Admissions FAQ
How many students attend Nightingale? How many per grade?
There are approximately 550 students currently enrolled at Nightingale—slightly fewer than 44 per grade for 13 years (K–12).
What is your student/faculty ratio and average class size?
On average, our student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1, and our average class size is approximately 12 students. In Lower School, reading and math groups average five or six students per teacher.
How diverse is the Nightingale population? The faculty?
Nightingale actively seeks an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse student body. 30% of the student body are students of color. Currently, we have 19 teachers of color; 20% of the faculty.
In what grades do you accept new students?
For the 2011–2012 admissions season (applicant for 2012–2013 academic year), we are accepting applications for Kindergarten and Grades 5 through 11. Candidates interested in applying for Classes I, II, III, and IV please contact the Admissions Office before submitting an application.
What age does my daughter need to be to apply to Kindergarten?
Girls applying during the 2011–2012 admissions year for the 2012–2013 school year should be 5 years old by September 1, 2012.
Are particular applicants given special consideration?
Choosing a school for your child is a tremendous decision, and we take great pride when alumnae apply to Nightingale for their daughters and current parents apply for another child in their family. We honor this commitment to Nightingale by offering these families applying to Kindergarten advance consideration under our Early Notification Plan (ENP).
Aside from the early notification option for Kindergarten applicants, we do not have a specific "policy" for our sibling and alumnae families. All applicants to the school go through the same process and are evaluated with equal consideration by the admissions committee. There may be individual cases where the admissions committee deems that Nightingale would not be the appropriate school for a sibling or legacy applicant; these extremely difficult decisions are always made with the child's best interests in mind. We strongly recommend that all families submit applications to at least three other schools. Your early childhood director can assist you with determining an appropriate list.
If you are a Nightingale alumna or a current parent and would like to apply under the ENP, you must submit your application by October 1, 2012, and complete all testing and interviews by November 1, 2012.
Please note that offers of admission under the ENP are binding; if accepted, you must guarantee your daughter's attendance at Nightingale. You have until December 1, 2012, to submit the form indicating whether you would like your application to be considered under the ENP or as part of the regular admissions process.
Alumnae and current families with daughters applying to Kindergarten for proposed entry in September of 2013, should contact Margaret Metz, the director of admissions, at 212-933-6511 to further discuss the admissions process.
What is the cost of attending the Nightingale-Bamford School?
For information on affording Nightingale, please click here.
What percentage of the student body receives financial aid?
In 2010–2011 approximately 22% of the student body received financial aid. We do our best to help families who need tuition assistance. Nightingale is committed to the principle that no qualified student should be unable to attend the school because of financial reasons. Thanks to a generous scholarship program supported by every Parents Association benefit, financial aid is available to families unable to meet full tuition costs.
Is Nightingale primarily a neighborhood school?
No. Although many girls do live in the area, students come from all parts of the city, including all of the boroughs, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Westchester County. We have international students, as well.
At what colleges do Nightingale seniors traditionally enroll?
The colleges where most Nightingale students are enrolled are Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Harvard, Oberlin, and the University of Pennsylvania. Click here to view the matriculation list for the Class of 2011.
When is foreign language introduced?
Beginning in Class III, students gain familiarity with French, Spanish, or Mandarin, one course per semester. All students commence formal study of a modern language in Class IV. In Class VI, students begin studying Latin.
Are Advanced Placement courses offered?
Yes. Nightingale students take Advanced Placement examinations in American history, art history, biology, calculus, chemistry, English, French, Latin, physics, and Spanish. They receive superior results, qualifying them for college credit.
Do you provide extended care for students after school?
Yes, through Hobbyhorse, our extended day program.
Does the admissions office require letters of recommendation?
No. Please refrain from submitting letters of personal support.
How do I take the standardized entrance exams (ERB/ISEE)?
Call (212) 672-9800 or see www.erblearn.org. Tests are valid from April 1 of the prior school year; i.e., for the 2011–2012 admissions season all ERB/ISEE tests must be taken after April 1, 2011. Testing is solely for admission to participating schools. Students may not be tested for practice or for parents’ information only, nor may they be tested more than once during a given admissions season or during a six-month period of time.
Does the building have handicapped access?
Yes. The schoolhouse is in full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and is fully accessible, with the exceptions of the stage and the roof.
How do I get to Nightingale?
Please click here for directions.
