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students must be one, two, three, four and five years old respectively by August 31 of their year of entry.

Applicants to grades 1 and above are assessed based on the last year of completed school. However, applicants are encouraged to apply for the grade to which they are eligible based on the August 31 birthday cutoff.

Are first choice letters or personal recommendations required?

Neither first choice letters nor personal recommendations are necessary. If Avenues is your first choice, we advise you to apply in the First Choice Round.

Can an applicant reapply?

Applicants are welcome to reapply for the next admissions year.

What is the application process for international students?

International students are expected to follow the standard application process and submit all requirements. We will work with you to schedule mutually convenient appointments and assessments taking into account the time difference with New York. As always, please contact us with specific questions at admissions-ny@avenues.org or +1 646-664-0800.

How do I get to Avenues?

Avenues is located at 259 10th Avenue and 536 W 26th Street in the West Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Our building is adjacent to the High Line Park and a short walk from Hudson Yards.

By subway: Take the C, E, 1, or Path train to 23rd St. station. Walk or take the M23-SBS bus west until you reach 10th Avenue. Walk two blocks north to reach our main entrance.

By bus: Take the M23-SBS or the M11 bus to the 10th Avenue/23rd St. stop and walk two blocks north to our main entrance. 
By car: Parking garages are available on 24th and 25th Streets between 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue.

How do students get to school?

Public Transportation: The Office of Pupil Transportation provides full-fare student MetroCards to students in grades K–12 who meet the eligibility requirement. MetroCards will be distributed to all eligible students during the first week of school. Students in grades K–5 who use OPT bus service will not receive a MetroCard.

Busing: Avenues offers two busing options, for which eligibility depends on both grade and location.

Please note that due to varied divisional dismissal times, 6th–12th graders are only eligible for morning bus service and will receive a MetroCard to support their commute home.

• Selby Busing (Nursery – 12th Grade) Selby Transportation Corporation is a private bus company that provides pick-up and drop-off service at an additional cost to Avenues families.
• Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) Busing (Kindergarten – 6th Grade) OPT bus service is provided to all eligible students in kindergarten through 6th grade. The Office of Pupil Transportation works with schools to determine routes, stops, and the appropriate number of students per bus. Bus stops are typically within .25 miles of your home and are centrally located within your neighborhood. Due to distance restrictions, OPT bus stops for Avenues students are only available within Manhattan, below 100th Street on the Upper West Side, and below 63rd Street on the Upper East Side.

Where do Avenues families live?

Avenues families travel to school from over 180 zip codes representing all five boroughs of New York City, New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, and the Tri-State area.

Does Avenues have an after-school program?

Yes!  Avenues has after-school programming starting in Nursery.  For students in grades N-5 who need care after school, we offer “stay and play” until 5:15 pm.  We also offer a wide range of specialty classes for students in these grades, including chess, robotics, dance, cooking, and more.  For students in our middle and upper grades we have a vast array of clubs and athletics to choose from both before and after school hours.  To learn more, visit our Extended Learning page.