Do I need to be a professional performer or athlete to attend Professional Children's School?

No. While many students are engaged in professional or pre-professional activities, PCS welcomes students who are passionate about their pursuits and committed to balancing academics with external interests.

How does PCS support students who need to be away for professional commitments?

PCS utilizes a Learning Management System to provide lessons, assignments, and materials online, allowing students to continue their studies remotely during professional absences.

What is the Guided Study program at PCS?

Guided Study allows students with ongoing professional commitments to study remotely with support from their teachers, ensuring they stay on track academically.

Are Advanced Placement (AP) courses available at PCS?

While PCS does not offer AP courses, it provides advanced-level classes such as Advanced Physics, Advanced Biology, and Advanced Calculus, which are recognized by colleges for their rigor.

Does PCS offer financial aid?

Yes. PCS offers need-based financial assistance to families, determined through the Clarity Application, to help make education accessible.

What is the admissions process for international students?

International applicants follow a similar process to domestic students, including an interview and submission of academic records. PCS is authorized to enroll nonimmigrant alien students and provides I-20 forms for F-1 visa applications.

What are the graduation requirements at PCS?

Students must earn a minimum of 18 credits, including specific requirements in English, history, and other core subjects. Many students graduate with 22 to 24 credits, exceeding the minimum.

Does PCS provide learning support for students with different learning needs?

Yes. PCS has a Learning Specialist who works with students to develop educational plans, offering support in organization, study skills, and subject-specific areas.

Are there extracurricular activities and clubs at PCS?

Yes. PCS offers various clubs and activities, including Yearbook, Student Association, Gay Straight Alliance, and more, accommodating students' diverse interests and schedules.

What is the school's approach to diversity and inclusion?

PCS is committed to fostering a community where all members feel safe and celebrated, actively embracing diversity and confronting prejudice and bias.

Giving at a Glance

Welcome to the Office of Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement. Our goal is to create lasting connections with our community members, building a culture of philanthropy and support that will further advance the mission of Professional Children’s School.

Tuition for PCS students helps to support our operating costs, but unfortunately it does not cover all of the School’s annual needs. The need for financial aid is a growing concern for independent school families in New York City, and this concern touches our school deeply. An average of 43% of PCS students receive need-based financial aid, enabling them to attend our school and empowering their families to make the best decision possible regarding the education of their students.

In partnership with current and alumni families, our Board of Trustees, and other PCS stakeholders, our office works to bridge the gap and raise funds to support our operating costs, growing financial aid needs, and empower more students through a PCS education.

Your support is an invaluable part of the School’s ability to celebrate young artists, athletes, and innovators through accessible education.

THE FUND FOR PROFESSIONAL CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

Our fundraising takes place under the umbrella of The Fund for Professional Children’s School, which encompasses all philanthropic contributions to the school, including unrestricted gifts, gifts to our Financial Aid Fund and other special funds for financial aid, contributions toward other special initiatives, and underwriting for and attendance at our Spring Gala. Unrestricted gifts go toward meeting PCS’s most pressing immediate needs.

Opportunities to Give

There are many opportunities to give to Professional Children’s School. Some special examples include:

The Annual Day of Giving
Each November, PCS celebrates the annual Day of Giving, an online fundraising drive that supports the Fund for Professional Children’s School. Parents, families, alumni, and Trustees come together to support PCS to help us reach our fundraising goal. We have surpassed $200,000 for 4 consecutive years!

Stay tuned for more information and visit the Day of Giving webpage.

The Annual Spring Gala
Each Spring, PCS celebrates our largest fundraising event in style with a stunning dinner, live performance from students, and the presentation of the PCS Legacy Award. This event typically includes a seated dinner, a cocktail reception, and a festive celebration in support of the PCS Financial Aid Fund. More information about the 2026 Spring Gala to come soon!

Aside from these events, anyone can make a donation at any time by contributing a gift online, mailing a check, or calling our office. Check out our Ways to Give to learn more.

Giving Levels

The PCS Office of Institutional Advancement recognizes gifts according to the following categories:

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
• Executive Producers Circle ($50,000 and above)
• Directors Circle ($25,000 – $49,999)
• Star Circle ($15,000 – $24,999)
• Diamond Circle ($10,000 – $14,999)
• Ruby Circle ($5,000 – $9,999)
• Platinum Circle ($2,500 – $4,999)
• Gold Circle ($1,000 – $2,499)

HONOR ROLL
• Patrons ($500 – $999)
• Supporters ($150 – $499)
• Donors (Up to $149)

Other Designated Funds

Financial Aid Fund
As a private, not-for-profit school, tuition pays the majority of the cost of our students’ education, but it doesn’t pay the full cost. In any given year, as many as 43% of PCS students receive need-based financial aid, enabling them to attend PCS. Year over year, the need for financial aid continues to increase.

The Dr. James Dawson Fund for Financial Aid
Created in recognition of James Dawson’s twentieth year as Head of School, The Dawson Fund provides additional tuition assistance to students pursuing the arts who could not otherwise afford a PCS education. We need your generous support to ensure the long-term success of the Fund.

The Carol Kleban Financial Aid Fund
On June 27, 2015, PCS lost a beloved longtime staff member and supporter of the school and a cherished friend of our community. Carol Kleban was tirelessly devoted to PCS for more than 36 years, serving as a Teacher, Principal, Associate Head of School, and most recently as our Alumni Liaison. Upon her passing, her family requested that funds made in her memory support PCS through the previously-established Carol Kleban Financial Aid Fund.

Alumni Financial Aid Fund
The Alumni Financial Aid Fund was established by our Alumni Association Council to encourage alumni support toward the financial aid needs of current and future PCS students. Alumni are encouraged to give generously toward this special fund named for the entire alumni community.

Second Century STEM Initiative
Our Second Century STEM Initiative was created to strengthen our academic offerings in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math in ways that will benefit all students regardless of their professional careers. Your gift to this fund will support our ongoing efforts in these areas.

Name Your Own Fund
When you create a Named Fund with Professional Children’s School, you are establishing a special fund in your name or in the name of someone you wish to honor or remember. Gifts can be unrestricted or restricted. Restricted opportunities include the naming of spaces in the building, such as a classroom space, funding for scholarships or financial aid, faculty support, technology, facilities and building improvements, and other areas where there are specific needs. Our office would be pleased to work with you to establish a named fund. Please contact advancement@pcs-nyc.org or 212-582-3116, ext. 115, to begin a conversation.

Gifts in Honor or Memory of a Loved One
You may choose to make your gift to PCS in honor or memory of someone you admire, respect or want to remember. If you indicate your preference, the Office of Institutional Advancement will send the person you designate a note informing them of your kindness. All honorary and memorial gifts are noted in the Annual Report. Please indicate with your gift any instructions you may have regarding gifts made in honor or memory of a loved one.