Admissions Process
Welcome to Waverly!
We hope you take a look through our website and learn more about our warm and caring community that fosters individual growth as a part of the progressive education model. At Waverly, we believe that students learn best when they are actively involved in their education, when they become responsible for their growth as students, when they are encouraged to work to their highest level, and when their learning is based on life experiences.
It is an honor to guide families through the admissions process and share the foundational experience and excellent education at The Waverly School. We often speak to cultivating curious, resourceful, confident learners, which is all made possible by our talented and student-centered faculty and staff. When educators know and understand the students they teach, it allows us to connect and challenge them to achieve in ways they never thought possible. Love of learning and not reciting information is key.
Last, please don’t forget: The Waverly School is the innovative leader in progressive education. As the region’s first school to offer Preschool ‑12 education, teach outdoor education utilizing a farm, provide detailed student narratives and assessments instead of generalized grades, use test-free admissions, and move away from traditional uniforms.
We can not wait to learn more about your family.
Come “Ride The Wave” with us!
Marsille I. Reed
Director of Admissions
Attend a Tour & Open House
Tours for parents and guardians are held by division — preschool & elementary school (PS — 6th) and middle school & high school (7th — 12th) — at the start of the school day. Tours include time with the head of school to learn about our program, a visit to classrooms, and an opportunity to ask questions of current Waverly parents. Sign up here to attend a tour!
*Due to COVID-19, in-person tours will be capped at 5 families and each guest must present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test from within 2 days of arrival.*
All in-person tours are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
The Waverly School Open House
We strongly encourage families to attend an open house. The open house is the student’s first opportunity to visit Waverly and to hear from the teachers directly about their classes. Open houses will be held in November (virtual) and January (in-person).
Deadline: February 1
Apply online by February 1! This is also the deadline for flexible tuition.
Student Visit
We will host student visitors beginning January 2022.
For students applying after the application deadline, please schedule a visit directly with the admissions office: admissions@thewaverlyschool.org.
No Tests Required
The Waverly School’s admissions process does not include formal testing, such as the ISEE. Our goal, instead, is to assess each student’s individual skill set to ensure that all students fall within an appropriate range of learning levels in any one class. We pay very careful attention to information provided in prospective students’ applications, including transcripts and teacher recommendations.
Teacher Recommendation Forms
Complete the top portion of the form and deliver it to the applicant’s current teacher. (7th-12th grade applicants need two teacher recommendations.) Teacher recommendations must be submitted in sealed letterhead envelopes from the appropriate school [helpful tip: provide addressed and stamped envelopes to your child’s teachers along with the recommendation form(s)]. Download a teacher recommendation form (PDF):
Transcripts
Complete the Transcript Release Form and submit it to the applicant’s current school (required for 3rd grade and above). Transcripts must be submitted in sealed letterhead envelopes from the appropriate school. Download a transcript request form (PDF).
Admissions Notification
Decision letters will be sent March 4th for first round applicants.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Waverly fosters an environment in which individual differences of race, ethnicity, biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, national origin, immigration status, ability and disability, physical characteristics, religious belief, and all aspects of identity are acknowledged and celebrated.
International Students
At this time, The Waverly School is not able to offer, process, or assist in the procurement of student visas (I‑20). Applicants must be able to provide proof of visa or other documentation demonstrating ability to attend non-public school in the United States before an application can be processed.
Important Dates: 2021 – 2022
Saturday, November 13, 2021 and Saturday, January 22, 2022
The Waverly School open houses: prospective applicants and their parents/guardians are invited to learn about classes and meet faculty members. Our November open house will be virtual and the January open house will be held in person.
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Farm open house.
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Applications due for new students; flexible tuition applications due for new and returning students.
Friday, March 11, 2022
Admissions notifications are sent to families.