Handbook
Admissions Policies
The school’s admissions process evaluates a student’s readiness on many levels. Parents of prospective students should attend a School Tour and/or Open House as part of the admissions process. Our preferred application deadline is January 1st for admission the following September.
Early Childhood
Acceptance is based on the Early Childhood faculty’s observations of the child’s physical and social readiness and the parents’ willingness to work with the principles of Waldorf education. All families with children applying to the Early Childhood program must complete an application. Children will be observed in small play groups and parents will be interviewed by representatives of the Early Childhood faculty. Faculty and staff children and children with older siblings in the school are given priority for acceptance.
First Grade
Acceptance is based on the Faculty’s observations of the child’s academic readiness, physical and emotional development, social skills and the parents’ familiarity with the commitment to the principles of Waldorf education. Faculty children, children with older siblings in the school, and Early Childhood students who have been enrolled in the Chicago Waldorf School are given priority for acceptance. Kindergarten age students must be enrolled for a minimum of 5 mornings in the Early Childhood program.
The Educational Support Teachers do an informal movement-based assessment of kindergarten students eligible for entry into 1st Grade the following school year to determine their level of readiness. Competence in areas such as balance, flexibility and coordination are observed. Students are also asked to draw a picture and some geometric forms. The most important aspect of readiness is the student’s ability to imitate and follow the teacher.
If there are concerns about a student’s readiness for 1st Grade, the Early Childhood faculty, in consultation with the Level Chair, Educational Support Teachers and Therapeutic Eurythmist, may ask the student’s parents to seek outside evaluation.
All families with students applying for 1st Grade must complete an elementary school application and parents will be interviewed by representatives of the Grade School.
Final admission decisions will be based on the above factors, faculty recommendations and space availability.
Ninth Grade
Acceptance is based on the application, essay, standardized test scores, recommendations, school records, attendance records, space availability and the parents’ familiarity with and commitment to the principles of Waldorf education.
All families with students applying to 9th Grade must complete a high school application and parents and students will be interviewed by representatives of the High School Faculty.
Final admission decisions will be based on the above factors and space availability.
Transfer Students
New students are admitted to the school when space is available and at the discretion of the class teacher or the class advisors. A complete application is required prior to an interview. Acceptance to the school is based on the application, interview, recommendations, school records, attendance records, space availability and parents’ familiarity with and commitment to the principles of Waldorf education. All transfer students are admitted to the Chicago Waldorf School on a three-month conditional basis. This gives both the faculty and the family an opportunity to discuss the student’s initial adjustment and identify what is necessary to ensure a successful transition to our school.
Please note that before a student is admitted to any class, the school must have:
• Records from previously attended schools. • A signed financial contract. • An Emergency/Permission form. • A current physician’s report. • An immunization record or waiver. • A copy of health insurance card.
Applications for students requesting a transfer during the school year will not be considered after March 1st.