Admissions
Brochure
School Offerings
Kennedy International School is an independent institution located in the heart of Manhattan, offering an exceptional bilingual and multicultural education. Our approach is rooted in selfexpression and differentiated pedagogy, designed to empower students from early childhood through 12th grade. We provide a rigorous, bilingual education that fosters global thinking and intercultural respect, helping to shape future leaders who embody empathy, integrity, and the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
At Kennedy International School, we nurture curiosity and creativity, celebrate the diversity of our community, and embrace differences. Together, we cultivate an inclusive environment that champions education, personal growth, and global citizenship.
Our students are fully immersed in their selected languages, not merely studying them as second languages We offer a Bilingual French-English Program (Pre-K 3 through 12ᵗʰ Grade) and a Bilingual Japanese-English Program (Pre-K 3 through Kindergarten), including subjectspecific classes taught in these languages. Preschool students applying for Pre-K 3 (3 years old), Pre-K, and Kindergarten, do not need prior knowledge of French nor Japanese. The students will learn and develop their language skills in class with the guidance of our highly trained teachers.
In grades 1-8, students follow a Bilingual French-English Program and working knowledge in both languages is essential. In grades 9-10, students can choose to pursue the International Track or the Bilingual French-English Track based on their preference. In grades 11-12, students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and choose between IB courses offered either in English or in French.
Mission
Our mission is to empower students from early childhood through 12th grade by providing a rigorous, bilingual education that cultivates international thinking and intercultural respect. We strive to develop future leaders who embody empathy, integrity, and possess the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an ever-changing world We nurture intrinsic curiosity and creativity, celebrate the diversity of our backgrounds and embrace our differences Together, we build an inclusive community that champions education, personal growth, and fosters global citizenship.
Core Values
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Diverse Community
We are dedicated to building an inclusive environment that promotes education and nurtures global citizenship.
Academic Excellence
We are committed to achieving academic excellence and continuously striving for greatness We encourage our students to push their boundaries and reach their fullest potential in their educational pursuits
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Transparency Unity
Our school values trust and transparency to have a healthy and meaningful relationships with all stakeholders.
We value unity and recognize the strength that comes from respecting one another and
Preschool
Pre-K 3 to Kindergarten
Bilingual Japanese/FrenchEnglish
Warm & Engaging Classes
Elementary School
1st to 5th Grade
Bilingual French-English Curriculum
Small Class Sizes
Middle School
6th to 8th Grade
Bilingual French-English Curriculum
Project-Based Learning
Kennedy International School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is part of the network of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), which includes over 500 schools worldwide. To maintain this accreditation, representatives of the French Ministry of Education regularly inspect our school to ensure adherence to the French curriculum and educational practices. This allows our students to transfer easily into any French school in France or any other country throughout the world.
Kennedy International School is an I t ti l B l t (IB) S h l
For grades Kindergarten through 12, Kennedy International School is recognized by the New York State Education Department. Our Pre-K 3 through Kindergarten grades are regulated by the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
Kennedy International School is devoted to providing students with a transformative and rigorous bilingual education. Bilingualism is an incredible tool that offers many advantages including increased cognitive function, improved cultural and social skills, and strengthened memory and recall abilities Not only that, but bilingualism is becoming progressively more valuable in a globalized economy and society.
Some of the many cognitive functions that are enhanced through bilingual education include problem-solving and pattern-recognition abilities. As these skills are strengthened, academic performance and linguistic awareness are developed further. A 32-year study by Thomas and Collier from George Mason University indicated that students who had a bilingual education and that spoke multiple languages had greater achievements than their monolingual peers, especially in math, reading, and vocabulary.
Studies also suggest that bilingualism promotes memory expansion and development Processing multiple languages simultaneously prompts positive physical changes to the brain including advanced overall brain function and health such as increased gray matter volume and density improved executive
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Diploma Programme
The IBDP is a two-year academically challenging, rigorous, and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepare students between the ages of 16 and 19 (grade 11 and 12) for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of young adults Leading universities worldwide recognize and respect the outstanding and varied qualities of IB Diploma students.
Curriculum & Offerings 2024-2025
Kennedy International School currently offers the following core IB Diploma Programme subjects:
Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature: Language A; Language and Literature English, Language and Literature French, Self-taught.
Group 2 Language Acquisition: ab initio; Spanish, French, and German, Language B English or French.
Group 3 Individuals and Societies: Business Management, Global Politics, History, Philosophy.
Group 4 Sciences: Biology, Physics, Chemistry
Group 5 Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Applications and Interpretations.
Group 6 The Arts: Film, Visual Arts, Library Arts.
Alongside our current offerings in French and the French/English combination of the IBDP, we now provide the program exclusively in English for native English speakers.
Application (Rolling Admissions)
Please complete your online application via our admissions portal (QR code below) Once your application has been submitted, please be sure to complete the checklist of supporting documents needed in order to move forward to the next step in the admissions process.
Interview
Once your child's application has been submitted and the supporting documents have been uploaded and completed, our admissions office will connect with you to schedule an interview and any further assessments needed.
Enrollment
After the interview and assessments take place, our admissions office will contact you with a final decision via email.
Financial Aid
Kennedy International School is partnered with School and Student Services (SSS), a webbased platform, to process financial aid applications. SSS utilizes the system built by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is maintained by the NAIS task force to remain relevant to current economic realities and NAIS standards of best practice
French National Scholarships
Parents interested in applying for or renewing a French national scholarship for the tuition of their child are invited to apply directly to the Social Services of the French General Consulate in New York. These scholarships are solely reserved for children claiming French nationality for grades nursery through 10th grade. For more information, visit https://newyork.consulfrance.org/-bourses-aefe-.
Preschool Grant for United Nations Staff
Ms. Agnes Lumbroso
Mr. Alex Tiger
The Parents Association of Kennedy International School (PA) is formed as a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charity. The PA operates independently while maintaining close collaboration with the school administration and staff.
Activities
The Parents Association’s primary goal is to encourage parent engagement with the school, organize activities, and foster a strong sense of community within the school and beyond The PA also supports the school by providing volunteer assistance for school outings, field trips, and other events as needed.
President
Valentina Buj
1st Grade & 3rd Grade Parent
Vice-President
Nathalie Razzouk Kindergarten Parent
Secretary
Dina Mayifuila 3rd Grade & 7th Grade Parent
Treasurer
Laurent Lanzini Pre-K 3 & 3rd Grade Parent
Sample Schedules
Pre-K 3 Sample Schedule
Arrival Time: 8:00am - 8:30am
Dismissal Time: 3:15pm - 3:30pm
Morning Choice Time
Morning Circle Time
Morning Workshop #1
Morning Workshop #2
Literacy Circle Time
Students freely select from a variety of preset activities or play center
Students gather on the carpet to participate in activities that help them develop their oral language and social skills.
Students work independently or in small teacher-lead groups to explore or practice a particular language or math skill.
Morning Indoor Recess
Students work independently or in small teacher-lead groups to explore or practice a particular language or math skill
Students gather on the carpet to participate in activities specifically designed to promote early literacy skills, such as listening to stories, singing songs, engaging in discussions, and working with letters
Lunch Time
Quiet Time
Pre-K Sample Schedule
Arrival Time: 8:00am - 8:30am
Dismissal Time: 3:15pm - 3:30pm
Morning Work
Morning Circle Time
Morning Workshops
Small Group Time
Afternoon Workshops
Students work on and complete various tasks independently These tasks focus on specific language or math skills such as alphabet and sound recognition, counting and writing practice
Students gather on the carpet to greet each other, to share and respond to each other’s news, participate in group activities (calendar, weather, morning message, etc ) and prepare for the day’s events
Students work independently or in small teacher-lead groups to explore or practice a particular language or math skill
Morning Indoor Recess
Students work on a specific activity or skill with a teacher, allowing for more focused attention and individualized instruction
Lunch & Recess Time
Students work independently or in small teacher-lead groups to explore or practice a particular language or math skill.
Kindergarten Sample Schedule
Arrival Time: 8:00am - 8:30am
Dismissal Time: 3:15pm - 3:30pm
Morning Work
Morning Circle Time
Math Workshops
Language/Reading Workshops
Students work on and complete various tasks independently These tasks focus on specific language or math skills
Students gather on the carpet to greet each other, to share and respond to each other’s news, and participate in whole group activities such as calendar math, weather, daily message, etc )
Students engage with math concepts through a combination of mini-lessons, independent practice with manipulatives, and small group activities
Morning Indoor Recess
Through whole group and small group instruction, students work on their reading and writing skills, including phonics, phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and comprehension skills.
Lunch & Recess Time
Specialty Classes
Students receive focused instruction in specific subjects beyond the main curriculum, like music, art, physical education, technology and library time
Outdoor Recess Time & Snack
