Step One: Apply

Once you have access to the Admission Portal, you can move through the admissions process at your convenience.

THE ADMISSION PROCESS INCLUDES:

• Application Questions
• Essay requirement for rising 6th - 12th Grade
• Teacher Recommendation Forms
• Transcript Request Forms
• Parent Interview with the Head of School
• Student Shadow Day (Grades 1-12) or Assessment Day (Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten)

Interested in applying as an International Student? Please visit our International Student Program page for more information.

Step Two: Student Visit

A Shadow Day is required for any rising 1st through 12th grader interested in Wakefield School. This is an opportunity for your child/ren to experience life as a Wakefield student. They are assigned a “shadow buddy” who will show them around, introduce them to students and teachers, and give them a feel for what learning at Wakefield is like.

Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten applicants will participate in a January Assessment Day along with a few other applicants. Children will meet with various Lower School teachers to complete activities, as well as play with other children, while parents meet with some of our school administration. Once the application is submitted, the Office of Admissions will reach out to get this scheduled.

The admissions application must be completed, and application fee submitted, prior to participating in a Shadow Day.

Teacher recommendations and testing can be completed after their Shadow Day or Assessment Day.

Step Three: Parent Interview

When you choose an independent school, you are selecting a second-home for the entire family, not just your students). The parent interview allows you to meet our Head of School, Ashley Harper, and for her to get to know you. Once the application is submitted, we will reach out to schedule a meeting time. This can be done on-campus or virtually.

Step Four: ADMISSIONS APPLICATION DEADLINES

Application Deadlines for 2026 - 2027 School Year

February 1, 2026: Completed application deadline for March 7th admittance. Please note that the entire application must be completed in order for the file to go to the admissions committee for review.

February 1, 2026: Financial Aid Application must be completed along with the required tax documentation in order for the financial information to be reviewed by the financial aid committee. The Financial Aid will be rolled into the acceptance contract on March 7th.

March 6, 2026: Admissions decision will be emailed out to parents.

March 20, 2026: Parent response for accepted candidates and deposits due to guarantee a seat for your child.

Post March 6, 2026: Rolling Admissions (applications are assessed post March 6th as they are completed and admissions decisions are made immediately upon assessment). Parents’ signatures and deposit to the enrollment contract are due two weeks after admittance is granted. In circumstances where admissions is agreed upon in August or after school starts, we ask that the signatures and deposits are completed immediately upon receipt.

Candidates’ applications are reviewed for admittance after the start of school year as long as there is capacity in the grade.

Wait-pool: Students may be put in a waiting pool for a particular grade if enrollment for that grade is at capacity. Students remain in the waiting pool until spots become available throughout the summer and/or throughout the beginning of the new school vear.