The Caedmon School

Admissions FAQs

Please find below the answers to many of the questions we receive about our program. If you have questions that are not covered below, please reach out to Jennifer Tarpley-Kreismer, Director of Admissions, at [email protected], to discuss.

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Top 10 most frequently asked questions about The Caedmon School

How Would You Describe a Caedmon Student?

A Caedmon student is unique! Each child brings a sense of whimsy and rigor to work and play, and their individuality is encouraged here. Based on the teachings of Maria Montessori to let the child lead, Caedmon students are instilled with a sense of independence early on, which fosters a sense of confidence, and inquisitiveness.

I See That Your School Has a Progressive Montessori Approach. What Does This Mean and How Does Caedmon Incorporate the Montessori Philosophy?

Taking the teachings of Maria Montessori, we’ve created an Early Childhood Montessori program for our youngest students, where curiosity and independence bloom. Children interact with beautiful materials to refine their tactile understanding of the world around them, while engaging in the five areas of a Montessori classroom: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language Arts, and Cultural Arts with time for imaginative play, block building, reading, art, social studies, science, discovery, music, and play. The Montessori principles of independent and group work where students are the drivers of their success and Progressive curricula, permeate throughout our Elementary program, from Kindergarten through Fifth grade, thus fostering the development of confident, driven, collaborative, and creative children in our Progressive Montessori approach. 

What are the Benefits of Mixed-Age Classes?

A major component of the Montessori philosophy is that children from various age groups interact together in one classroom. Our Early Childhood classes combine three and four-year-old children, and our Mixed-Age Elementary classroom combines children in First and Second grade students. Older students are proud to act as role models; younger ones feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead.

Where do Your Graduates Go?

Caedmon’s Fifth-grade graduates are accepted into and attend some of the most prominent independent and public middle schools in NYC. Our Head of School partners with families of graduating students to see that each child is placed into a school that best suits his or her social intelligence and learning style. More information about our graduates.

Are There Often Openings in Sixth Grade in Other Private and Public Schools in NYC?

In New York City, sixth grade is the next major point of entry for new students after Kindergarten and therefore, our graduates have a wide array of schools to consider for middle school. We’ve built strong relationships with our ongoing schools over the years, and Directors of Admissions are extremely impressed with candidates from Caedmon.

How Will Caedmon Communicate With Me About My Child's Progress?

Twice a year, parents engage in parent-teacher conferences with their child’s homeroom teacher. In addition, in-depth report cards are mailed out twice a year, which detail each child’s progress based on a number of competencies, skills, characteristics, and practices. Teachers are also frequently in touch with families via email and phone calls, and parents are welcome to request appointments to discuss a child’s progress as necessary.

What is it Like After School? Is There a Lot For My Child To Do?

Caedmon is proud of its rich, engaging, and ever-evolving After School program. Among the most robust in the city, we offer an array of sports, art, cooking, language, science, engineering, and music classes. Most classes are taught by current Caedmon teachers or professionals from outside of the school.

What Do Caedmon Alumni Have in Common?

Time and again, we are told by ongoing schools how confident, collaborative, and poised our alumni are. It is not unusual to hear former students rattling off about coding, foreign policy, basketball stats, or the latest exhibit at the Met. Our students go off into the world having built life-long friendships in our courtyard and hallways, armed with the everlasting inquisitiveness and curiosity that is characteristic to a Montessori education.

What Makes You Stand Out From Other Schools?

The Caedmon School is one of the only schools in NYC that spans the years of childhood, ages 1 year eight months through 10 years. While embracing the individual and allowing the child to lead and discover, students at Caedmon are also given opportunities to assume authentic leadership roles and develop an age-appropriate sophistication leading to a sense of agency that is not commonly found in K-12 environments. Caedmon is committed to equity, diversity, and community and ensuring that all students and their families feel a true sense of belonging. In our warm, down-to-earth, respectful community, status isn’t important. We value children as leaders and view parents as partners throughout this crucial and momentous journey toward adolescence.

Is Caedmon a Catholic School?

No, we are not a Catholic school; however, because of the building’s historical connection to St. Monica’s Church on 79th Street, Roman Catholic religion class from Kindergarten through Fifth grade is available if families request this instruction for their children.

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Tel: +1 212-879-2296

416 E. 80th Street,
New York, NY 10075
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Call us at +1 212-879-2296

416 E. 80th Street,
New York, NY 10075

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Tel: +1 212-879-2296

416 E. 80th Street,
New York, NY 10075

Directions

Tel: +1 212-879-2296

416 E. 80th Street,
New York, NY 10075
Get Directions

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