Admissions

FAQs

The Admissions Office would love to welcome you to campus and will be offering in-person tours starting in early October. We are here to answer your questions and connect you with the RCS community in educational and interactive ways.

Curious minds ask great questions. Discover more about admissions, curriculum, and school life. 
As you get to know RCS, below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. You are always welcome to visit RCS or contact the Admissions team at (914) 244-1296 with additional questions. We would love to hear from you.

Admissions

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: How do I apply to Rippowam Cisqua School?

    Create an account to apply online. Once we receive your application, we will schedule a virtual student screening and parent interview. Learn more about how to apply here. 

  • Q: Do you accept applications after the deadline?

    Yes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round for JPK, PK, and SPK. The priority deadline for Kindergarten through Grade 9 is January 15, 2023. After the priority deadline has passed, we accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year as space allows.

  • Q: How much is the tuition?

    Tuition varies by grade level and includes lunch, snacks, school supplies, science labs, textbook rentals, athletic uniforms, activities, elective arts, and field trips. (Pre-and Post Covid-19 It also covers overnight trips including the seventh grade trip to Philadelphia, the eighth grade trip to Washington, DC, and the ninth grade year-end trip. Click here for more information about tuition, fees, and tuition assistance.

  • Q: Do you offer tuition assistance?

    We offer need-based grants to well-deserving families. Approximately 40% of our students receive tuition assistance that varies from a few thousand dollars to significantly more. This year, RCS awarded over $3 million in tuition assistance to students from a variety of economic backgrounds. Learn more about our tuition assistance program.

  • Q: What are the transportation options for families?

    Families have three main options. New York state law requires that school districts provide transportation to students at least five years old living within 15 miles of their non-public school. Rippowam also provides bus service to Lower Westchester and Stamford residents for an additional fee. Many parents drive or carpool. Learn more about your transportation options.

Curriculum

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

School Life

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: Where can I find the school calendar?

    You can find key dates HERE.  The school calendar is mailed to families in August and is also available online.

  • Q: What time does the school day begin and end?

    School begins at 8:20 a.m. for all students in JPK-Grade 4 and at 8:10 a.m. for all students in Grades 5-9. Dismissal times vary by grade as follows:

    GradeMonday-Thursday DismissalFriday Dismissal
    JPK12:00 p.m.12:00 p.m.
    PK2:00 p.m.12:00 p.m.
    SPK2:00 p.m.12:00 p.m.
    Kindergarten3:00 p.m.12:00 p.m.
    Grades 1-23:15 p.m.12:10 p.m.
    Grades 3-43:25 p.m.12:20 p.m.
    Grades 5-94:10 p.m.12:50 p.m.

  • Q: Does the School provide lunch and snacks?


    Yes. Lunch and snacks are served daily Monday-Thursday for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 9. Our daily menu offers a variety of wholesome and nutritious foods with both hot and cold options. The menu incorporates organic and locally produced foods, some of which are harvested from our Learning Garden. Lunch is included in the tuition. Students in Senior PreKindergarten bring their lunch to school. Learn more about our lunch program.

  • Q: Do you offer before and after school care?


    Yes! Before school care begins at 7:45 a.m for students in PreK through Grade 9. This service is offered at no charge on a drop-in basis.
     
    AfterSchool@RCS provides a wide variety of opportunities for PreK through Grade 4 students Monday through Thursday until 5:30 p.m. and Fridays until 5:00 p.m. With fall and spring registrations, parents can tailor their children's participation in CAT/Homework Club or in our After School Classes to suit the family schedule. Learn more about our after school program offerings.
     

  • Q: What is the uniform at RCS?

    School uniform requirements vary to accommodate the different needs of children at different ages.

    Early Childhood (JPK-SPK): No uniform is required for students in Junior PreKindergarten and Senior PreKindergarten. We encourage parents to select clothing that is practical for daily activities, which include sitting on the floor, physical exercise, outdoor play, drawing, and painting.

    Kindergarten-Grade 9: Students in Kindergarten through fourth grade must wear navy or khaki pants and a white or navy collared shirt; or a navy jumper with a white or navy collared shirt; and solid navy, or solid gray sweater, sweater vest, or fleece. Blackwatch kilts may also be worn by students in Grades 5-9.

    All students: Students may wear sneakers. Sandals and boots are not permitted during the academic day.

    Where to buy: The basic uniform items may be purchased from the RCS School Store, Lands’ End, The Gap, or Flynn & O’Hara. In addition, we offer “gently used” uniform items available for free to parents throughout the school year through our Uniform Swap.

  • Q: How does RCS support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?


    Rippowam Cisqua School embraces and seeks the opportunity to engage meaningfully and purposefully with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read our complete statement on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and how we support DEIB at RCS. 
Rippowam Cisqua School
439 Cantitoe Street 
Bedford, NY 10506
phone: (914) 244-1250
Rippowam Cisqua School is a PreK-Grade 9 independent day school in Westchester County, New York. RCS offers challenging academics built on innovation, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, wellness, leadership, service learning, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
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