Admissions Timeline
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year for Toddler through 7th Grade. We look forward to getting to know your family through the admissions process.
How to Apply:
We encourage families to apply online, as it makes the process simple and gives you the ability to track the status of your child’s application every step of the way. A non-refundable application fee of $175 is required with each submission.
New Families:
To get started, please submit an application. You’ll receive an email with a link to setup an account on our admissions portal. Once you create an account and log in, you will be able to check the status of your application pieces for each of your children who are applying. After submitting your application, you can track your admissions status by logging into your account.
Current Families:
Once you’re part of the SAM family, there’s no need to apply again. Each family will receive a simple re-enrollment email with everything you need to stay with us.
At The SAM School, we look forward to welcoming new families into our warm and inspiring community. Here’s what to expect at each stage of the application process:
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We are proud to reserve a spot in our Kindergarten program for our current Pre-K students. To secure your child’s place and ensure a seamless transition to our elementary school, we ask families to confirm their commitment by December 1st. After this date, any remaining Kindergarten seats will be opened to new applicants through our early and general admissions process. We look forward to continuing this educational journey with your family and building on the strong foundation your child has developed at SAM.
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Families who know SAM is their top choice are encouraged to apply by this date. Early Decision applicants receive priority consideration and will hear back sooner.
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Early Decision applicants will receive their admissions decisions by mid-January, allowing for more time to plan ahead.
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This is the deadline for all general applications. We encourage you to submit your application by this date to be considered for the upcoming school year.
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Families who applied by the general deadline will receive their admissions decisions by late February.
Tuition Assistance
Our core value is that financial considerations should not impact any child’s access to a strong Jewish education. We are therefore pleased to offer tuition assistance to families who need support. We encourage families to fill out the confidential tuition assistance application which you can find here. Applications are confidential and will be evaluated by a third-party administrator. As tuition assistance awards are granted on a rolling basis, we encourage interested families to apply as soon as possible.
Testimonials
"SAM is special because of the amazing faculty and founder’s vision. It's a place of warmth, growth, excitement, and learning. The school listens—parents and students alike feel heard."
"The passion they share with children and the approach they take in learning. They appreciate how every kid is different and not textbook—they value the strengths and weaknesses in each child. Learning should be fun and come from the heart. I have seen how my children are so passionate about what they are learning in school and actually have a deep inner desire to go every morning. SAM School is truly like a second home for my children—a place they feel given the utmost attention, with staff who are there because of their passion, not just for a paycheck. There is nothing more I could ask for in a school—a place that focuses on the emotional and creative needs of children, and not solely on academics. My hope is that they are able to build a student body of strong, resilient children who were listened to without being coddled. A place where children don't have to turn away from their strengths because it wasn't permitted as they grew up."
"It’s a warm, inclusive environment and its willingness to do things differently."
"The opportunities for children to express themselves and be creative in special activities outside of the school or curriculum."
"It’s been said many times, but I’ll say it again—the kindness. The warm environment. Everyone is special when you walk through those doors."
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"SAM School Brings Learning To Life on the Big Screen"
– Jewish Link
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"Celebrating Growth: The Stanley I. Chera SAM School Expands with New 96th Street Campus"
– Image USA
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"Finding Warmth and Dynamism in a Sephardic School"
– Prizmah
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“The Stanley I. Chera SAM School Is Growing & Moving To A New Location”
– Image USA