Application Process

The A. Fantis admissions process is simple and streamlined with 4 easy steps.
The Early Admissions Cycle, which ends in November, is strongly recommended as spaces are limited in most classes and the waitlist grows quickly.
Information for UPK4 applicants can be found further below.

Step 1 – Visit Us

We know everyone’s lives can get busy so we offer multiple ways to visit our school:
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Attend our Open House - Join us for an Open House! Explore our upcoming Open House dates and register now to discover what makes A. Fantis unique.
‍Donuts with Theo - Can't make it to an Open House? Join us in the morning for "Donuts with Theo," a casual event where you can tour the school, meet other families, and enjoy a donut with our principal, Theodore Tasoulas. It's a perfect opportunity for early risers to get a feel for our community in an informal setting.
‍In Their Shoes: Ever wondered what it’s like to be an A. Fantis student? Here’s your chance! For one awesome hour, follow a student’s schedule, pop into mini-lessons with our rockstar teachers, and see the magic of our classrooms in action! Hurry, spaces are limited!
If you can’t make one of these events, we offer virtual information sessions through out the year.

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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.

Step 3 – Gather Documents

The following documents will need to be submitted to your online portal after the application is approved.

Every Student:

Deposit & Enrollment Agreement
Birth Certificate
Child & Adolescent Health Form CH205
Enroll in Tuition Management

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Different materials may be required depending on your student’s grade level. Please check the list below for materials that are required for your child’s grade level:

K-8 : Confidential Teacher Report and Child’s Baptismal Certificate—see Admissions FAQ for more information
Grades 1-8 : School Transcript Request, including latest report card and standardized test scores
Middle School : Student Essay
If applicable : Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504, or PK3 Teacher Report

Step 4 – Buddy Day & New Student Assessment

Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email with information on how to schedule a Meet & Greet with the Principal and a Buddy Day. The Meet & Greet with the Principal and Buddy Day take place on the same calendar day for K-8 applicants.

While Buddy Day is a necessary step for K-8 students, PK3 students and their parents are only expected to attend an informal Meet & Greet with the principal followed by a brief visit to see the classroom in action! Benchmark assessments are not necessary for PK3 students.

‍Meet & Greet with the Principal (Both PK3 and K-8 Applicants):
‍Parents will also have the opportunity to meet with our principal, Theodora Tasoulas, for a brief informal introductory session before the day’s activities. This meeting is designed to help us get to know each other and to address any questions or concerns you and your family may have. The informal introduction with the principal is a required part of the admissions process for both PK3 applicants and K-8 applicants.

‍What is Buddy Day? (K-8 Applicants)Buddy Day is a special opportunity for K-8 applicants to experience a day in the life of our school. Applicants will spend a full day on campus, attending classes alongside their prospective classmates. Each student will be paired with a classroom buddy, who will guide and support them throughout the day, ensuring they feel welcomed and comfortable.

‍Benchmark Assessments (K-8 Applicants)During Buddy Day, applicants will take a couple benchmark assessments tailored to their grade level. In addition, our teachers will observe and assess each applicant's social skills, behavior, focus, and overall engagement throughout the day. At the end of the day, teachers will meet with parents to give insight into their school day.

Step 5 - Decision Notification

Once all the required materials are submitted through our online application portal, our admissions team will review the materials and follow-up with you if there is further information required.

Acceptance notifications are released on the deadline for each admissions cycle.

Early Admissions Deadline: Nov 25, 2024
Regular Admissions Deadline: Mar 24, 2025
Late Admissions Deadline: Notifications are given on an ongoing basis after an application is submitted.

Visit our FAQ page and download the admissions checklist to guide you through the 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.