How to Get Into The Calhoun School: Guide to Admissions

Why Choose Calhoun? Progressive Education in Manhattan

The Calhoun School, now known as Calhoun, is a progressive, co-educational independent school located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1896 by educator Laura Jacobi, the school has a rich history characterized by adaptability and a commitment to innovative education.

In the 1970s, Calhoun underwent significant transformations, becoming fully co-educational and embracing a progressive, learner-centered educational model. This approach emphasized individualized learning and adaptability, aligning with the school’s longstanding commitment to innovation.

In July 2023, Calhoun merged with the Metropolitan Montessori School, resulting in a dual-track Lower School program that offers Montessori and Open Inquiry tracks for children in preschool through 3rd grade. This merger reflects Calhoun’s ongoing commitment to providing diverse and adaptable educational approaches.

Throughout its history, Calhoun has remained dedicated to fostering a passion for learning through a progressive approach that values intellectual pursuit, creativity, diversity, and community involvement. 

How hard is it to get into The Calhoun School?

Gaining admission to The Calhoun School is competitive. The school maintains an average class size of about 16 to 20 students, resulting in a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1.

The admission process involves several steps, including submitting an application form, paying an application fee, providing supplemental materials, scheduling student visits and parent/guardian conversations, and obtaining teacher recommendations and transcripts for applicable grade levels.

The Calhoun School primarily admits new students at multiple entry points, including preschool, kindergarten, and sixth grade. While these are the primary grades for new admissions, the school also considers applications for other grades based on available space. For the 2025–26 school year, applications will be considered on a rolling basis as space becomes available. Families are encouraged to submit an application to be included in the wait pool, though financial assistance is not guaranteed.

The admissions process includes completing an application form, submitting supplemental materials, scheduling student visits and parent/guardian conversations, and providing teacher recommendations and transcripts. The application deadline is typically in early to mid-January, with admissions decisions released in mid to late March.

The Calhoun School also requires standardized testing, specifically the ISEE for applicants in grades 5 through 12. However, it follows a holistic admissions approach, meaning standardized test scores are not the sole determining factor for acceptance. Instead, the application evaluation focuses on components like the Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, Student Questionnaire (for applicable grades), teacher recommendations, and transcripts.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Calhoun School admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

The Calhoun School Admissions Process: Your Application Guide

​The Calhoun School utilizes its own dedicated application portal for admissions. To begin the application process, applicants must create an account on Calhoun’s application portal. This portal allows families to submit applications, monitor application steps, and receive updates regarding admissions events.

The Calhoun School has a structured admissions process designed to get to know applicants and their families. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

1. Apply Online
2. Complete Application Questionnaires
3. Visit Calhoun
   • Schedule Admissions Testing
   • Schedule Student & Family Appointments
4. Request Teacher Recommendation Forms & Supplementary Documentation: 
5. Admissions Decisions

Throughout the process, the Admissions Office is available to assist families and address any questions or concerns. Engaging with the admissions team and attending school events can provide deeper insights into Calhoun’s community and educational approach.

For any questions or assistance during the application process, families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office directly at admissions@calhoun.org. 

Calhoun Application Requirements: Your Checklist

Calhoun Parent Statement: Sharing Your Perspective

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Calhoun’s application portal. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information.

Tips for Writing a Strong Parent Statement for Calhoun

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at The Calhoun School. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

Calhoun Teacher Recommendations: Importance & Guidelines

Applicants must submit recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor. The forms can be found on Calhoun’s application portal and must be submitted online via the same platform.

Securing Powerful Teacher Recommendations for Calhoun

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

Calhoun Transcript Requirements: Submitting Academic Records

Applicants must submit transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one. Once submitted, the school will handle the process directly.

Improving Grades for Calhoun Admission 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle The Calhoun School’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy. 

Calhoun Personal Statement: Crafting Your Story

There are questions that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of The Calhoun School. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at The Calhoun School. 

Expert Advice for Your Calhoun Personal Statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to The Calhoun School have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

Calhoun Standardized Tests: ISEE or SSAT Requirements

Applications from Grades 5-12 must include ISEE or SSAT results. Admissions personnel can better assess each applicant’s academic preparedness and likelihood of succeeding in the school’s demanding environment with the use of these exams.

ISEE/SSAT Prep for Calhoun

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child through customized test preparation strategies based on our years of expertise working with families applying to The Calhoun School. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure that your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. We offer individualized SSAT practice tests and ISEE practice tests to make sure your child submits impressive scores. 

Calhoun Admissions Interviews: Making a Great Impression

The Calhoun School incorporates interviews as a key component of its holistic admissions process. The structure and requirements of these interviews vary based on the applicant’s grade level:

Applicants to Young 3’s through 4th Grade:

• Student Visits: A visit to Calhoun is mandatory for the applicant, accompanied by at least one parent or guardian. During this visit, the child will participate in assessments that evaluate their current social-emotional and academic skills.
• Parent/Guardian Conversations: On the same day as the child’s visit, parents or guardians will engage in an in-person conversation with a member of the admissions team. This discussion provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the family’s educational values and aspirations, ensuring alignment with Calhoun’s philosophy. 

Applicants to 5th through 12th Grade:

• Campus Visits: While official campus visits are optional for Middle and Upper School applicants, they are strongly encouraged. These visits offer applicants a chance to experience Calhoun’s community firsthand. 
• Interviews: Applicants have the flexibility to choose between virtual interviews via Zoom or in-person interviews during their campus visit. This adaptability ensures that all applicants, regardless of location or circumstance, have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the admissions team. 
• Parent/Guardian Conversations: Similar to the process for younger applicants, parents or guardians can opt for an in-person conversation during the campus visit or a virtual meeting via Zoom. If a family has multiple children applying, only one parent/guardian conversation is necessary. 

Ace Your Calhoun Interview: Preparation Strategies

Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they conduct themselves on those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The Calhoun School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and teach them how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Visiting Calhoun: Tours, Open Houses & Virtual Options

The Calhoun School offers various opportunities for prospective families to explore its programs and community, including campus tours, open houses, and virtual information sessions.

Calhoun Campus Tours: Explore the Upper West Side

Prospective families may tour Calhoun during the admissions process, after an application has been submitted. In the meantime, you can also explore our campus and learning spaces through our virtual tours and videos.

Open Houses:

During the admissions season, Calhoun hosts virtual open houses tailored to different grade levels. These events provide insights into the school’s child-centered curriculum and allow prospective families to engage with faculty and staff. Prospective families are encouraged to visit Calhoun’s admissions events page for the most current information on upcoming open houses and to register for these events.

Calhoun Information Sessions: Learn More

Calhoun provides virtual information sessions where prospective families can learn more about the school’s programs and community. These sessions offer an opportunity to engage with the admissions team and gain a deeper understanding of the Calhoun experience. Details about upcoming virtual information sessions can be found on Calhoun’s website. 

What is Student Life Like at The Calhoun School?

Student life at The Calhoun School is deeply rooted in its progressive educational philosophy, fostering a dynamic and inclusive community. Students are encouraged to engage in experiential learning, collaborating with faculty to construct knowledge and actively participate in the school’s democratic processes. This approach not only emphasizes academic rigor but also promotes social justice and citizenship within and beyond the school environment. 

The school offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. Students frequently participate in theater productions, music performances, and solo nights, reflecting a strong emphasis on the performing arts. Annual events such as holiday celebrations, classroom presentations, homecoming, and spirit week further enrich the student experience, fostering a sense of community and school spirit. Additionally, the athletics department provides top-notch programs, offering students opportunities to engage in various sports and physical activities. The school’s commitment to holistic development is also evident in its daily offerings, with amenities like an exceptional menu that rivals top-tier restaurants, ensuring students’ nutritional well-being. 

The Calhoun School Curriculum Overview

The Calhoun School offers a progressive, student-centered curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning. Spanning from preschool through 12th grade, the curriculum is tailored to meet the developmental needs of students at each educational stage.

Lower School at Calhoun: Foundational Learning

In the Lower School, the curriculum emphasizes foundational skills in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Students begin with basic language skills, progressing to reading fluency and comprehension. The math program focuses on building resilience and diverse problem-solving strategies. Social Studies encourages exploration of identity, geography, and history, integrated with social-emotional learning. The STEAM curriculum promotes inquiry-based learning, allowing students to engage in hands-on projects that blend scientific concepts with artistic creativity. 

Middle School at Calhoun: Interdisciplinary Growth

The Middle School curriculum is designed to engage students in dynamic, interdisciplinary learning. Classes are small, typically comprising 12-16 students, facilitating discussion-based and project-oriented instruction. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages (Mandarin and Spanish), and the Arts. Students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, with opportunities to participate in overnight trips that enhance their understanding of the world around them.

Upper School at Calhoun: Advanced Studies

In the Upper School, students engage in a robust curriculum that includes required courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, the Arts, and Physical Education. Beyond these core subjects, students can choose from over 100 advanced electives, such as Multivariable Calculus and specialized seminars like “Race & Housing.” This diverse selection allows students to tailor their educational experience to their interests and goals, fostering intellectual growth and preparation for college-level academics. 

Across all divisions, Calhoun’s curriculum is designed to inspire students to engage deeply in each learning moment, sparking innovation and supporting academic mastery. The school’s progressive approach equips students with the adaptability, ingenuity, and compassion needed to succeed in their future endeavors. 

Athletics at Calhoun: Sports Opportunities

The Calhoun School offers a diverse athletics program, providing students with opportunities to participate in various sports across different seasons. The school is committed to inclusivity, creating spaces for student-athletes across the gender spectrum. The sports offerings are categorized by season and division as follows:

Upper School Teams at Calhoun

Middle School Teams at Calhoun

These offerings provide students with opportunities to develop athletic skills, teamwork, and personal growth in a supportive environment. 

Arts Programs at Calhoun: Visual Arts, Music & Theater

The Calhoun School offers a comprehensive arts program that integrates visual arts, music, and theater, fostering creativity and self-expression among students from preschool through 12th grade.

Visual Arts at Calhoun

Calhoun’s visual arts curriculum provides students with opportunities to explore various mediums, including painting, pottery, sculpture, printmaking, graphic design, photography, and woodworking. Classes are conducted in well-equipped art studios, wood shops, and a darkroom, allowing students to develop problem-solving skills, work both collaboratively and independently, and appreciate diverse artistic cultures throughout history.

Music at Calhoun

Music education at Calhoun begins in the Lower School, where children are introduced to music through studies with a World Music specialist. They learn the basics of music reading, rhythm, and solfege through movement, singing, and playing Orff and percussion instruments. Starting in fifth grade, students can take formal instrumental lessons, with concentrations available in woodwinds, brass, strings, and chorus. Additionally, the After School Music program offers private lessons on various orchestral and jazz instruments, accommodating all levels of experience. 

Theater at Calhoun

Calhoun’s theater program celebrates each student’s talent and creates a rich learning experience that fosters creativity, communication, and collaboration. The Mary Lea Johnson Performing Arts Center, spanning multiple floors, provides dedicated rehearsal spaces for student musicians and actors. The performing arts program is inclusive, engaging students from preschool through 12th grade in various productions and performances. 

Through these diverse programs, The Calhoun School cultivates an environment where students can explore and develop their artistic passions, contributing to their overall personal growth and educational experience.

Clubs and organizations at The Calhoun School

At The Calhoun School, Upper School students have the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of over 45 clubs and school programs, fostering leadership, personal growth, and community involvement. These student-led initiatives span various interests and are designed to enrich the educational experience beyond the classroom.

These clubs and programs not only provide platforms for students to pursue their passions but also cultivate essential skills such as leadership, collaboration, and social responsibility. The dynamic nature of student interests means that the roster of clubs may evolve annually, reflecting the community’s commitment to supporting new initiatives and ideas.

For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of current clubs and organizations, students are encouraged to consult the school’s official resources or contact the Dean of Students.

 Notable Alumni of Calhoun School: Where Graduates Go

The Calhoun School in New York City boasts a number of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields:

• Peggy Guggenheim (Class of 1915): Renowned arts patron, bohemian, and socialite.
• David Karp: Founder of the popular blogging platform Tumblr. 
• Jordan Peele (Class of 1997): Acclaimed comedian, actor, and film director, known for works like Get Out and Us.
• Ben Stiller (Class of 1983): Prominent comedian, actor, and film director, recognized for roles in Zoolander and Night at the Museum.
  Wendy Wasserstein (Class of 1967): Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and author, celebrated for works such as The Heidi Chronicles.
• Tiffany Poon (Class of 2014): Classical pianist and YouTuber, known for her performances and educational content on classical music.

These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements of Calhoun School alumni.

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