Document name: Admissions Policy
Document type: Policy
Date of creation: February 2024
Location(s):
Position responsible for this document: Director of Admissions
Main stakeholders: Director of Admissions, Principal, Vice Principal, Director of Studies, Director of Boarding & Pastoral Care, Head of Finance
Review cycle: Annual
Most recent update: February 2026
Scope & Purpose
Harrow International School New York ("the School") is an independent coeducational day, 5-day-weekly boarding, and 7-day-full boarding school for grades 6-12. While typical entry years are Pre-Shell (grade 6) and Remove (grade 9), the School will consider applicants for other grades where space is available.
This Admissions Policy is intended to provide information to prospective families about the processes and the criteria the School applies to admissions.
The International Baccalaureate
At Harrow NewYork,all students in grades 6-10 participate in the MiddleYears Program (MYP),engaging with all subject groups and meeting the requirements as outlined by the International Baccalaureate.
In grades 11-12, students have the opportunity to participate in the IB Diploma Programme (DP), pursuing either thefullfullIBDiploma or IBCourses certificates. As the Schoolwillsupport both self-taughtMother Tongue langauges as well as ab initio (introcductory) langauge study, applicants are not required to have any specific level of proficiency of a language other than English.
Students applying for the Diploma Programme must demonstrate mathematical proficiency appropriate to their intended mathematics course selection (e.g., Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation). This includes successful completion of Grade 10 mathematics (or equivalent international level) with strong performance in algebra and geometry. Placement decisions will be based on transcripts, standardized assessments, and, where necessary, internal placement evaluations.
At Harrow New York, we strive to accommodate each student’s preferred subject choices within the IB program. Early application and course selection help the school plan staffing and maintain optimal class sizes. Students who applylaterin theacademic year faceagreaterrisk of findingclassesalreadyat capacity, and it may not be possible to accommodate all subject combinations. In addition, if only a small number of students enroll in a particular course, the school reserves the right to withdraw that offering.
Equal Opportunity
The School is committed to equal opportunity for all. As such, each applicant will be treated fairly throughout the admissions process.
The School strongly requests open communication from families regarding the applicant's learning, emotional, physical, and health needs, to provide the School the best opportunity to determine whether we can support those needs, in the best interests of the applicant.
Selection Criteria
Entry to Harrow New York is competitive and academic standards are high; however, the School believes passionately in providingan all-aroundeducation for students who would embrace the opportunities offered here. As a result, selection for entry is not based purely on academic considerations, but also on the grounds of character, personality, and alignment with our values and the willingness to make the most of the opportunities offered by the School.
We seek students who embody the IB Learner Profile attributes, demonstrating qualities such as being inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. In addition to demonstrating a good character fit aligned with these attributes and appearing well suited to day or boarding school life and the academic rigor at Harrow New York, applicants must display a genuine willingness to pursue a versatile set of co-curricular commitments such as athletics, music, art, and drama.
Admission decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, which includes the Principal. The School retains full discretion and confidentiality as to how and to whom offers are made.
Siblings
Sibling status is considered during the admissions process, but the School does not automatically accept siblings who apply for a place. The key determinative factor in the decision-making process is whether the School would provide the right overall environment for a particular child to flourish. The number of places available at the time decisions are made will also play a significant part in whether a sibling is offered a place. Tuition discounts may apply where two or more siblings attend the School.
Applications From Members of the Harrow Family
The School appreciates that members of the broader Harrow Family may seek a place at the School and applications submitted by families with strong connections to the Harrow Family of Schools are welcomed. Although family connections are taken into consideration when places are offered at the School, they do not guarantee the offer of a place. The decision-making process depends on whether the School can offer an optimal environment for a specific child's growth and development.
Overseas Applicants
Harrow New York is in the process of applying to becomea Studentand ExchangeVisitor Program (SEVP) certified School. Until SEVIS certification is confirmed, we are unable to admit international students who do not already hold US residency or an appropriate visa.
Harrow New York acknowledges and respects the value and sense of global perspective that international students offer. While we do not require complete English language fluency upon entry, applicants should possess a developing proficiency in written and conversational English if it is not their first language, such that they can meaningfully engage with our curriculum, which is delivered in English. The School provides EnglishasanAdditionalLanguage(EAL)supporttohelpstudentsdeveloptheirlanguage skillsandachieve success.
For those whose first language is not English, an indication of English language ability is required as part of the application process. Meeting minimum proficiency requirements may be demonstrated by providing IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved equivalent assessment results.
Withdrawal Of Offer Prior To Or After Enrollment
The School reserves the right to review a student's application or withdraw the offer of a place at any time in the admissions andassessment process,forany reason or no reasonat all.Some potential reasons include, but are not limited to:
• The student's behavior is giving cause for concern, or academic reports are deemed unsatisfactory.
• It becomes apparent that the School fee may not be paid, or if fees are still outstanding at a previous school.
• During the admissions process, parents have not been candid about their child's needs and the support they might require to be able to succeed and thrive here.
• It is felt that the student now has needs that the School can no longer reasonably support, and the well-being and happiness of the individual and the well-being and education of others could be in jeopardy.
• There is evidence that malpractice or dishonesty has taken place during the admissions and assessment process.
Admissions Process
The following sections of this policy offer information about applying to Harrow New York. All admissions matters are managed by the Admissions Team, overseen, and approved by the Director of Admissions.
Harrow New York is committed to providing a rigorous and comprehensive academic program that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We believe that diversity strengthens and enriches our community. With that in mind, we strive to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Admissions Cycle
The usual admissions cycle opens in the Fall with applications due in the Winter, however we welcome inquiries from prospective families at any point. We operate rolling admissions whereby applications are accepted throughout the year. Newly enrolled students at Harrow New York will experience a thorough orientation process at the start of the academic year.
Grade Placement
With applicants coming from many different educational systems, the final decision on grade placement will be made by the School, using date of birth, grade-appropriate social preparedness, academic history of the student and results of the admissions assessments.
Visiting Harrow New York
We offer virtual events as well as on-campus visits to provide a comprehensive overview of the School's rich environment and stimulating culture. Prospective families are welcome to join us by booking to attend our open houses, information sessions and admissions events that occur throughout the year.
Harrow New York is committed to the safety and protection of children. All staff and visitors are expected to comply with our safeguarding policy and procedures. To visit campus, a valid government photo ID will be required by guests who are 18 years old and older. We kindly request that you refrain from taking photos while on campus.
Application Process
To initiate the selective application process to Harrow New York, families are encouraged to submit an online application. Our straightforward application process involves the following steps:
1. Application: Families complete the online application form, pay the non-refundable application fee and submit the required supporting documents.
2. Checklist: Families complete the application process by following the checklist on the online parent portal.
3. Transcripts: Families request three years of school transcripts from their current or previous school(s) covering the last two academic years, and the current year.
4. Recommendations: Families are asked to submit two recent teacher recommendations one from the applicant’s math teacher and one from their English teacher.
5. Family Tour and Open House: Throughout the school year, there are numerous opportunities to participate in virtual and on-campus events, as well as open houses. Families are welcome to attend an event or schedule a tour before applying. On the 'Harrow Day’, a campus tour is included as part of the visit for applicants.
6. ‘Connection Call’: Families are welcome to schedule a 20-minute Zoom call with a member of our admissions team. This optional conversation provides an opportunity for parents, students, and the admissions team to get to know one another and ask any questions they may have. The call can take place at any point during the admissions season and is designed to be a relaxed and informative conversation from the comfort of your home, school, or office.
7. ‘Harrow Day’: Families are invited to campus for a ‘Harrow Day’, a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know one another better. During the visit, students will participate in a short writing exercise and an interview with a member of our senior faculty. Parents will also have the opportunity to meet with a member of the admissions or leadership team. A campus tour is included as part of the visit. The entire experience typically lasts approximately two hours.
8. Submitting standardized test scores such as ISEE and/or SSAT is required.
9. File review: The Admissions Committee and the Principal will review the applicant's assessments, school records, interview results, proper grade placement and residency status to make the admissions decision.
10. School Decision Notification: Once all application requirements are fulfilled, families will promptly be informed of the Admissions Committee's decision, within approximately two weeks of the file completion. Harrow New York provides admissions decisions on a rolling basis.
For overseas or long-distance applicants who are unable to attend in person, the Harrow Day can be undertaken remotely. For families applying from abroad, the SSAT or ISEE assessments may be taken remotely in the student’s home country. In certain circumstances, we may also be able to consider other standardized test scores in place of the SSAT or ISEE. Please contact the admissions office to discuss your individual situation.
The admissions process at Harrow New York is designed to identify students who align with our educational philosophy and values. We endeavor to work with families to make the admissions process as streamlined as possible.
Learning Support
We value open communication and collaboration between the School and families during the admissions process and throughout the school year. It is our priority to place students who will thrive and feel selfconfident in our learning environment.
During the admissions process, we request that parents be candid about their child's needs and the support they might require to be able to succeed and flourish here. For all grades of entry, the School requires that historic, current, and updated documentation (including educational psychologist reports administered within the previous three years, relevant medical documentation, and school reports) be submitted to the Admissions Team upon application.
Within our capacity and resources, Harrow New York will aim to make reasonable adjustments as defined by our graduated support framework, which is outlined in detail in the School's Inclusion Policy. This framework consists of three levels of support:
Level 1: Universal Support - Students may require minimal adjustments, such as modified teaching techniques or resources, to access the curriculum fully. These students may or may not
have a formal diagnosis and may not need an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or an Individual Learner Profile (ILP).
Level 2: Targeted Intervention - Students needing more targeted support, either inside or outside of the classroom, provided by teachers or support staff. These students may require small group or one-on-one interventions and may have an IEP or ILP, depending on their needs.
Level 3: Intensive Support - Students with more complex needs that go beyond the school's regular resources may require external professional intervention. These students are typically supported by an IEP and outside specialist reports.
At the point of admission, the School will assess each applicant's learning support needs and determine which level of support can be appropriately provided. For students requiring Level 3 (Intensive Support), the School will carefully evaluate whether we have adequate resources and staffing to meet the student's complex needs. Where external professional intervention is deemed necessary, the School will work collaboratively with families to identify suitable specialists. The School is committed to supporting all admitted students within the appropriate level of the graduated support framework.
Learning specialists are part of our teaching faculty and work closely with classroom teachers to support students with additional needs. The Head of Student Support Services oversees all provisions for students requiring additional support and ensures compliance with IB standards and New York State regulations.
The School shall make every effort to meet the educational needs of its students. However, the School may not be adequately equipped or staffed to meet certain learning requirements. In such cases, where a student's needs exceed what can reasonably be provided within our graduated support framework even at Level 3, the School reserves the right to determine that an offer of admission cannot be extended or that a current placement cannot be sustained. This decision is made with careful consideration of the student's best interests and the School's capacity to provide appropriate support.
Parents of prospective students are always welcome to speak with our Admissions Team and the Head of Student Support Services regarding their child's specific requirements at any point during the admissions process.
Financial Aid
At Harrow New York, we aspire for our unique education to be as accessible as possible. We have a limited financial aid program, offering partial grants. Although we do not currently offer merit scholarships, we do provide need-based financial aid to US-based residents. Eligibility is determined by a third-party organization that independently analyzes and recommends whether a family qualifies for financial aid. This process ensures that aid is allocated fairly and in accordance with each family's financial needs. A family wishing to request financial aid should complete the admissions application form, financial aid application form and submit all supporting documentation online using the School's financial aid platform.
For financial awards, it is anticipated that most aid will be allocated early in the process, therefore any subsequent awards will be made on a first-come first-serve basis, based on the remaining budget. Aid will only be offered if funds are available.
Statement of Confidentiality
Harrow New York's policy is that all information received regarding a candidate's application for admission will be treated with complete confidentiality. Only authorized School personnel have access to this information, and such access is provided only to the extent that the information is relevant to admission and placement decisions.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Harrow New York does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in the administration of our admission policies, educational policies, tuition assistance or any School-administered programs.