History

In the early 1980’s, ISAAGNY (Independent School Admission Association of Greater New York) recognized the need to form an organization that would act as an extension of their admission offices, with the sole purpose to promote racial diversity and help increase the enrollment of children of color in the early grades. This was particularly significant because, while organizations already existed to help enroll high school and middle school children, there were no organizations working specifically for the lower grade levels.

The mandate of this organization was to reach out to communities of people of color. Outreach efforts were extended to public schools, faith based organizations, pediatricians and others working with or concerned about youth education. Today, our programs have evolved and grown in popularity so that most of our students come to us through word-of-mouth! EARLY STEPS is a voice and recognized advocate of independent education in the U.S. Since 1986, EARLY STEPS has partnered with families and schools to place children of Black, Latino, American Indian and Asian backgrounds in kindergarten and first grade.