Application Process

Welcome to A. Fantis Admissions!

‍We’re thrilled you’re considering joining the A. Fantis community. Our admissions process is designed to be simple and stress-free, with just 5 easy steps to get started.

We strongly recommend applying during our Early Admissions Cycle, which ends in November. With limited spaces in most classes and a quickly growing waitlist, securing your spot early is the best way to ensure your child becomes part of our vibrant school community.

If you miss the Early Admissions Cycle, don’t worry! We also have limited spots available during Winter Admissions—it’s never too late to explore the possibility of joining our school.

If you’re applying for UPK4, you’ll find all the details you need further below.

Step 1 – Visit Us

Our Open Houses for Regular Admissions are held between January and March. We offer Open Houses for all grades, PreK-3 - 8, and cover information for all age ranges. You’ll be greeted by one of our Falcon Ambassadors and our principal, who will give an overview of the school, answer any questions you may have, and provide a tour. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with parents who can assist with any questions you may have.

Our Open Houses for Regular Admissions are held from January to March. These events are open to families of children in PreK-3 through Grade 8 and provide a comprehensive overview of the school and its programs.

During your visit:

A Falcon Ambassador and our Principal will welcome you.
You’ll receive a detailed tour of the school and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Connect with current parents who can provide insights and support.

Step 2 – Apply Online

An online application must be completed for every PK3 and K- 8 student hoping to be admitted to A. Fantis. You can find important information, as well as the latest updates on your application status, on our online portal.

If you are applying for UPK4, please apply through myschools.nyc. UPK4 is a free, government funded program that offers education to 4-year-olds in New York State. For more information, please visit nysed.gov. For information about tuition for all other grade levels, click here.

‍All prospective PK3 and K-8 students must complete an online application through our admissions portal. The portal provides access to important information, including updates on your application status.

For UPK4 Applicants:

Apply through MySchools NYC.
UPK4 is a free, government-funded program for 4-year-olds in New York State. Learn more at nysed.gov.

For tuition information for all other grades, click here.

Step 3 – Buddy Day & Family Interview

After submitting your application online, our admissions committee will review your application and may invite your family to come in for a Buddy Day & Family Interview. Use this form to provide your availability, and our office will contact you to finalize the appointment.

What is Buddy Day?
Buddy Day allows applicants to experience a typical day at A. Fantis:

For K-8 Applicants: Students spend a full day on campus, from 8:15 am to 3 pm, participating in classes alongside their prospective classmates. Each student is paired with a classroom buddy who will guide and support them throughout the day, helping them feel welcomed and at ease. Depending on their grade level, students may take benchmark exams during the visit. These assessments help us tailor the level of support each child will need as they transition to A. Fantis.

For PreK3 Applicants: Our youngest applicants will visit the preschool classroom for a brief 15-20 minutes. Parents accompany their child to the classroom during this time, providing a sense of comfort and security. This relaxed session allows the child to explore, interact, and lead their play with peers while we observe their comfort and engagement in a classroom setting.

What is the Family Interview?
The Family Interview helps us understand your child’s needs and how our school aligns with your family’s goals:

Format: During the interview, our principal speaks with both the child and the parents to gain a holistic understanding of the family.
Timing: Interviews typically occur at the beginning of Buddy Day or at dismissal.

Key Deadlines:

March 19, 2025: Submit your application to guarantee an interview.
March 24, 2025: Complete all Buddy Days and Family Interviews.

Step 4 – Submit all required documents

As part of the admissions process, certain documents must be submitted based on your child's grade level. Each applicant will receive a personalized checklist outlining the required documents.

For students applying to grades K-8, a baptismal certificate is required for admission. While A. Fantis welcomes families of all Christian denominations, this document is an essential part of our admissions process.‍‍

Step 5 - Decision Notification and Security Deposit

Once all required materials have been submitted through our online application portal, our admissions team will carefully review your application. If additional information is needed, we will reach out to you directly.

Notification Timelines

Acceptance notifications are released based on the deadline for each admissions cycle:

Early Admissions Deadline: November 25, 2024
Regular Admissions Deadline: March 24, 2025
Late Admissions: Notifications are sent on a rolling basis after an application is submitted.

Securing Your Child’s Enrollment

To confirm your child’s spot at A. Fantis, a $1,800 security deposit is required. The deposit must be paid through our portal, FACTS, within 10 business days of receiving your contract.

For additional guidance, visit our FAQ page and download the Admissions Checklist to ensure a smooth process.

What if my child doesn't speak Greek?

No prior knowledge of the Greek language is required to join A. Fantis. All of our classes are taught in English for K-8 students - except of course, our Greek class!

Having that said, we have two UPK4 classrooms— one Greek dual language classroom and one traditional classroom. Both classrooms are identical, except that the dual language classroom conducts half the day in Greek and half in English. UPK4 is the only grade level that offers dual language instruction. All other grade levels are taught in English. To make the transition to Greek class as easy as possible for students joining after Kindergarten, we offer individualized support through our Greek Language Transition Program.

To further make your child’s transition as smooth as possible, our middle school Greek classes are divided into beginner and advanced levels, ensuring that each student receives instruction suited to their fluency level.

Early Admissions Timeline

November 29, 2024

Admissions Notifications

December 13, 2024

Deposit & Enrollment Agreement Due

November 25, 2024

Deadline to Complete Online Application & Submit All Materials

A. Fantis UPK4

The A. Fantis Pre-K for All in Brooklyn Heights is located near Atlantic Ave. and Court Street. All subway lines are accessible within a 10-minute walk or less.

Fantis Pre-K for All offers two UPK4 classrooms—Greek dual language and traditional. Both classrooms are identical, except that the dual language class will eventually conduct half the day in Greek and half in English.

Seats for the A. Fantis UPK4 are limited, as current A. Fantis PK3 students and siblings have preferred placement in our UPK4 classrooms. The determination is made by the PreK For All lottery selection—not by the school.

Play-based instruction emphasizing social-emotional growth with daily outdoor play and second language learning ensure kindergarten readiness. Many UPK4 students stay in our extended day program and play in daily after-school clubs, including soccer, cooking and chess. For more information, check out our Preschool Overview and Curriculum.

‍All families are encouraged to apply, as the dual language classroom is half Greek and half English speaking families. With just one PreK-3 class rising to two UPK4 classes, there are seats available for the community. Simply apply via myschools and select both programs—dual language and traditional—as your top two choices if Fantis is your preferred program.

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Check out our blog for more information on the Dual Language Program or join an Open House!

Greek Dual Language UPK4 Program

Applications

Families must apply separately for Dual Language Program: Greek or English

Greek speaking families can range in exposure & usage
Select both programs if Fantis is top choice

Enrollment

Aim for a 50/50 balance of children whose home language is English and children whose home language is Greek—of varying levels of ability.

Instruction

Equally in Greek & English, with the goal of enabling all children to become bilingual & biliterate during their education. Learn more

Benefits

Ongoing research demonstrates the ample benefits of bilingualism beyond language fluency, including better executive functioning and cognitive flexibility. Our learners will more fully experience the rich culture and history of Greece through the language and traditions.