Admissions Process
Welcome to Manhattan Day School!
At Manhattan Day School, growth and learning are at the center of all that we do. Like the word “Ohr,” or “light,” in our name, Yeshiva Ohr Torah, we focus on bringing out the unique spark in each of our students.
Our warm, vibrant, Torah-centered community nurtures the light in each student while fostering a deep sense of belonging. We believe that a child’s greatest success comes through a true partnership between school and home, and we value the trust, collaboration, and shared commitment we build with our families every step of the way.
It is powerful to be part of an 85 year old day school community that is always evolving to meet the needs of today’s children.
We invite you to join the MDS community and experience the warmth of Manhattan Day School firsthand.
Step 1
Connect With Us
Inquire hereTell us a little about your family, and a member of our Admissions Team will be in touch with next steps and opportunities to get to know MDS.
Step 2
Come Visit MDS
REGISTER FOR OUR OPEN HOUSEOur Open House for Prospective Families in November is the first step in getting to know MDS and an opportunity to meet our faculty.
Save the Date & Register:
- Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
- Friday, November 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Private Parent Tours will be available after November 13 for families who are unable to attend our November Open Houses. An Inquiry Form must be completed prior to a tour. A member of our Admissions Team will be in touch to schedule your visit.
Step 3
Apply to MDS
**Applications for the 2027-28 school year are open! Click here to apply.
Families who submit an application by December 31 will receive priority consideration.
Step 4
Let Us Meet Your Child
Once your application is reviewed, our Admissions Team will reach out with the next steps, including an opportunity for us to meet your child:
Early Childhood: A babies & me style class or playdate with members of our Early Childhood team
Grades 1-8: An interview and academic assessment designed to help us get to know your child
Step 5
Receive Your Decision
Families who apply by the December 31 priority deadline will receive an admissions decision by the end of January.
Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, as space permits.
Enrollment instructions will follow an acceptance decision.
2027-28 Admissions & Enrollment Timeline
A more detailed timeline will be released by the end of October.
| Monday, October 12, 2026 | Application Open |
|---|---|
| Friday, December 18, 2026 | Enrollment Opens |
| Thursday, December 31, 2026 | Priority Consideration Deadline for New Applications |
| Friday, January 1, 2027 | Rolling Admissions Begins |
| Wednesday, January 20, 2027 | Priority Consideration Applications Released by this Date |
| Wednesday, February 17, 2027 | Enrollment Deadline |
| Thursday, April 15, 2027 | Financial Aid Deadline |
2027-28 Cutoffs
| Grade | Age | Birth Date |
|---|---|---|
| Young 2's Toddlers | Turning 2 between Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2027 | Sept 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 |
| Toddlers | Turning 2 before Sept 1, 2027 | Sept 1, 2024 – Aug 31, 2025 |
| Nursery | Turning 3 before Sept 1, 2027 | Sept 1, 2023 – Aug 31, 2024 |
| Pre-K | Turning 4 before Sept 1, 2027 | Sept 1, 2022 – Aug 31, 2023 |
| Kindergarten | Turning 5 before Nov 30, 2027 | Dec 1, 2021 – Aug 31, 2022 |
| First Grade | Turning 6 before Nov 30, 2027 or completed Kindergarten elsewhere | Dec 1, 2020 – Nov 30, 2021 |
QUESTIONS? Contact our Admissions Team at admissions@manhattanday.org or (212) 376-6800, ext. 556
