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.

Currently, 148 students are enrolled in junior kindergarten through grade five. To be eligible for the kindergarten class, in the 2024-2025 school year, children must have turned four years old by July 1, 2023. Eligibility for junior kindergarten requires that all applicants be four years old by December 31, 2023.

Thank you for your interest in Waterside School.

Jamel Keels
Head of School

PROCESS

  • Step 1: INQUIRE
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    We look forward to getting to know you and your child. We accept admission applications for Junior Kindergarten – 4th Grade.

    2024 – 2025 School Year

    See below for age eligibility for the 2024-2025 school year:

    Dates Born Between Grade Applying to Enter Year of Graduation
    7/1/2019 – 12/31/2019 Junior Kindergarten 2031
    7/1/2018 – 6/30/2019 Kindergarten 2030
    7/1/2017 – 6/30/2018 First Grade 2029
    7/1/2016 – 6/30/2017 Second Grade 2028
    7/1/2015 – 6/30/2016 Third Grade 2027
    7/1/2014 – 6/30/2015 Fourth Grade 2026

     

    To request an application packet or to contact the Admission Office directly call (203) 975 8579 ext. 206, or email us at bporter@watersideschool.org.

  • Step 2: ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE
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    Take a tour of the School, meet students and faculty, and learn more about the academic programs during an Open House on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 1:00pm. Registration starts at 12:30pm. Call our office at (203) 975 8579 ext. 206 to register. Sign up now

  • Step 3: APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
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    Upon receipt of the Application for Admission, Waterside will invite parents to the School for a tour and interview with a member of the admission team. An application for Waterside includes:

    • Application for Admission Form
    • $10 application fee
    • Current photograph of the applicant
    • Original birth certificate

    Completed application form is due by December 15, 2023. Applications received after December 15th will be considered as space becomes available.

  • Step 4: SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION MATERIALS
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    Completed Admission File — In addition to the Application for Admission the following are to be submitted for a child to be considered for admission to Waterside School:

    • Report Card for the current school year and previous school year
    • Proof of Citizenship or legal residency if parents were not born in United States of America

  • Step 5: Classroom Assessment and Admission Testing
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    Junior-Kindergarten & Kindergarten
    Completion of individual readiness assessment scheduled by a member of the Admission Office. Applicants are required to attend a scheduled group visit with a team of Waterside teachers. Arrangements will be made by a member of the Admission Office.

    Grades 1 through 4
    A student readiness assessment for grades 1 and 2 or entrance exam for grades 3 and 4 is required for admission to Waterside School. Arrangements will be made by a member of the Admission Office.

  • Step 6: SCHOOL VISITATION
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    A full day classroom visit is required for all applicants grades 1 – 4. Arrangements will be made by the Admission Office. Details about the day will be sent prior to the scheduled visit.

REQUEST INFORMATION

Contact the Admission Office

P: 203–975–8579 ext. 206
F: 203–975–9655

ADMISSION FORM

The following form is available for download. When submitting the application, please include your child’s birth certificate and current photograph.

TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID

Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is estimated to be $28,000. All accepted families receive some form of financial assistance from Waterside School. No final determination will be made without completed documents and a required meeting with the Director of Financial Aid. For more questions about the Financial Aid process at Waterside School, please contact La’Vandra DuPree by calling (203) 975 8579 ext. 202, or by email to ldupree@watersideschool.org

Parent Contract
In addition to the child’s enrollment contract, parents receive a parent contract, which outlines what is expected of them as Waterside parents. When parents sign this contract, they are promising to fulfill their responsibilities to the best of their ability. When deciding whether or not to invite children back to Waterside each year, one of the main factors The School considers is the degree to which their parents have upheld this promise.

Student Pledge
Included in the enrollment packet for students in Grades 2-5 will be the Waterside Student Pledge, which outlines what is expected of a child as a Waterside student. The School asks that parents read through this carefully and in detail with their children as they are signing, and discuss how they can help their children keep the promises in this pledge.

Payment Plans
Waterside School strives to make tuition affordable for parents, and to arrange a payment plan that works for every family. The financial aid coordinator is available to assist parents in establishing and sticking to a plan that will be most helpful in their circumstances.

Tuition includes the following:

  • School tuition
  • Breakfast, lunch and snacks
  • Extended school day until 4 pm
  • All standardized testing
  • School uniform
    • Boys will receive two navy v-neck sweaters with the Waterside logo as well as two shirts for PE
    • Girls will receive two jumpers, two navy cardigans with the Waterside logo and two shirts for PE
  • Half the cost of school field trips
  • Academic support services, including extra help, tutoring, speech and language therapy
  • Most clubs and after school activities
  • Parent Association Dues
  • Half the cost of optional music lessons (violin, viola, piano)
  • Student and family support and counseling services
  • Parent Academy and other parent education programs
  • 5th Grade Saturday Academy from September through December in preparation for the Independent School Entrance Exam

Tuition does NOT INCLUDE:

  • Parent Association Dues $75
  • School Yearbook
  • Half the cost of all field trips
  • School supplies
  • Summer camp fee
  • Half the cost of optional music lessons (violin, viola, piano)
  • Cost of child care during extended day (estimated $7 per day)
  • Additional Uniform Pieces (parents must purchase, see below)

Boys need: navy blue or khaki pants, white shirts (can be button down or polo shirts with collars), navy blue shorts for PE, navy blue socks, black or brown leather shoes, sneakers for PE

Girls need: white blouses or polo shirts, navy blue shorts for PE, navy blue socks or tights, black or brown leather shoes, sneakers for PE

FAQS

  • How much is the tuition?
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    Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is $28,000. However, all of our accepted families receive some form of financial aid. Once an offer of admission is made, parents will be informed regarding financial aid.

  • What is included in the tuition?
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    See Tuition and Financial Aid above for more information.

  • What happens after the fifth grade?
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    The mission of the School is to prepare students to gain access to superior academic opportunities. In the spring of their fourth-grade year, the placement process begins. Each family will work closely with the Director of Placement to select and apply to compatible middle schools. The School offers independent school test preparation and small workshops to address all aspects of the placement process. See the Independent School Placement page for a list of schools to which our graduates have earned admission and scholarships.

  • Is there transportation?
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    Yes, students who are Stamford residents are eligible for bus transportation.

  • Is there an age cutoff?
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    Yes, there is. Learn more by reviewing the Process section above.

  • Is there an after school program?
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    The School offers an afternoon childcare program from 4:00pm – 5:30pm every day. There is a fee of $7/day that is not included in the tuition. Learn more about our After-School Programs.

  • Do we offer instruction of a second language?
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    No, currently there is no second language offered.

  • Do I have to live in Stamford to attend?
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    No, while many students live in Stamford, the School has students from throughout Connecticut and New York state.