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.

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.

Corrie Donaldson
Director of Admissions

The Admissions Process

Everything you need to know before applying to Waterside

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Grade Availability
For the 2027 – 2028 school year, seats are available only in Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten.

Age Eligibility
Waterside follows the below age cutoff policy to ensure the best developmental fit for each grade. There are no exceptions.

– To apply for Junior Kindergarten for the 2027-2028 school year, your child must be born between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.
– To apply for Kindergarten for the 2027-2028 school year, your child must be born between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.

What are the steps of the entire Admissions process?
– Submit online application (link below)
– Parent/guardian interview
– Student assessment
– School visit (“Open House” and/or “Super Saturday”)
– Admissions decision notification (To be sent on 2/19/27 via email)

Key Dates for the 2026–2027 Admission Season
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 → Online Application Opens. Note: Applications will be reviewed, and families will receive confirmation and interview scheduling details after September 21.
Sunday, October 25, 2026 → Open House
Saturday, December 5, 2026 → Super Saturday #1
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 → Online Application Closed
Saturday, January 23, 2027 → Super Saturday #2
Friday, February 19, 2027 → Admissions Decision Notification Emails Sent via Email
Friday, February 26, 2027 → Decision Confirmations Due

What happens after I submit an application?
You will receive a confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted. All applications will be reviewed after September 21, and families will then be contacted to schedule a parent/guardian interview and a Student Assessment

Do you give preference to siblings or alumni families?
All applicants complete the same admissions process and are evaluated based on overall fit for Waterside’s program. We do give consideration to siblings of current students, as we value supporting families within our community; however, admission is not guaranteed and decisions are made based on each child’s readiness and the needs of the class.

How competitive is admissions? What percentage of applicants are accepted?
Waterside is a small school of approximately 148 students, with limited openings each year. We enroll 16 Junior Kindergarten students annually and typically have about 4 Kindergarten openings, depending on the class. As a result, admission is competitive. We do not focus on a set acceptance rate, but instead evaluate each applicant holistically, considering both individual fit and the needs of the class.

When are Admissions decisions released?
Families will receive their child’s admissions decision via email on Friday, February 19, 2027. Families will then have one week to formally accept or decline the offered seat.

What do the decisions mean?
Accepted → Offered a seat
Waitlisted → Strong candidate, no current space
Not Accepted → Unable to offer a seat at this time

Is the waitlist ranked?
No. The waitlist is not numbered or ranked. When a space becomes available, we thoughtfully review our waitlist and make a decision based on several factors, including classroom needs (age, gender balance, etc.) and/or overall fit for the specific opening. Because of this, movement off the waitlist is not first-come, first-served, but rather based on what will best support the composition of the class. Families will be contacted directly if a space becomes available.

“I didn’t receive an email – what should I do?”
Check spam/junk
Search: “Waterside Application Update”
Call the school if needed – we’ll resend it

HOW TO APPLY

CLICK HERE to create a Blackbaud Parent Portal Account.

Note: The application is not complete until you pay the $10 application fee.

Maternity Leave Notice: Ms. Donaldson is currently on maternity leave and will return on September 21, 2026. Beginning September 21, she will review applications and contact families to schedule admissions interviews. Thank you for your patience!