The Special Music School of America, serving children from all five boroughs, combines regular academic classes with unusually rigorous musical training, including individual lessons from Russian-conservatory trained musicians. Admission is extremely competitive there are typically 350 kindergarten applicants for 15 spaces but the payoff for those who are accepted is great. The school is an unusual public-private partnership designed to offer New York City children the kind of musical training previously found only in the "spetsshkola," or special schools of the former Soviet Union.

"I loved this school! The teachers are amazing and the environment is very positive and warm. If you think your child is musical, she should definitely come here. The music department tailored... read more

"SMS offers incredible opportunity to musical (or might be musical) kids and families who can muster the dedication, in a warm, small environment. The downsides of tiny school community,... read more