New Yorkers Seek Private Schools Following Mamdani’s Win

Zoran Mamdani’s recent election victory is prompting many New Yorkers to consider relocating, particularly to private schools outside the city.

Since the election results were announced, school placement consultant Christopher Lim has been approached by over 20 families expressing interest in moving. They are seeking assistance to enroll their children in prestigious private high schools and middle schools in other states.

“Just 30 minutes after the Associated Press reported Mamdani’s win, we received three inquiries from families eager to relocate,” said Lim, who leads Command Education.

Some families had reached out to him earlier, voicing concerns even during the summer. “A few months back, they were already saying, ‘I’m not sure what will happen if he wins,’” he noted.

It seems that some families anticipated this outcome, as six of Lim’s clients decided to move to areas like Greenwich and Riverside in Connecticut before the start of the school year.

“They mentioned, ‘He’s going to win, there’s no point in waiting,’” Lim recalled.

Many families who have contacted him are already enrolled in top-tier schools in New York City, such as Trinity and Riverdale. Their children span from third grade to high school, and a significant number are Jewish, expressing worries about rising anti-Semitism and Mamdani’s stance on Israel.

“Parents have shared their concerns about safety in everyday life,” Lim explained. “I don’t think this is primarily about financial issues like taxes. It feels more about their sense of security.”

In a related move, Rabbi Mark Schneier from Hampton Synagogue announced plans for the area’s first full-time Jewish school, anticipating an influx of Jewish families relocating to the Hamptons to escape the perceived anti-Semitic climate in New York.

A pre-election poll indicated that 9% of New Yorkers were certain about relocating after Mamdani’s win, with an additional 25% contemplating it.

Lim’s clients are mostly interested in schools in Florida, such as American Heritage in Plantation, Lehman Day School in Miami Beach, Pinecrest in Fort Lauderdale, and several others in Miami and Boca Raton.

New Jersey and Connecticut schools, like Saddle River Day School and Dwight Englewood, are also on their radar. However, many are simply looking to leave New York altogether.

“Parents tell me they want to attend these schools, but if that doesn’t work out, they’re eager for alternatives,” Lim noted.

Experts suggest families will face significant hurdles in applying to these highly selective schools on short notice.

“Even with connections, a strong application is vital, and gathering letters of recommendation can be a challenge,” Lim cautioned. “Many kids just aren’t prepared for this process.”

Despite having attended top schools in New York City, these families will find the admission process to Florida schools significantly tougher. Lim remarked, “Getting into schools like Trinity in New York wasn’t too hard, but Florida schools present a much higher level of competition.”

Additionally, Lim shared that some families have even removed NYU and Columbia from their college application lists, not wanting their children to remain in New York under Mamdani’s leadership.

“These families were already contemplating a move. Mamdani’s election simply provided the final push they needed towards New Jersey, Connecticut, or Florida,” Lim explained.