At The Downtown Little School, we make the application process as straightforward as possible. We do not interview children or screen their families. We do give preference to siblings of DLS alumni, and we make an effort to have an equal number of boys and girls in each class, but we otherwise accept children in the order in which their applications are received.

Applications are accepted one year before the date of admission, beginning on the day after Labor Day. We observe the ISAAGNY Dates for notifying families about admission into the program. Letters are sent out in early March. Families have a week and a half after receiving an offer of admission to either accept or decline. A non-refundable tuition deposit of $1000 is due upon enrollment and is applied toward the year’s tuition. If a family declines an offer of admission, the spot is offered to a family on the waiting list.

A downloadable Application Form is available here, or parents may call the school to have a form sent by mail. Application Forms should be completed and mailed to the school along with the application fee of $50 in the form of a check or money order made out to The Downtown Little School.

Parents may call to set up a tour of the school, and all tours include an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with one of the school Directors.

The Downtown Little School is a not-for-profit organization.
The Downtown Little School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. We actively seek a population that reflects the cultural diversity of our neighborhood. We are also happy to consider applicants with special needs.