Admissions FAQ

Typically children most appropriate for our Preschool/Pre-K program will be at least 3.5 years-old and those entering Kindergarten will be 5 years-old by September 1 of the year they enter Valley. Children with a birthday close to the cutoff date may be considered during the admissions process. Contact Rebecca Klein to explore this option. 

We encourage families to begin the process one year prior to the year they would like to enroll (i.e. during the fall of 2025 for the September 2026-June 2027 school year). Most schools open applications in September. School tours, Open Houses, and other admissions events take place during the fall and winter.

Yes! While our deadline for first round applications is January 14, we offer rolling admissions following that date. To apply after January 14, start your application on Ravenna and contact Rebecca Klein to schedule a tour.

Yes! We are excited to share our campus with prospective families and know the tour and Q and A session are vital parts of the admissions process. Tours are on Wednesday and Friday mornings from November through February or by appointment. Please register for a scheduled tour in Ravenna. If you cannot make one of our scheduled tours, email Rebecca to set up a tour at another time. Tours are about 90 minutes and are for adults only.

Yes! There are several opportunities for children to visit campus. We welcome children and their families to attend our Playdates and Open Houses, and Fall Carnival, all non-evaluative opportunities to spend time on campus. See our Visit page for event details and registration. 

All applicants will attend an organized Child Visit in late February or early March, and these are a great time for our staff to see children in the classroom setting. Once your online application file is complete and you have completed your Family Conversation, you will receive a link to sign up for the Child Visit.

At The Valley School, there isn't just one quality or character trait that we look for in our students and families. Instead, we look for families who will help us build and create an ideal learning environment for each class.

Valley students who excel in our program are curious and willing to make mistakes. They ask questions, and explore the world around them. They show kindness to their peers and teachers, and are ready to engage in purposeful play, playful work, and the practice of community.

Valley families acknowledge that each child learns and thrives in their own way, and will create their own path to success with support and encouragement from their school environment. They are supportive and understanding of risks and mistakes, and show kindness to all Valley community members.

Students placed on the waitlist are a good fit for the Valley program, but space is not available for them. After the family decision deadline at the end of March, we will reach out to families on our waitlist regarding any available spaces.