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Admissions Policy

Admission to HeadStart School

HeadStart School New York is an independent co-educational International Baccalaureate (IB) World Continuum School and Global Network for students from nursery to grade twelve. Established in 1872, Dwight is one of New York City’s oldest independent schools. The School is built on our three pillars of Personalized Learning, Community, and Global Vision. Through personalized learning, Dwight embraces the individuality of each learner, as no two students are the same. Dwight supports student journeys through a robust academic curriculum and after-school programs. Dwight’s community is a family of diverse individuals whose collective goal is to build a better world. Dwight’s mission, vision, and pillars extend globally across our network of schools and is supported by the International Baccalaureate ethos. Students develop a sense of themselves, as well as the world around them. Dwight opens students’ hearts and minds through challenges and opportunities, inviting students to build bridges within and between cultures, and ignite their sparks of genius.

HeadStart School New York celebrates diversity in all forms and seeks to attract and enroll local and internationally-minded students and families who embrace the School’s vision, mission statement, and who value a home/school partnership. The School accepts students who can engage meaningfully with the International Baccalaureate Programs. Students who progress through the School are able to demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary for collaborative learning as well as the self-discipline and motivation required for independent study, inquiry and research, specific to each of the IB programs. Through personalized instruction, it is expected that all students will achieve their potential and unique spark of genius.

HeadStart School’s policy is to conduct its admissions process through fair and non-discriminatory practices. The admissions process includes a review of parent and student statements, interviews, current school recommendations and academic assessments. HeadStart School New York admits students with a range of ability, approaches to learning and varying levels of English language and academic proficiency provided they show the potential to be successful IB students. Students may be admitted throughout the year, subject to the availability of space. To best serve its students and to optimize the overall learning environment, the School strives to maintain a balanced profile across  all grade levels. The School also maintains a  commitment to current and alumni families through our sibling/legacy admissions policy.

We aim to ensure that Dwight is accessible to talented students who are good IB candidates, irrespective of parental income. Dwight offers Financial Aid to families who meet the criteria, subject to annual review. The school has a generous financial aid budget for those families who qualify for financial assistance. 

HeadStart School is an active member of numerous local and international associations. We are an accredited member of the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), The Guild of IB Schools (GIBS), New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), Council of International Schools (CIS), Middle States Association (MSA), World Academy of Sport (WAoS) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB).

Program Admission 

IB Primary Years Program and Middle Years Program

Dwight is an IB continuum school offering the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP). All students are automatically enrolled in both the PYP and MYP (preschool through Grade 10) and complete the capstone projects, PYP Exhibition and MYP Personal Project. 

IB Diploma Program and Dwight Courses Program

For Grades 11 and 12, students have a choice between enrolling in the IB Diploma Program or the Dwight Courses Program. Through meetings with the Dwight Courses Coordinator, Diploma Program Coordinator and Dwight College Counseling Department, students are provided with guidance on selecting the best course options. Specific course selection for the start of a Diploma Program or Dwight Courses Program occurs during Grade 10 and will be finalized before they depart for the summer. We look for the following characteristics in both IB Diploma and Dwight Courses Candidates:

  • Strong self-management and organizational skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • A strong level of interest and motivation to complete the program 
  • High level of attendance
  • A successful academic record

Dwight promotes open access to the IB Diploma Program. There is no formal application process to join the DP however, we do have a necessary placement process. Any student joining the Program needs to commit to the full two years of the Program and complete all internal and external assessments. 

Recommended Requirements for Entry into the full IB Diploma Program

  • Subject teacher recommendation
  • Successful Personal Project engagement
  • IB MYP grades of 4 or above in Grade 10 

Policy last updated by Admissions Team and Curriculum Coordinators: June 2022 
Next date of review of this policy: June 2023