OUR APPLICATION PROCESS

Application

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year will open on August 19, 2025. Once applications open, families can create a profile through our admissions portal to begin the process and schedule a required tour. The application deadline is Friday, November 21, 2025. For questions about the application process, please email admissions@templeisraelnyc.org.

Tours

Come visit our beautiful classrooms and playgrounds! Join us for an in-person tour this Fall and experience the warmth and wonder of the ECLC. You’ll meet our Admissions Team, school leadership, Temple clergy and a Parent Ambassador, who will all give you an inside look at our approach to teaching and learning. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what you and your child can expect as part of our community. Tours are for adults ONLY and last approximately 90 mins.

Parent Meeting

After the application deadline, we will invite you to join a virtual “get to Know You” session over Zoom with a member of our Admissions Team.  This is an opportunity for us to get to know your child and your family better and for you to hear more details about the ECLC and about Temple Israel.  These meetings last for 20-30 minutes and take place in January and February. 

Notification

Letters of notification will be emailed to parents according to the dates specified by the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY).  The notification date for the 2026/2027 school year is Thursday February 26, 2026.

Classes & 2025/2026 Tuitions

** ECLC tuition includes Temple membership

We understand that choosing an early childhood program is a big and complex decision and we want to make sure that you have ample opportunity to get to know all aspects of our incredible community.  None of the events listed below are required for your application, but we invite you to take advantage of anything that might feel helpful in your process.

Tot Shabbat

Each month, Temple Israel hosts a Saturday morning Tot Shabbat for Families with Young Children.  These are open to the public but are often anchored with our own ECLC families.  Join Rabbi Peter Young and Sheldon Low, along with some of our early childhood professionals for some singing, some dancing and some schmoozing! You can find the calendar of Tot Shabbat events here.  

Child Visits

We do not require a child visit as a part of your application process, but we know that it can sometimes be helpful for you to see your child in our spaces and interact with ECLC teachers.  We offer two weekend dates (one in January and one in February) where you can come and play with us!  Play visits last approximately 30 minutes and will include open play, snack and story time.

Exmissions Panel

Led by ECLC current and former parents, join us on zoom to hear more about the kindergarten admissions process and how the ECLC supports families during that time. 

Open School Night

By the end of the admissions cycle, you’ve seen lots of schools and heard lots of things.  We invite you to come back and join us for a cocktail party in the classrooms, where you’ll be able to talk to teachers and parents to hear more about the curriculum in the classroom, ask questions particular to your child and family and to get one last look at the ECLC. 

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for families is available through the School & Student Services (SSS).  Our Parents Association actively raises money for this as part of our commitment to ensure that finances are not a barrier to our school.  Financial assistance awards are based on demonstrated need and the availability of funds. 

Early Notification

Early Decision Notification (EDN) is available to applicants who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• They are siblings of current students or alumni who completed our full program
• Their families are members of Temple Israel who joined before September 2024

Eligible families may choose to opt in for Early Decision on their application. Early Decision notifications will be sent in December, following the ISAAGNY timeline.