Early Steps

Early Steps Early Steps helps young children of color enroll in NYC independent schools as K or 1st graders. We are very proud of these relationships.

Early Steps helps young children of color enroll in NYC independent schools as kindergarteners or first graders. This gives them access to an educational experience and a lifetime of opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach, allows students from all different backgrounds to learn together and from one another right from the start, and prepares youth to lead in a diverse world by creating school environments that more accurately reflect our communities. Families who meet the criteria to work with Early Steps receive a full year of hands-on guidance, including workshops, school referrals, application assistance, selection support, and much more. The schools we partner with are “members” of Early Steps and believe wholeheartedly in the importance and benefits of diverse, equitable and inclusive learning environments. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Early Steps was established in 1986 by the Independent School Admission Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY) and has since facilitated the school enrollment of more than 4,000 children of color. Our alumni keep in touch and provide regular proof and testimony that their education, accessed through Early Steps, made all the difference.

We are sharing this event with our Early Steps community, because many of our alums are now exploring their options for ...
09/18/2026

We are sharing this event with our Early Steps community, because many of our alums are now exploring their options for HS. Good luck and please stay in touch!

Discover Your Child’s Perfect Fit at PLNY’s 2026 Boarding School Fair!

Are you exploring the best educational path for your child? We invite you to connect with admissions directors and representatives from over 100 premier junior boarding and boarding schools—all in one convenient place. On Wednesday, September 30th at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in Manhattan.

Independent boarding schools offer far more than exceptional academics. At our annual fair, you’ll discover vibrant communities dedicated to intellectual curiosity, inspiring arts, competitive athletics, and lifelong friendships. Whether you are looking for an outstanding school close to home, across the country, or internationally, your journey starts here.

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For 38 years, Jacqui Pelzer helped to increase NYC families' access to some incredible private schools. In recent years...
09/17/2026

For 38 years, Jacqui Pelzer helped to increase NYC families' access to some incredible private schools. In recent years the annual Early Steps School Fair was done virtually. The Early Steps Team decided to keep it that way again this fall and we are glad to report, that just today our member schools had over 200 points of contact with our families. We are excited to introduce our families to 17 other NYC independent schools tomorrow, Thursday, Sept 17th (the last day of our School Fair).

We hope to see you there!

How it works:

- Parents & Guardians must use the link below to register in advance.

- The Zoom Meeting link will go to the email address used to register for the 20-minute session.

- You may attend as many sessions hosted by as many schools as you want.

Visit: www.earlysteps.org/2026-virtual-school-fair for more information and for the Early Steps Application

Day 2 of the Early Steps Virtual School Fair includes another 12 schools highlighting their programs. We hope you'll co...
09/16/2026

Day 2 of the Early Steps Virtual School Fair includes another 12 schools highlighting their programs. We hope you'll consider attending a session or two, so you can learn more about one of the many schools featured in this post.

How the School Fair works:

- Our member schools will host 20-minute info sessions on Zoom on between Sept 15-17, 2026 (one per school)

- Parents & Guardians must use the links below to register in advance. No fee required.

-Confirmation emails will provide Zoom details, once parents complete the registration.

- You may attend as many sessions hosted by as many schools as you want!!!

Visit: earlysteps.org for more information

Today is the first day for our Early Steps School Fair and families will get to hear from 17 of our member schools today...
09/15/2026

Today is the first day for our Early Steps School Fair and families will get to hear from 17 of our member schools today. Here's how it works:

- Independent schools throughout NYC and Western Long Island will host 20-minute info sessions on Zoom on Sept 15, 16 & 17 (one session per school)
- Parents & Guardians are required to register to attend each individual session.
- You may attend as many sessions hosted by as many schools as you want!

Use the QR Code or visit:https://www.earlysteps.org/2026-virtual-school-fair for more information

Since 1986, we’ve been working with families of children of color who are applying for kindergarten or 1st grade. Regist...
09/04/2026

Since 1986, we’ve been working with families of children of color who are applying for kindergarten or 1st grade. Registration is open for our annual school fair. Remember, this is an important next step in the NYC independent school application process!!

We hope to see you soon,
The Early Steps Team

It's September and our team is glad to be back in the building! You can expect to hear more about our annual School Fair...
09/02/2026

It's September and our team is glad to be back in the building! You can expect to hear more about our annual School Fair, parent orientations, application deadlines, child assessments and more in the coming days!!

You're invited! Join us May 11 for a festive cocktail party to recognize Jacqui Pelzer’s 38 years of service and to carr...
04/30/2026

You're invited! Join us May 11 for a festive cocktail party to recognize Jacqui Pelzer’s 38 years of service and to carry her legacy forward by advancing the mission she built and nurtured. Sponsorships, tickets, journal ads: https://www.earlysteps.org/celebration-2026

Please save the date to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Early Steps Executive Director Jacqui Pelzer, who will ret...
04/20/2026

Please save the date to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Early Steps Executive Director Jacqui Pelzer, who will retire in July. Invitation to follow shortly.

If you're a parent in NYC and want your child of color to start private school in fall 2026, apply to the Early Steps pr...
09/29/2025

If you're a parent in NYC and want your child of color to start private school in fall 2026, apply to the Early Steps program TODAY. We'll help you navigate admissions, financial aid, selection, etc - all for free. Learn more and apply: https://www.earlysteps.org/families-we-serve

Address

540 E 76th Street
New York, NY
10021

Opening Hours

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Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

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+12122881206

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