How to Apply

STEP 1: Check your child’s eligibility.

Qualified students must:

•   Be an NYC resident enrolled in sixth grade

•   Achieved 90% or above in all classes

•   Come from families with financial need (check our 2025-2026 financial eligibility chart below)

•   Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States (parent status not required)

•   Have strong attendance and punctuality record

STEP 2: Sign up for an information session (Mandatory) and email your 5th grade report card.

•  Attendance at an information session is mandatory for all applicants and their parent(s) or guardian(s).
 

STEP 3: Complete the online application for Round 1.

After you have successfully attended an information session and emailed your 5th grade report card, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your online Round 1 Application.
 
The Round 1 Application asks for the student’s most recent 6th grade report card, written responses from the student and parent or guardian, two teacher recommendations (one from an ELA Teacher and one from a Math teacher), and the parents/guardians 2024 Federal Tax Return (Form 1040).
 
The Round 1 Application and its supplements are due by Friday, January 23, 2026, before 5:00pm.
 

STEP 4: Take the Admissions Exam.

After you submit your full Round 1 Application, we will register your child for the admissions exam, or the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), on select dates during the months of January and February 2026.
 
The Round 1 application must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the child’s preferred test date to ensure timely registration.
 

STEP 5: Round 2

Students are considered for Round 2 based on a review of their Round 1 Application and supporting documents. Parents will be notified of the Round 2 decision by email in March.
 
Finalists invited to Round 2 will be asked to submit financials and complete an interview with their parent(s)/guardian(s).
 

STEP 6: Await notification from TEAK about your status.

All Round 2 applications will be carefully reviewed by the admissions committee. Parents will receive an email notification in May 2026 informing them of their child’s admissions decision, which will indicate whether the child has been accepted, placed on the waitlist, or not admitted.

Financial Eligibility

TEAK evaluates the financial eligibility of its applicants to maintain its commitment to serving students that come from low-income households. TEAK uses a holistic approach to determine financial eligibility by considering a variety of factors, including total household income, assets, and other factors that impact a family’s financial circumstances.
 
Generally low income families earn 80% AMI.
 
*Families who fall below the maximum income requirement according to their household size in NYC are eligible to apply.
 

If you have any questions, please call the Admissions Office at (212) 288-6678 ext 104 or email us at admissions@teakfellowship.org. Para Español, llame a (212) 288-6678 ext 105 or 201.