Admissions

New Parent Information

Congratulations! Your child is about to become a RippKid!

We are delighted to offer your child admission to the school we love so much. Be on the lookout because we sent a school spirit box. When you receive it, feel free to post a photo of your child on Instagram with #RippSwag #RippKid #NewRippFamily.

Let's Make it Official

List of 5 items.

  • 1. Sign your enrollment agreement

    The deadline to accept is March 10, 2024.


    You should have received an email invitation from Rippowam Cisqua School Admissions inviting you to "Connect with Rippowam Cisqua School" via Blackbaud Services. Please accept the invitation and follow the instructions to create your login credentials for the RCS website. NOTE: Your credentials are based on the email address we have on file. On the Sign Up page, do not edit or change your email address. If you forgot your login credentials, please email webmanager@rcsny.org.  If you have questions regarding contracts, please email contracts@rcsny.org at (914) 244-1262. 
    Please log on to the RCS website where you will see a message that reads: You have: 1 Contract(s) to Accept. 
     
    Families who are in the Financial Assistance process will receive a separate communication with a link to their contract when awards have been made.
     
    Here are video instructions on accessing and completing your online enrollment contract. You will not receive a contract in the mail. If you have any questions about the contract, please email contracts@rcsny.org.
                  
     
     
    You will receive information from the Tuition Management System (SMART) once you have completed your contract.

  • 2. Submit your deposit

    A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total tuition is due upon the signing of the contract to secure your child’s place for the 2024-25 school year. You can make your payment after SIGNING THE ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT. The deposit is credited to tuition charges.

    This deposit is waived if you have applied for tuition assistance. This waiver is reflected in the contract. 
     

  • 3. Consider your payment options

    We offer flexible payment plans of 1x, 2x, or 10x to help you manage your costs.


  • 4. Review the tuition insurance plan

    Rippowam Cisqua School offers an optional tuition insurance plan. The fee for this insurance is based on 1.5% of your tuition. Parents can opt into this plan up until the start of the school year.

  • 5. Look at your transportation options

    Students arrive by car, the Rippowam Cisqua School bus, or by bus services provided by their local school district.

    • DISTRICT BUS SERVICE: New York state law requires that school districts provide transportation to students living within 15 miles of their non-public school at no extra charge. Students must be at least five years of age. Most school districts require notification by April 1. FIND OUT IF YOUR DISTRICT PROVIDES BUSING and download the forms.

    • RCS BUS SERVICE FOR LOWER WESTCHESTER and STAMFORD, CT FAMILIES: Rippowam Cisqua School provides bus service to families who live in lower Westchester County. The bus stops at Harrison Police Department, Larchmont, and a to be determined stop in Scarsdale in the morning and the afternoon.  A separate bus picks up from various locations in Stamford and varies year to year depending on student locations. A modest fee for this service is assessed separately from tuition. Please contact the Admissions office for more information.

    • CARPOOLING: Many Rippowam Cisqua School families choose to drive or carpool. Please contact the Admissions office if you are looking to pair up with a family in your area.

Questions & Connections

List of 7 items.

  • Communication Timeline

     
    Communication Timeline for New Families
    Spring
    • NEW FAMILY GATHERING Date TBD
    June
    • Welcome Packets (emailed to families)
    • Uniform guidelines and purchasing information
    • Lower and Upper School Quick Facts- Dismissal, School Hours. 
    • Snapshot Calendar
    • Summer Work and Reading Recommendations and Requirements 
     

    • “Class Connectors” will be assigned and they will connect regarding summer play dates.  (Please let us know if you have not heard from your Class Connector by mid-June)

    • Health forms will be emailed to all families for completion before the start of school. You may also access them on the school portal here. 


    July
    The RCS Admissions office is open all summer so feel free to reach out with any questions and concerns.  Admissions@rcsny.org or 914-244-1205.
     

     August
    Back to School Information email
    • Required Emergency Cards
    • 2024-25 Directory listing
    • Camping trip/field trip forms
    • Parent Association information
    • School Portrait and Class Photo registration
    • Class lists
    • Orientation invitation and information
    • IRIS (Immediate Response Information System) form 
      

    September - Back to School!
    Orientation in September: Details on your child’s individual plan for orientation will be included in an August mailing and direct contact from their new teacher! 


     

  • New Family Events

    Welcome, RippKids!

    We will be hosting a Welcome Party at Cushman House on May 30, at  4p.m.
     
    Rippowam Cisqua School
    439 Cantitoe Street, Bedford, NY 10506
    phone: (914) 244-1250

     

  • School Hours

    Students in PreKindergarten through fourth grade begin their school day at 8:20 a.m. Students in fifth through ninth grade begin their school day at 8:10 a.m. Dismissal times vary by grade. Fridays are a half-day. See below for a complete schedule:

    GradeMonday-ThursdayFriday
    Junior PreKindergarten (JPK)  8:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  8:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Senior PreKindergarten (SPK) and Pre-K (PK)8:20 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.8:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Kindergarten8:20 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.8:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Grades 1 - 28:20 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.8:20 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
    Grades 3 - 48:20 a.m - 3:25 p.m.8:20 a.m - 12:20 p.m.
    Grades 5 - 98:10 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.8:10 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.

  • Before and After Care

    Before school care: For parents that need an earlier start to their day, supervised care is available for students starting at 7:45 a.m. at no charge.

    AfterSchool@RCS - We offer two after school care (CAT) and after school classes. Classes end at 4:30 p.m. and after school care ends at 5:30 p.m Monday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. Costs vary.*

    Summer@RCS - Our summer program offers two weeks of fun-filled days jam-packed with learning, adventure, and play. All school-aged children in PreK through Grade 8 are welcome.*

    *If your family is receiving tuition assistance, you will receive a discount on the cost of the after school and summer program.

  • Lunch & Snacks

    Lunch and snacks are served daily Monday - Thursday for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 9. The cost is included in your child’s tuition.

    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.

    Students in PK and Senior Prekindergarten bring their lunch to school. Learn more about our lunch program.

  • School Uniform

    The basic uniform items may be purchased from the RCS School Store, Lands’ End, The Gap, Flynn & O’Hara, or primary.com.

    Early Childhood (PreKindergarten): A uniform is not required.  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 grades: Students must wear sneakers. No sandals or boots are permitted during the academic day.

    Quick Tips:     For K-Grade 4, plan on purchasing 3-5 jumpers. For Grades 5-9, plan on purchasing 2-3 kilts; they are durable. Gently used uniform items will be available at no charge as part of the RCS Uniform Swap which is available throughout the year.

  • School Calendar

    2024-25 Snapshot Calendar 

    We will mail a printed calendar during the summer, but please feel free to check the online calendar for the most up to date information year round.

Find Out More

Want to know more about school life or curriculum? Check out the FAQ section for more information. Please feel free to contact us at any time; we are here to help. Here are your contacts:

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Liz Hallock

    Liz Hallock 

    Director of Admissions
    914-244-1296
  • Photo of Lori Adelsberg

    Lori Adelsberg 

    Admissions Associate
    914-244-1205
  • Photo of Emily Hyland

    Emily Hyland 

    Dir. of Professional Development and Growth, Assoc. Dir. of Admissions, Lower School Coordinator
    914-244-1209

12 Reasons Your Child Will Love Being a RippKid

  • - Parent '28

    The teachers are experts at nurturing the heart and mind. We drop our daughter off at school each morning with the knowledge that her teachers know her so well that they'll be able to push her academically while supporting her emotional well-being. 
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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