Admissions Process
Step 1
Tell us about you.
Inquiry FormStep 2
Learn more about us.
Feel the warmth and learn about our academic programs:
- Sign up for our Open House for Prospective Families in November
- Private Parent Tours are available after November 13
Step 3
Submit an application to join the MDS Family.
Start ApplicationApplications are open for the 2026-27 school year!
Step 4
Let us meet your child!
Once an application is reviewed, we will reach out to schedule a playdate for Early Childhood students or an interview and assessment for Lower and Middle School students.
Step 5
Deadlines
If you have questions regarding your contract, please contact Elena Grinberg at egrinberg@manhattanday.org or call (212) 376-6800 x 522. If you have trouble logging in or setting up your account, please email support@parentlocker.com. For all other questions, please reach out to admissions@manhattanday.org or call (212) 376-6800 x 556.
- Monday, December 29, 2025
- 2026-27 Registration Opens for Current Students: Please log in to your ParentLocker account to complete your contract.
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Priority Consideration Applications: New student applications submitted by December 31st will receive priority consideration. Responses will be provided by the end of January.
- Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Rolling Admissions Begins: New student applications submitted after January 1st will be reviewed as they are received, with decisions communicated on a rolling basis.
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026
- Early Bird Registration Deadline for Current Students: Families who sign their contracts by this date will receive a $500 early registration discount per child.
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Early Bird Registration Deadline for NEW Students: Families who sign their contracts by this date will receive a $500 early registration discount per child.
- Friday, February 13, 2026
- 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts Due: For NEW students.
- Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Financial Aid Suggested Deadline for NEW Families: New families applying for 2026-27 are encouraged to complete their financial aid application by this date to receive a projected financial aid package which will be finalized after submitting 2025 documentation by our April 15 deadline.
- Sunday, March 15, 2026
- 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts Due: For ALL students.
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- Financial Aid Deadline for ALL Families: Please note that you must complete registration, including paying the registration fee, before applying for financial aid. New applicants accepted after April 15 must submit their financial aid application within two weeks of acceptance to be considered.
2026-27 Cutoffs
| Grade | Age | Birth Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kochavim | Turning 2 between Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2024 |
| Toddlers | Turning 2 before Sept 1, 2026 | Sept 1, 2023 – Aug 31, 2024 |
| Nursery | Turning 3 before Sept 1, 2026 | Dec 1, 2022 – Aug 31, 2023 |
| Pre-K | Turning 4 before Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 1, 2021 – Nov 30, 2022 |
| Kindergarten | Turning 5 before Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 1, 2020 – Nov 30, 2021 |
| First Grade | Turning 6 before Nov 30, 2026 or completed Kindergarten elsewhere | Dec 1, 2019 – Nov 30, 2020 |