Waterside School

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

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