Preschool & Kindergarten applicants visit in small groups of applicants on prescheduled dates. These visits are 30 minute “play dates” with a parent present. Preschool and Kindergarten teachers have a variety of fun activities available for the children and help children choose and engage in activities. The visit ends with clean-up and a closing circle with songs.

1st grade applicants visit for half a day in the morning in our current Kindergarten class. Applicants participate in regular classroom activities and curriculum including a short recess and snack time. Our Literacy & Math specialists meet with the applicant for a brief assessment. Your child needs to bring a snack, but will leave before lunch time.

2nd-5th grade applicants visit for a full day in the class of their current grade level. Applicants meet the teacher of the grade they are applying to and participate in regular classroom activities and curriculum including a morning and afternoon recess, morning snack, and lunch time. Your child should bring a snack and a lunch.

6th-8th grade applicants can choose to visit for a portion of the day, or have an interview with a member of our admissions team.

Applicants for Preschool must be three by September 30th. Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Applicants are required to be four, and five years old, respectively, by September 30th. The Boulder Valley public schools require all children to be 5 years old by September 30th to enter Kindergarten. By aligning with the public school age requirement, Friends’ students are not disadvantaged when leaving or entering public schools.

Yes.

No testing is required for students who apply to Friends School. A Literacy & Math assessment with our teachers is a part of 1st through Middle School student applicant visits.

When spaces are available and an applicant has completed all the steps in the application process, the applicant committee considers a number of factors in making admissions decisions. Some of these include:  appropriate fit for Friends School, siblings of returning students or alumni, and classroom make-up. Students with learning differences and special needs are considered on an individual basis if we feel we can provide a successful environment for the child. We may not be able to accept a child if we determine we cannot adequately accommodate the child’s needs and support the rest of the students in the class. Admissions decisions are made without regard to financial status and before a family is placed on the tuition scale or financial aid is awarded.

Yes. Friends School gives siblings of returning students and alumni admissions priority if the child is an appropriate fit for the class and for Friends School.

We are looking for students who are thoughtful and curious, and who are excited about learning. We are looking for students who are open to new experiences, new challenges and new relationships. We want children who are respectful and kind to others. Friends School wants students who are not perfect, but who are interested in being themselves and furthering their self-discovery.