Admission

Waterside School provides an equitable, enriching learning environment where each child is prepared to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Waterside partners closely with families to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and challenged. Through small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a vibrant community, we nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning that extends well beyond the classroom.

WELCOME

Dear Prospective Parents,

Greetings! Thank you for taking the time to inquire about Waterside School. Waterside is an independent co-educational day school that opened in September 2001. A safe, nurturing environment; a rigorous, challenging academic curriculum; a strong focus on developing character; an outstanding faculty; financial aid scholarship grants, and an integrated fine arts program are only a few of the features that make Waterside School a unique and special place for children.

The School provides a rare opportunity for your child to experience a quality independent school education. Waterside students not only excel academically, but in the various co-curricular activities we offer as well. In support of graduates, the School’s Alumni Support Program partners with students and their families beyond their Waterside graduation to provide assistance with college placement, scholarships, and internships.

We believe strongly that the best learning environment for children is one in which the School and parents work together as partners. Waterside asks a great deal from its families – commitment, time, sacrifice, hard work – but it also gives back a great deal, preparing each child for outstanding academic success.

Thank you for your interest in Waterside School.

Jessica Chang
Assistant Head of School

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL APPLICANTS

Expand

Grade Levels Available for 2026-2027 Enrollment

For the 2026-2027 school year, we are only accepting applicants for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten.

Grade Level Age Requirements

Before beginning an application, please review our age requirements for each grade level:

Grade Applying For	2026 – 2027 School Year	2027 – 2028 School Year	2028 – 2029 School Year
Junior Kindergarten	7/1/21 to 6/30/22	7/1/22 to 6/30/23	7/1/23 to 6/30/24
Kindergarten	7/1/20 to 6/30/21	7/1/21 to 6/30/22	7/1/22 to 6/30/23

PROCESS

Expand

STEP 1: Complete Online Application for Admission:
– Create your Blackbaud account.
– You will receive an email from “Waterside School Admissions Office” with account setup instructions. This email may take up to 10 minutes to arrive, so please check your inbox (and spam/junk folder) before trying again.
– Once activated, you’ll have access to your personalized admissions checklist, including the application.
-Final Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

STEP 2: Parent Interview & Child Assessment:
-Once your application has been processed, Waterside’s Director of Admissions will email you with instructions for scheduling the Parent Interview and Student Assessment. This will be a 2-hour block of time where both parents and the child must be present.

STEP 3: In-School Visit:
-Children who progress beyond the assessment phase will be invited to a half-day classroom visit, where they will engage in group activities with Waterside teachers.

STEP 4: Attend an Open House:
-Prospective families are encouraged to attend our Open House to tour the school, meet teachers and students, and learn more about our programs.
-Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
-Time: TBD

STEP 5: Financial Aid:
-Families of accepted students may apply for financial aid. No award decisions will be made until all required documents are submitted and a meeting with the Director of Financial Aid is completed.
-Contact La’Vandra Dupree with all Financial Aid questions:
-Phone: (203) 975 – 8579 ext. 202
-Email: Ldupree@Watersideschool.org
INQUIRE

Expand

If you would like to learn more about Waterside School, schedule a tour, or have questions about the admissions process, please reach out to our Director of Admissions, Corrie Donaldson, at cdonaldson@watersideschool.org. Corrie will be happy to connect with you and guide you through the process.
APPLY

Expand

We are excited that you and your child are interested in applying to Waterside School. Click HERE to begin our online application process.
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID

Expand

Guided by our mission, Waterside School exists to offer students of promise, particularly those whose families face financial or systemic barriers to independent school access, a path to opportunity and achievement.