West End School Admissions

More than an opportunity.
A way to change your student’s life

Sending your student to the West End School is a big commitment that will yield bigger results. This safe, secure learning environment focuses on one-on-one instruction that will change how students learn and grow.

Admissions Timeline for 2027-2028 School Year

July 1, 2026

Admissions Portal opens for the 2027–2028 school year for Boys Pre-K through 7th and Girls Pre-K through 4th.

January 31, 2027

Priority Admissions Window Closes

February 6, 2027

Assessments for Grades 1 through 7

March 6, 2027

Assessments for Pre-K and K

March 31, 2027

All students who attended Assessment Dates will be notified of their scholarship status.

April 1 to August 1, 2027

Admissions process open to fill any remaining openings for the 2027–2028 School Year

First Day of School

TBD

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (GRADES Pre-K-5th)

At West End School (WES), we strive for academic excellency that prepares our racially, culturally, and socio-economically diverse students with the skills and confidence to chase the paths they choose – college, career, and beyond. Historically, WES has served scholars in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. In August 2025, West End School expanded our program to girls in grades Pre-K, Kindergarten 1st and 2nd. WES will add a new class of girls each year until we have girls in grades Pre-K to 8th grade. We offer an academically rigorous program in a safe, structured environment where students become life-long learners and are challenged to excel. Classes are small—fifteen students or fewer—allowing for more individualized learning.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOARDING PROGRAM ( BOYS GRADES 6th-8th)

In grades six through eight, the academic experience for WES students is enriched by our mandatory boarding school program. By boarding, our young men learn leadership, independence, responsibility, and decision-making skills that will serve them well in life. We have an outstanding team of caring, attentive dorm faculty who live on campus to support the academic and character development of our young men.

CRITERIA

All Pre-K applicants must be four years old by August 1st, 2027.

  • West End School accepts male students entering grades Pre-K through 7th and female students entering grades Pre-K through 3rd
  • Applicants must demonstrate potential to meet high academic expectations.
  • Applicants must demonstrate capacity to contribute positively to our school community.

Process

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Joining West End School (WES)?

We are excited to partner with you! To ensure a smooth admissions process, please submit your application as soon as possible and work closely with our admissions team to provide all required documents so they can schedule your child’s assessment.

Once all assessments are complete, our Admissions Committee will review your child’s application and scores to determine admission and scholarship eligibility.

Required Documentation

The admissions team will guide you through the process and contact you if any additional information is needed. Please be prepared to provide:

  • Official transcripts

  • Immunizations

  • Child’s birth certificate

Important Enrollment Note: Please note that we are currently not accepting applications for girls entering 5th through 8th grade.

Have Questions? Please visit our Q&A Section, which contains detailed information regarding our process, timelines, and frequently asked questions.

Start Application

If you have questions, please contact the admissions office at admissions@westendschool.org.

What is the application deadline for the 2027–2028 School year?

  • The priority deadline is January 31st. Please note that applications can still be submitted after that date, but will be lower in priority ranking.

West End School selects students with varying academic abilities. Some are gifted students to those who have not yet reached their academic potential. All children will be evaluated through the Admission Assessment process.

Yes, boarding is mandatory for boys in grades 6th through 8th grade on Monday through Thursday night. Sunday night is an optional return at 7:00 PM. Each Friday at 3:30, Middle School students are picked up by their families to spend a weekend at home.

West End will certainly prepare students for college but we also recognize the value of trade schools and active employment within the community. Our school focus is for students to be both/either “College or Career Ready.” Our main goal is for each scholar to lead a purposeful life that leverages their unique talents and capabilities.

The admissions committee selects students who they feel will benefit most from the style of educational program we offer. We strive to have learners form various academic levels and backgrounds.

In order to maintain an optimal learning environment, we limit our class sizes to 20 students and below.

Each student is assessed and evaluated by using an admissions rubric. Siblings and other children defined by tax law as a dependent, are given 5 additional points on the grading rubric. While this doesn’t guarantee admission, it provides a significantly increased opportunity for admission.

7:45 AM: Doors open 

8:15 AM: Start of the school day begins with attendance at Morning Meeting

3:15 PM: Dismissal for Pre-K Students

3:30 PM: Dismissal for grades K through 5th Grade (Middle School students remain on site.)

Yes, we do not have a bus system for our school. All scholars must have transportation to and from school for grades Pre-K through 5th grade. Our Middle School students remain on site.

  • We would love to show you around! Tour spaces are limited. To reserve your spot, please email admissions@westendschool.org with your preferred date. All tours begin promptly at 8:10 AM.

  • Grades 1-7 Applicants: Saturday, February 7, 2026

  • PreK and Kindergarten Applicants: Saturday, March 7, 2026

To receive an invitation for assessment testing, every applicant (PreK-7) must have the following documents on file with the Admissions office. We encourage you to provide these as soon as possible:

  • Official Birth Certificate

  • Up-to-Date Immunization Certificate

Applicants for Grades 1-7 must also provide school records. The Admissions office will send you a Request for Information form to authorize us to obtain those records.

Yes. West End School is proud to be accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). [Click here to learn more about what this means for our scholars.]