FAQ

1)       Will the Choir school accept boys at any grade?

Unfortunately we rarely accept boys after Christmas vacation of the Fifth Grade. Due to the intensive nature of musical training it is very difficult for a boy to reach the required level of his peers if he begins after Fifth grade.

Boys currently in the Second Grade may audition for entry into the Third Grade if his family lives in close proximity of Manhattan and will be able to bring him home every weekend.

Boys currently in the Third or Fourth grade have the option of applying for admission during the current school year or the next academic year.

2)       My son hasn't taken music lessons; should we wait to apply only after we have enrolled him in instrumental study?

We strongly encourage all parents of prospective students to make an appointment to visit the school as early as possible.  Your son will have to prepare a favorite hymn or folk song and bring along a copy of the music. He will then be guided through several exercises to test his musical ear. Following the evaluation we may recommend that your son undergo some form of formal instruction before he is re-evaluated or before returning to the school for the audition weekend.

3)       Can our other children visit the school?

Yes. Your other children may visit at the time of the visit, audition or if you prefer at a subsequent date.

4)       We live far away; is it possible to complete the Visit and Audition in one trip?

Exceptions are sometimes made and we schedule the Visit and Audition in one trip, with the caveat that another visit may be requested.  We find that families benefit from a return visit to the school and spending more time in the school surroundings.

5)       Can we really afford a boarding school?

Our tuition is substantially less than other boarding schools. This is because the boys are ‘compensated’ for their musical service with an outstanding education. The families are required to fashion their lives around the school calendar – no exceptions.  Tuition for the 2009 - 201 school year is $12,250 and over 65% of our families receive aid toward that amount.

8)       Is financial aid available?

For those families who qualify, we have a budget for financial aid. The school uses the School and Student Services of Princeton, NJ, to determine financial need as well as requesting certain documentation from the families. Once accepted, families requesting aid are sent the appropriate information.

7)       When are auditions held?

Unlike the school visits which take place frequently, overnight auditions are held only three or four times a year. A student must be invited to attend the weekend following a school visit. During these overnight auditions our current Third Grade boys stay on at school. We recommend that families visit the school early in the Third Grade year of their son.

 8)       When will families be notified if their son has been accepted

Families are notified in writing within two weeks following the audition provided the admissions file is complete.

 9)   Can I consult a current choir school family?

Absolutely! Following the school visit, we will match you with a current family and ask them to get in touch with you.