Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for children to enter CPWN?
Children must be 3.0 year old by September 1 of the year they enter the school.
How many years is the CPWN program?
Most children attend CPWN for two or three years. Those who enter as four year-olds generally attend for one or two years. Those with late summer or fall birthdays often attend for three years.
Which ongoing schools do CPWN children attend?
CPWN graduates go on to both independent schools and public schools. Children from CPWN are at Ethical Culture, Bank Street, Calhoun, Cathedral, Trinity, Claremont Prep, and other independent schools. Our graduates also attend the various public school G&T programs, Hunter, Anderson, and Manhattan School for Children.
What is the length of the school year?
CPWN’s school year begins on the Monday following Labor Day, with an orientation meeting for parents the preceding week. The school year ends in mid-June.
Is there a summer program?
Yes, our summer program extends from late June through the end of July. Please email us for further information.
When should we apply?
Applications should be downloaded and mailed to us in the fall preceding the school year for which you are applying.
What do we need to do to apply?
A completed application consists of:
1) a filled out application and an application fee
2) a parent tour
3) a children’s playgroup
You are invited to attend one of our fall open houses in order to determine whether you think CPWN might be a good match for your family. Dates for the open house will be announced on the website. Once you have decided to apply, you should download, fill out, and mail in the application form from our website with the fee. At the open house you will have the opportunity to sign up for a parent tour and a children’s playgroup. These are mandatory parts of the application process. If you do not sign up for them at the open house, you may request a spot by phone or email.
When will we find out whether you are offering us a spot for our child? When do we need to respond?
CPWN is an ISAAGNY member school, and follows the ISAAGNY notification and reply dates.
Does CPWN offer financial aid? How do we request aid?
Yes. It is our wish that families be able to choose CPWN for their child regardless of their financial situation. We strive to make this possible to the extent that our budget allows. To request financial aid, check the box on the application form indicating that you wish to request financial aid. An application for aid will be mailed to you. Return it by the deadline, along with copies of your most recent tax returns. If necessary, the financial aid committee may contact you for further information.
Can I speak with parents of children who are at the school now?
Yes. There will be opportunities to do so at the open house and on the parent tour. We also hold a cocktail party at the school for both current and applicant parents, toward the end of February. All applicants receive invitations. If you would like to be put in touch with a parent who shares a particular situation with you (ie. someone whose child attended the school for three years, a parent of twins, etc.) please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with contacts.
I understand you are a parent coop school. What does this mean? Do I have to be available during the day?
You do not have to be available during the day. In many of our families both parents work full time. In our community parents are not asked to be teachers, although they are welcome to make arrangements to share an experience or a project with the group. Families support the work of the professional staff of the school by serving on fundraising/auction, maintenance, clerical and social committees. These committees take on tasks essential to the optimal functioning of the school, thereby freeing the freeing the teachers and the director to devote themselves to their work with the children.