The Process
5 STEPS TO APPLY
1. Getting Started
For most families, the application process begins through an introduction to our school. You may have heard about us from friends, family, fellow church members, or by attending an Open House. To learn if the Classical School of Wichita community is the right educational choice for your family we recommend you schedule an individual tour. Please call the school office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at (316) 773-9279 to schedule an appointment with Julie Kice, director of admissions.
We hope your family will fully embrace the CSW Classical Christian education model. In order to make the most of your partnership with us, it is important to understand what CSW does as a school and why. Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Douglas Wilson is a great book to read when investigating a Classical Christian education for your children. Another helpful resource is Dorothy Sayer’s essay, “The Lost Tools of Learning.”
2. Submitting an Application
Our admissions process begins when we receive a completed online application and submitted the application fee ($100 for a family’s first child and $50 for each additional child in the family who applies). For each applicant (except kindergarten applicants) we require a teacher recommendation and student grade cards or transcript for the current and previous school year. Transferring home school families should include a summary of coursework and any available standardized test results.
3. The Interview
The family or parent interview is a very important part of our admissions process. Once we receive a family application the Director of Admissions will coordinate a time to meet with both parents (and students applying to grades 6-12). This interview provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the educational community at CSW and a time for us to get to know more about your family and educational goals.
4. Student Assessment
Incoming kindergarten students are tested in order to determine their developmental readiness for CSW’s kindergarten curriculum and activities. We use materials from the Gesell Institute of Human Development and CSW’s evaluation materials. The assessment is administered by our kindergarten teachers in a 45 minute individualized time with the child. Please click here for a list of activities to help your child prepare for kindergarten at CSW.
Transferring students also are tested to ensure proper grade placement. This helps you to know what to expect as your child transfers to CSW from another curriculum.
5. Enrollment
After the previous four steps have been satisfactorily completed and it is apparent that CSW is a good fit for your student, you will receive enrollment contracts. Once these completed contracts are returned and enrollment fee paid, you will officially be a part of our school community.
Timing
Ideally, the process begins in the fall of the year prior to the academic year your student desires to attend. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis and spaces are offered as available. If an applicant and family are found to be admissible but no space is currently available, a family may be placed on a waiting list to be considered should a spot become available.