Apply to School in the Square

Serving Pre-K–11 families in Inwood, Washington Heights, and the Bronx, we are a free public charter school where every child is known and supported.

Apply now

A School for our Community

School in the Square brings students, families, and educators together to learn, grow, and support one another. Students learn best when they feel safe, known, and heard, and families play a vital role in that success.


Our approach is grounded in strong relationships, high expectations, and learning that meets each student where they are.


We serve students from Pre-K through 11th grade, with 12th grade coming in the 2027–28 school year.

Ways to Apply

Apply online through SchoolMint for the fastest option, or download a paper application to submit by email, in person, or by mail.


Submit your completed paper application to enroll@schoolinthesquare.org, in person, or by mail:


School in the Square
Attn: Enrollment

12 Sherman Avenue

New York, NY 10040

Apply online Print application

How to Apply

Start Your Application

Apply online through SchoolMint, the fastest option. Prefer paper? Download and complete a paper application and submit it by email, in person, or by mail.

Enter the Lottery

All applications are entered into the school lottery. Some students receive priority, such as siblings of currently enrolled students.

Get Your Results

After the lottery, families are notified by email. If your child is not selected, they will be placed on our waitlist.

Complete Enrollment

If your child is offered a seat, our enrollment team will reach out by email with the paperwork needed to formally enroll your child.

How the School Lottery Works

As a public charter school in NYC, admission is based on a random lottery. All applications submitted before the deadline are included. Some students may receive priority, such as siblings of current students.


Every family that chooses School in the Square is welcome here. If your child is not accepted immediately, they’ll be placed on a waitlist and may still be offered a seat. We continue to make offers throughout the summer and into the fall as seats become available.

Visit School in the Square

See what makes School in the Square special. Visit our classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience a school where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.


Open houses are a great way to see if we are the right fit for your family.


To schedule a visit or ask about upcoming open house dates, email us at enroll@schoolinthesquare.org.

Bilingual Early Childhood Center

Pre-K and Kindergarten

Check back soon for new Open House dates.

Bilingual Elementary School

Grades 1 to 5

Check back soon for new Open House dates.

School in the Square Middle

Welcome Event

Tuesday, June 9, 5-6:15 p.m.

120 Wadsworth Ave, New York, NY

School in the Square High

Welcome Event

Monday, June 1, 5-6:15 p.m. 

12 Sherman Ave, New York, NY

Stay Connected

We’re Here to Help

Have questions about applying or enrolling at School in the Square? We’re here to help every step of the way.


Send us an email at enroll@schoolinthesquare.org.