Welcome to Lower School Admissions at Sacred Heart. We accept applications for all grades, with our biggest entry year being Kindergarten. 

The Lower School at Sacred Heart culminates in 4th grade, when students move onto Middle School in our adjoining building. It is warm and welcoming and, most importantly, filled with joy! The Lower School has its own entrance but enjoys all of the benefits of being attached to the Middle and Upper School facilities. The curriculum is developmentally appropriate and challenging at every level. Students benefit from an environment that fosters critical thinking, effective communication, ethical judgment, leadership and community service. Our low student-teacher ratio facilitates small group and one-on-one learning to allow each child to advance at her own pace and explore her interests and passions. 

During the Lower School admissions process, each family will participate in a tour of the facilities and an interview with a member of the admissions team. Your daughter will also have a playgroup visit, which is an opportunity to get to know each child as an individual and to discover her gifts. More information on the process for each grade and the associated timing can be found below. 

We will also offer many in person and virtual events to help you learn more about many aspects of the school. We know that attending many events during the admissions season can feel overwhelming; please know that your attendance is always welcomed but optional. 

If your family is in need of financial assistance, please visit our Tuition and Affordability section of this site to learn more. 

We look forward to getting to know your family! 

Sacred Heart Admissions

Lower School Admissions Events for 2025-2026

Registration is required and can be completed through the applicant portal approximately one month before the event. 

• October 21, 2025:  Lower School Open House (Open to all families)
• December 3, 2025:  Lower School Classroom Experience
• December 13, 2025:  Applicant Day of Service 
• January 13, 2026:  Parents of Students of Color Coffee 
• January 20, 2026:  Diversity, Community, and Belonging Evening of Conversation
• January 28, 2026:  Building Community and Parent Involvement at Sacred Heart (Virtual)
   

Lower School Admissions Process for 2025-2026

Sibling & Legacy Early Decision

Siblings of current students and the daughters of 91st Street Sacred Heart Alumnae are eligible for early notification. While sibling and legacy applicants do receive special consideration, their acceptance is not guaranteed and they must proceed through all phases of the admissions process. We recommend applying to at least one other school.

November 1, 2025: Application deadline for Early Decision Notification

November 14, 2025: Deadline to elect into Early Decision Notification for eligible families

November 26, 2025: All application requirements due for families who would like to participate in Early Decision Notification*

December 5, 2025: Early Decision Notification

December 12, 2025: Early Decision Parent Reply Deadline

*Connected families who submit their application and required materials late may still be considered for an early decision after these dates.

Age Eligibility

Pre-Kindergarten: must turn 3 years old by August 31
Junior Kindergarten: must turn 4 years old by August 31
Kindergarten: must turn 5 years old by August 31

If you have a question regarding your child’s summer birthday and grade eligibility, please contact the admissions office.

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From left to right: Meg Walters, Jessica Anub, Rachael Macchiesi, Sophia Chon