Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in the Hunter College Elementary School (HCES). HCES is the kindergarten through sixth grade laboratory school of the City University of New York. The Hunter College High School is the laboratory school for grades seven through twelve. Together they are the Hunter College Campus Schools, governed by Hunter College.

Hunter College Elementary School (HCES) is a publicly funded (tuition free) school that serves a diverse population of children who have been identified as intellectually talented. The Hunter curriculum is characterized by high expectations and designed to facilitate the development of students’ creative and critical thinking skills. Hunter students’ individual interests define curriculum implementation. The program at HCES enables students to examine topics in great depth, to accelerate their learning when appropriate, and to strive for a high standard of processing and articulating ideas.

The mission of Hunter College Elementary School is to nurture the social and emotional development of its students by encouraging them to be caring, compassionate, and responsible citizens. Hunter seeks to prepare its students to be life-long learners, leaders, and thinkers. The positive relationships established between children and teachers are fundamental. This is accomplished in an environment that celebrates the cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of its unique educational community.

We realize that searching for a kindergarten that is a good match for your child’s needs is not an easy task and, although exciting, it can be an anxious time, as well. We hope that the information we give in the admissions pages is helpful and eases your concerns.

The Kindergarten Admissions Process for Fall 2009

The only entry point for the Hunter College Elementary School (HCES) is at the kindergarten level. All applicants must meet the age and residency requirements. Each year, 50 students are admitted to the kindergarten program. Entering classes are comprised of an equal number of boys and girls. HCES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.

Far more eligible children seek admission than can be admitted. In an effort to make the opportunity to attend HCES available to as many families as possible, Hunter College Campus Schools does not grant preference to the siblings of children currently or previously enrolled at the Campus Schools. Every applicant is evaluated on his/her individual merits. If a child is applying at the same time as a sibling or twin, admission of one family member does not affect the admission for the other.

The deadline for completed applications for Kindergarten was Wednesday, November 18th. Applications will no longer be accepted. For those who completed applications and Stanford-Binet 5 testing with an approved psychologist, Round 1 decision letters will be mailed on December 21st, 2009. The cut off scores will be posted on this site at the same time.

Please click here for the elementary school admissions process (pdf)

Click here for the 2009 2010 admissions timeline

What does "gifted" mean? Click here to find out (pdf)

Please take the time to read the admissions information carefully. If you are unable to download the forms, we will be happy to send them to you. Write to us at:

Admissions Office
Hunter College Elementary School
71 E. 94th Street
New York, NY 10128.

You can also email us at HCESAdmit@hccs.hunter.cuny.edu.