International Preschools

International Preschools, Inc. describes its teaching philosophy as play-based learning: children learn naturally through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences, with teachers intentionally guiding play to build social-emotional, language, and academic skills. Its curriculum emphasizes activities and skill development over rote content, using themed classroom centers, structured routines, and a globally aware, multicultural approach that helps children understand both shared and different aspects of individuals and cultures. (ipsnyc.org)

For the 2026–2027 preschool year, IPS says applications are open for children born on or before September 1, 2024, and families start by submitting the online application plus a $75 per-child fee; applicants seeking financial aid are told to contact admissions first for a fee-waiver code. (ipsnyc.org) After applying, families are invited to a parent tour, with tours offered from mid-October 2025 through February 2026, and optional admissions-evening and parent Q&A events are also available. (ipsnyc.org) IPS then requires a 3-minute child video (accepted January 5–16, 2026) and an in-person observational playdate on February 13, 2026; if the child is already enrolled in another preschool, an ISAAGNY teacher report is due by January 30, 2026. (ipsnyc.org) Key dates listed are: applications begin August 1, 2025, sibling applications are due October 31, 2025, decisions are emailed on February 26, 2026, and accepted families must return the signed contract and non-refundable deposit by noon on March 5, 2026. (ipsnyc.org) I did not find a published waitlist policy on the admissions pages I reviewed, and the only explicit priority/special category stated there is siblings of children who have attended any IPS program, who are asked to contact the director of admissions before applying; mid-year applicants are also asked to contact admissions directly. (ipsnyc.org)