Contact the Admission Office
P: 203–975–8579 ext. 206
F: 203–975–9655
Dear Prospective Parents,
Waterside School is an independent co-educational day school that opened in September of 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. We believe strongly that the best learning environment for children is one in which school and parents work together as partners. The hope is that every parent will always feel welcome at school, and feel completely at ease to call us at any time with a question or concern.
Currently 140 students are enrolled in junior kindergarten through grade five. In order to be eligible for the kindergarten class for the 2022-2023 school year, children must be five years of age by July 1, 2022. Eligibility for junior kindergarten requires that all applicants be five years old by December 31, 2022.
Waterside School provides a rare opportunity for your child to experience a quality independent school education. Waterside asks a great deal from a family – commitment, time, sacrifice, hard work – but it gives back a great deal as well, preparing your child for outstanding academic success.
Thank you for your interest in Waterside School.
Jamel Keels
Head of School
We look forward to getting to know you and your child. We accept admission applications for Junior Kindergarten – 4th Grade.
For 2022 – 2023School Year
Born Between the Dates Below Grades Applying to Enter Year of Graduation
Age Eligibility | Grade Applying to Enter | Year of Graduation |
7/1/2017 – 12/31/2017 | Junior Kindergarten | 2029 |
7/1/2016 – 6/30/2017 | Kindergarten | 2028 |
7/1/2015 – 6/30/2016 | First Grade | 2027 |
7/1/2014 – 6/30/2015 | Second Grade | 2026 |
7/1/2013 – 6/30/2014 | Third Grade | 2025 |
7/1/2012 – 6/30/2013 | Fourth Grade | 2024 |
To request a packet of information or to contact the Admission Office directly call (203) 975 8579 ext. 206, or email us at admission@watersideschool.org.
View a virtual tour of the School, meet the students and faculty, and learn more about the academic programs during an Open House on Sunday, October 17, 2021. Call our office at (203) 975 8579 ext. 206 to register.
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
• Birth Certificate
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
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.
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.
Contact the Admission Office
P: 203–975–8579 ext. 206
F: 203–975–9655
Tuition for the 2022-2023 school year is estimated to be $27,000. 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. Please fill out the Income Verification Form (link to pdf). 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:
Tuition does NOT INCLUDE:
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
Tuition for the 2022-2023 school year is $27,000. 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.
See Tuition Includes the Following for more information.
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.
Yes, students who are Stamford residents are eligible for bus transportation.
Yes, there is. Learn more by reviewing the Process section above.
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.
No, currently there is no second language offered.
No, while many students live in Stamford, the School has students from throughout Connecticut and New York state.