Frequently Asked Questions

At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that each child possesses unique gifts. Our job is to help her discover those gifts, nurture them, and empower her to share those gifts with the global community.

Learn more about our mission and our Goals and Criteria that articulate the core components of a Sacred Heart education.

Diversity is a priority at Sacred Heart. We are committed to ensuring our student body reflects the racial, cultural and economic diversity of New York City. Approximately 30% of our students are young women of color and 20% of our families receive tuition assistance. Learn more about our Diversity & Inclusion efforts at Sacred Heart.

Sacred Heart applications for Pre-K through 11 are available through the online admissions portal starting August 15 for the following academic year. The deadline for all applications is November 20.

For Preschool, Kindergarten and Middle School:
Once you have completed your application, you will have the ability to schedule a parent interview and tour, as well as student visit through our online scheduling calendar.

For Upper School and Grades 1-4:
Once you have completed your application, the Admissions Office will contact you to schedule a parent interview, student visit and school tour.

For all Spring Tours, please check our website for dates in mid-March. Tours run through April and May.

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is required for all applicants entering Grade 2 through Grade 11. Learn more at https://www.erblearn.org/services/isee-overview

Our current enrollment is 720. Students represent all five boroughs, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Classes at Sacred Heart are very small, fostering individual instruction. The average student to teacher ratio is 6.7:1.

The main entry points are Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 5 and 6, and Grade 9. However, Sacred Heart accepts applications to any grade in which a place is available. If a place is unavailable, we will contact applicant families if an opening becomes available.

Sacred Heart graduates attend some of the most prestigious institutions. We strive to make sure each young woman is in the strongest position to select and pursue the colleges and universities that are the best match for her skills, interests, and aspirations. See the full matriculation list of the last five graduating classes, 2014-2018.

Yes. The Sacred Heart Global network provides students with multiple opportunities to travel, study and volunteer across the world and in the United States.

During sophomore year, students have the opportunity to study and live abroad for 3 to 8 weeks through our Visiting Student Program. Students have traveled internationally to Austria, Australia, Canada, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Taiwan.

Students also have the opportunity to attend Network Summer Projects and serve alongside students from across the Sacred Heart network. Network Summer Projects are offered in the US cities of Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Grand Coteau, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Omaha, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Upper School and Middle School students may choose from a wide variety of team sports and extracurriculars that take place at school and at other locations in New York City.

Lower School students also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of After School activities. Extended Day is available for Lower School students on a full semester or daily drop-in basis.

Approximately 65% of our students are Catholic. While committed to the Catholic tradition, Sacred Heart respects the religious diversity of the community and seeks to give all students a deep spiritual belief, an appreciation of all religious traditions, and a lifelong commitment to service.

Regular school hours for Grade K through Grade 12 are 8:00am-3:00pm.

In Pre-Kindergarten, the regular school day is Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 12:35pm. There is an after-school program from 12:35 to 1:30pm.

The regular school day for Junior Kindergarten is Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 2:00pm. After-school activities in Junior Kindergarten are available Monday through Thursday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.

Sacred Heart provides a healthy, nutritious lunch for students K-12. We believe mealtime at school is not only an important part of the experience, it’s the basis for a child’s well-being. Our culinary trained chefs prepare our foods from whole, fresh ingredients limiting the use of processed foods and avoiding artificial colorings, flavorings, MSG, preservatives and high levels of sodium. Meals are crafted using responsible and sustainable products.

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 have access to free bus transportation through the NYC Department of Education. Eligibility is determined based on where students reside. The bus has designated bus stops throughout the East and West Side of Manhattan. For more information please visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/transportation/bus-eligibility.

A subsidized private bus service is also available to students in K through Grade 12 with stops in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and downtown Manhattan.

Students in K through Grade 6 who live more than one-half mile from school or want to travel via public transportation may apply for a MetroCard. Students in Grades 7 through 12, who live at least one mile away, are eligible for MetroCards. Student must register with Dan Scales, Director of Security, dscales@cshnyc.org to be issued a MetroCard.

Students in Grades 7 through 12 who live in Westchester county or Connecticut are eligible for a discounted Metro-North monthly pass. Student must register with Dan Scales, Director of Security, dscales@cshnyc.org to be issued a discounted pass.

Anyone who applies for admission to Sacred Heart, Kindergarten through Grade 11, who has a demonstrated financial need. Financial need is defined as the difference between what it costs to attend Sacred Heart and a family’s demonstrated ability to pay. There is no assistance available for students in Pre-Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten. Requests for tuition assistance must be indicated at the time of application for admission.

Please see How to Apply for Financial Aid. 

Students who initially enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 11 without financial aid are eligible to apply if they meet all of the following criteria:

a) Two full years of enrollment at Sacred Heart
b) Significant change in circumstance
c) School account in good financial standing  

Funds are not available for families with pre-existing needs that were not disclosed at the time of initial admission.

Sacred Heart’s financial aid program provides assistance for selected activities, in addition to tuition, if the cost is prohibitive. A division-specific letter is sent to families in September outlining the eligible activities and how to request aid.