Admissions
The Ella Baker School is a part of the New York City Department of Education's District 2. However, the school is unzoned, and families in all five boroughs are welcome to attend a tour and apply for a spot. We encourage parents who work or study in the neighborhood to inquire about our program.
Meet our students, faculty, and parents at a tour of our school. See our art and dance studios and experience choice and voice in action in our open classrooms. Open House tours are held from November to February 2019-2020 for the 2020-2021 school year.
Kindergarten applicants MUST fill out an online application with the Department of Education in addition to our school application. If you are applying for Kindergarten at the Ella Baker School, list our school on your Department of Education application. The application period is expected to close on January 2020. Click here to learn more.
Pre-K spots are allocated through the Department of Education's Pre-K for All program. Seats are offered directly by the DOE through an online lottery during the spring. Applications are expected to open from February to March 2020. Click here to learn more.
*Pre-K applications for children born in 2016 are processed directly through the Department of Education. We do not hold Pre-K tours.
How to Reach Us
BUSES
BxM1, BxM11, BxM9, M1, M101, M102, M15, M15-SBS, M31, M57, M66, M72, M98, Q101, Q32, Q60
SUBWAYS
4 5 N W R to Lexington Ave-59 St.
6 to 68th St - Hunter College
F to Lexington Ave-63 St
Q to 72 St
Tour Dates,
2019-2020
Thursday, November 7
9:30 am (Middle School)
Thursday, November 14
6:00 pm (Middle School)
Tuesday, October 16
9:30 am (Kindergarten - 5th)
Tuesday, November 12
9:30 am (Kindergarten - 5th)
Tuesday, November 19
6:00 pm (Kindergarten - 5th)
Tuesday, December 10
6:00 pm (Kindergarten - 5th)
Tuesday, January 21
9:30 am (Kindergarten 5th)
Tuesday, February 11
6:00 pm (Kindergarten - 5th)
Valerie Kirk-Kamali
Note from the Parent Coordinator
We are happy that you are interested in learning more about the Ella Baker School.
The admissions process is about building a relationship -- giving your family an opportunity to get to know the school and community deeply, and giving us a chance to get to know your family. Our goal is to assist you in the exciting yet sometimes daunting task of choosing an educational community that is the best fit for your child and your family.
Regardless of the grade for which you are applying, you will have the opportunity to observe
our classrooms to see how we balance academic excellence, creative thinking, and social and emotional intelligence from pre-k to middle school.
A successful Ella Baker student, at every entry point, is a child who demonstrates a
developmentally appropriate amount of independence, openness, and curiosity. Starting with the youngest entering student, children have a great deal of ownership regarding their education.
The purpose of the tour is to familiarize families with our school’s educational approach and
vision. Families can then make an informed decision as to whether Ella Baker meets their own values and educational expectations.
If you have any questions at all about the admissions process or about the programs offered,
please do not hesitate to call or email me. I look forward to getting to know you and your child during the months ahead.
Valerie Kirk-Kamali