Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start the application process?

What is the most common grade of entry to school? Do you accept applications to all grades?

How do you make admission decisions?

How do you use the testing information?

What is your age policy?

What is your sibling policy?

How are parents involved in the school community?

Where do your graduates typically go after 8th grade?

When should I start the application process?
Families interested in applying to SCDS should begin the process during the fall one year prior to the anticipated enrollment of their child.

What is the most common grade of entry to school? Do you accept applications to all grades?
Kindergarten and third grade are our most popular entry points. SCDS begins in kindergarten; we receive the bulk of our applications at this grade level. The next most popular entry point is 3rd grade. We add a section of up to 12-14 new students in this grade. We do accept applications to all other grades, and enrollment will be offered as spaces become available to qualified applicants. Wait Pools are established after the application process is complete; this list is referred to whenever an opening occurs. Wait Pool lists do not roll from year to year.

How do you make admission decisions?
The goal of our admission process is to find the best fit between the school and the students we enroll. We work hard to ensure that the students we enroll will be successful in our program. All aspects of the student’s admission file and visit are taken into consideration when making admission decisions. We review the IQ score, Parent Questionnaire, Teacher Evaluations, Transcripts, information from the student visit, and any in-house assessment or other testing. The Admission Committee is made up of Division Heads and Faculty from across the grades, as well as the Director of Admissions and Head of School.

How do you use the testing information?
Applicants are required to take the WPPSI III or the WISC IV (depending on age) and must score in the top three percent in their Full Scale Score. There are a number of sub-tests that make up the various scores leading to the Full Scale. Each one of these sub-tests is reviewed for areas of strength, relative weaknesses, or significant gaps. This information, along with the narrative provided by the psychologist, are all taken into consideration during the admission process.

What is your age policy?
Students applying to kindergarten must be 5 years old by August 31st of their kindergarten year. Please note: If your child has attended a full-day kindergarten program, then he/she must apply for our first grade regardless of age. If you have any questions regarding whether this applies to your student, please contact the Director of Admissions for clarification.

What is your sibling policy?
SCDS is committed to our families and admits qualified siblings to our program. The process for admission is the same as for any applicant. Sibling status is taken into consideration, but admission is not guaranteed. Children and grandchildren of alumni and staff are given the same consideration. The goal, as with all admission decisions, is to ensure that each child has a successful experience at Seattle Country Day School.

How are parents involved in the school community?
Parents are the backbone of our school community and participate in the school in a multitude of ways. There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the year at varying levels of time commitment. All parents are automatically a member of the Parent Council, which supports the school through its classroom reps, committees, and annual fundraising events. Although parents do not volunteer directly in the classroom, there are many opportunities to support the students and teachers through participation on field trips, special projects, expert days etc.

Where do your graduates typically go after 8th grade?
Our students matriculate to independent, public, and parochial schools throughout the greater Seattle area as well as to the University of Washington Early Entrance Program and some boarding schools. Seattle Country Day School graduates have a reputation within the secondary school community for being strongly prepared for and enthusiastic about the academic rigors of high school. The school provides support and assistance to our 8th grade students and their families in their search for the school that will best meet their needs.

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