Resources

EARLY STEPS participates in various local and national organizations through memberships, affiliations, and other relationships. Many of these groups have excellent websites that offer useful information to help families who are considering or actively involved in the independent school admissions process. A brief description of each organization is offered below, along with its web address.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The National Association of Independent Schools is a membership organization and the national voice of independent education. NAIS represents more than 1,300 independent schools and associations in the United States, and affiliates with independent schools abroad as well. 
 
NYSAIS is a voluntary association of some 180 independent nursery, elementary and secondary schools enrolling some 70,000 students. It is affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools and the New York State Coalition for Independent and Religious Schools.
 
ISAAGNY is a non-profit association of early childhood and ongoing schools that grew out of the need to clarify the process of applying to independent schools and make the transition between schools easier for applicants and their families.
 
ERB administers the Early Childhood Entrance Exam (ECEE), a uniform testing program that eliminates testing at each school to which a child may be applying.
Parents League (PL) is a non-profit membership organization of Independent Schools and families. The Parents League of New York is affiliated with over 250 Independent schools, including early childhood programs, day schools and boarding schools. Parents League serves as a resource center for all New York City Parents.
 
InsideSchools.org, offers an independent guide to New York City’s public schools. Information ranges from test scores to the culture of each school, giving prospective families insights on teaching styles, homework, and discipline. A primary goal of the organization is to increase support for public education and to make the public school system more accessible to parents, and more accountable to students.

The School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS)
SSS is a service of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). It is used by more than 2,400 K-12 schools and organizations across the country to help assess a family's ability to pay for independent education and to help families feel confident that their request for financial aid is being treated objectively and professionally. Whether you're a parent applying for financial aid or a school administrator seeking solutions, click on the option above to see how SSS Online can help you.