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 crea

ting 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.

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

Starts today and there's still time to sign up! If you are in and considering an independent/private school education ...
09/16/2025

Starts today and there's still time to sign up! If you are in and considering an independent/private school education for your child of Black, Latino, American Indian, or Asian/South Asian heritage when they enter kindergarten or first grade in fall 2026, you're invited! It's free, just like all our services for families.

If you're the parent or guardian of a child of Black, Latino, American Indian, or Asian / South Asian heritage in who ...
09/11/2025

If you're the parent or guardian of a child of Black, Latino, American Indian, or Asian / South Asian heritage in who will enter kindergarten or 1st grade in fall 2026, you're invited! It's free, just like all our services for families.

50+ independent schools are participating. If your child of Black, Latino, American Indian, or Asian/South Asian heritag...
09/10/2025

50+ independent schools are participating. If your child of Black, Latino, American Indian, or Asian/South Asian heritage is 4 or 5 years old, why not explore the possibilities? This event is free, as are all our services to families. P.S. We've helped more than 4,000 children of color access an exceptional education. https://www.earlysteps.org/2025-virtual-school-fair

Parents and guardians, this is your chance to hear directly from representatives at the school(s) you're considering, wh...
09/04/2025

Parents and guardians, this is your chance to hear directly from representatives at the school(s) you're considering, who will each host one 20-minute info session via Zoom Sept 16-18. Details/registration link coming soon.

We are accepting applications NOW! If you're in NYC and your child of color is currently 4 or 5, we may be able to help ...
08/28/2025

We are accepting applications NOW! If you're in NYC and your child of color is currently 4 or 5, we may be able to help enroll them in an independent / private school for fall 2026. Our services are free! Learn more and apply: https://www.earlysteps.org/families-we-serve

There's still time to give! Your support today will lay the foundation for SO MANY milestones for children of color... f...
12/04/2024

There's still time to give! Your support today will lay the foundation for SO MANY milestones for children of color... from first days of kindergarten and learning to read, to college tours and graduation. We've helped more than 4,200 students access an independent school education in NYC. Let's not stop now! www.earlysteps.org/donate.

Address

540 E 76th Street
New York, NY
10021

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+12122881206

Website

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