How to Get Into Léman Manhattan Preparatory School

Overview of Léman Manhattan

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School is a private co-ed day and boarding school located in Manhattan, New York City. Inspired by its sister school in Switzerland, Collège du Léman, Léman Manhattan Prep takes on a global perspective to mold inquirers, creators, and communicators while fostering open-mindedness, balance, and cultural awareness. An International Baccalaureate World School (IB), Léman provides a rigorous education that pushes students beyond their limits to transform them into world leaders ready to take on anything. The school is proud of its small class sizes, with an average 4:1 student-teacher ratio. Separated into two campuses, the Broad Street Campus houses students from pre-K all the way to grade 5. Its Morris Street Campus houses students from grades 6 to 12. Founded in 2005, the campuses are located in historic New York neighborhoods, allowing students to explore and experience the history of NY in their own backyard. 

How hard is it to get into Léman Manhattan Preparatory School? 

Many families dream of sending their children to Léman Manhattan Preparatory School. Its ideal location in the heart of New York makes it ideal for those living and working in the Big Apple. With an average class size of 18, admissions are competitive. Slots are limited, and the admissions office suggests applying as early as possible, as they can only entertain a certain number of applicants.   

We suggest seeking the help of experienced private school admissions consultants to guide you through the Léman Manhattan admissions process. We can help you plan and strategize on how to make your child stand out from the rest.

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School Admissions Process

The application process begins on Ravenna. There, you can sign up for events, see all application requirements, submit documents, and monitor the status of your application. Here’s a complete list of steps you need to follow to complete your application to Léman Manhattan Preparatory:     

1. Submit the application form on Ravenna. 
2. Complete the parent and student statements.
3. Request recommendation letters.
4. Request a transcript from your current school.
5. Submit test scores.
6. Schedule an admissions interview.

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School Application Requirements 

Personal Statements 

Léman Manhattan requires both a parent statement and a student statement. The forms are available on Ravenna. The parent statements consist of six questions that delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as your expectations of Léman. Your child is required to write four statements in response to the questions, which will demonstrate their enthusiasm to be part of the student body. Admissions officers use these answers to gauge whether your child will be a good fit for the school.  

When answering these forms, it’s important that your answers are truthful while also appealing to the values of the school. Our admissions consultants have years of experience helping families craft their personal statements. We suggest using these tips to help you identify what about your child makes them the perfect candidate for Léman. 

Letters of Recommendation

To apply to Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, applicants must submit a total of three letters of recommendation: one from their current English teacher, one from their current math teacher, and one from either their counselor or principal. After inputting your teachers’ and counselor’s or principal’s name and email address on Ravenna, they will receive the form. 

These recommendation letters allow Léman Manhattan to gain insight into your child’s character and academic skills from a reliable and trustworthy source. It’s important that you and your child both build great relationships with your child’s former school to ensure a superior recommendation. Our experienced educational consultants can provide advice to help you develop these relationships!

Transcript

The next step in the Léman Manhattan is submitting your child’s transcript of records. This includes their grades so far in the current academic year and of the previous two years if possible. School transcripts provide admissions counselors with an idea of a student’s past academic performance, present proficiency, and future potential. If students’ past transcripts do not reflect their very best, our academic coaches can provide tutoring and academic coaching to boost GPA and test scores. 

Standardized Testing

Testing is not required for applicants entering Pre-K through grade 5 however, it is required for applicants entering grades 6-12. Léman Manhattan Preparatory School accepts both ISEE scores and the SSAT scores to fulfill this requirement. Before scheduling the exam, if you feel that your child may not be well-equipped, Cardinal Education’s tutors can help with our test prep services,  which include ISEE practice tests and SSAT practice tests. With just a little help, this will ensure that your child is performing at their academic peak and submitting their absolute best scores possible. 

Admissions Interview and Assessment

On the day of the family’s scheduled interview, the potential students will be assessed by the admissions counselors. This may seem like a daunting experience for families, but interviews are an important part of admissions because they allow families to share their desire to attend the top boarding school and show how the student will contribute to the community. We offer interview preparation services for families and students to ensure they are ready for any topic they may discuss in the interview. 

Student Life at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School 

Léman utilizes the “whole-child” approach, which seeks to create well-rounded individuals beyond their academic skills. Students can pursue arts, athletics, and so much more in their time at Léman. Making full use of its location, Léman connects students with respected local and global organizations for unlimited opportunity.    

Students who choose to board at the school live right across from the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall. With 24/7 security and Residential Life Staff who teach students how to live self-sufficiency, boarders are sure to appreciate the independence. There are also weekend activities and fun travel opportunities for students to experience. 

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School Academics

Léman’s vision to develop students ready to make positive changes to the world manifests itself in its four pillars: academic rigor, global education, personalized learning for each child, and partnerships that drive results. As an IB school, Léman approaches education with the notion that academic rigor will drive students to develop their critical thinking skills. Aligning with their global community, students experience diverse cultures. Personal Learning Plans focus on letting children learn according to their needs. Finally, partnerships that drive results bond students not just with their parents but with the broader community that surrounds New York. This amalgamates in 6 disciplines of study, including studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Each discipline offers rigorous courses for students with a higher level of academic prowess, allowing those who need a more challenging curriculum to have access to it. 

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School  Athletics

Students at Léman are given ample opportunity to explore their athletic abilities with the variety of offerings and facilities available to them. All grade levels will find themselves participating in physical education that sees them setting goals and celebrating them. With 45 athletic teams, pools, rock-climbing walls, and a gymnasium, the options are endless. Varsity sports include Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Winter Track.  

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School  Arts

The Léman Fine Arts program encourages students to find their niche. Their location in the artistically rich New York landscape allows students to thrive as they explore their artistic passions. With biweekly music education courses, band, chorus, electives, and even a conservatory, musically inclined students have a wide range to choose from. Those more into theater can grow their confidence through programs such as Léman Main Stage, One Act Plays, and Scene Night. Students who prefer to use their hands to create can explore Léman’s state-of-the-art facilities, which offer photography, painting, collage, ceramics, mixed-media, sculpture, printmaking, and woodworking. Lastly, their film program offers a comprehensive overview of all aspects of filmmaking. At the end of the year, budding filmmakers present their creations at the Léman Film Festival.     

Léman Manhattan Preparatory School Activities

Beyond the arts and athletics, Léman offers a wide range of activities. There are over 42 student-run clubs, which include the Debate Club and Volunteer Club, alongside a variety of affinity groups such as The Fem Club, The Hispanic Latino Club, and The Brazilian Association of Léman. Younger students can participate in after-school programs that have them attend specialty classes or engage in some good old-fashioned playtime.