"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education."
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
WSD Admissions
Apply Today
A Thoughtful, Welcoming Process for Every Family
We’re honored that you’re considering the Waldorf School of DuPage for your child’s education. Our admissions process is designed to help you experience the heart of our school while ensuring we are the right fit for your child’s unique needs and your family’s educational goals. This three-part process allows us to build a strong foundation of trust, communication, and alignment as we welcome new families into our community.
We look forward to getting to know your family. If you have questions or would like support at any point during the admissions process, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Application Deadlines
We understand plans can change. If you're applying outside these dates, please email us first to check class availability.
-
March 15: Priority Application Deadline
April 15: Final Application Deadline
Note: We will accept applications after April 15 on a space-available-basis.
We are able to accept children in any class for the fall 2026 semester at this time.
-
Applications for Spring 2027 will open October 1.
All students joining us for the spring 2027 semester must have a start date on or before May 1.
-
March 15: Priority Application Deadline
April 15: Final Application Deadline
Note: We will accept applications after April 15 on a space-available-basis. Please check with admissions@waldorfdupage.org to see if there’s capacity in the grade of interest.
Application Steps
If you're hoping to start mid-year, please plan for a timeline of about 3–4 weeks from the time you submit your application to your child’s first day of school. We're here to support you through each step of the application and enrollment process.
-
Once you’ve decided to move forward, you can submit your application through our secure online platform, FACTS.
In addition to the standard application, we may request the following supplemental materials (as applicable):IEPs or 504 Plans
Transcripts or progress reports
Educational or developmental evaluations
A letter of reference
Please note: There is a $100 non-refundable application fee to help cover administrative costs.
-
Early Childhood (PreK & K) Summer Visits:
Applicants will be invited to join us July 13 & August 10 for Summer Visit Days.
Grades 1-8 Summer Visits: A 2-day visit experience.
July 13 & 14: 8:00-1:15
August 3 & 4: 8:00-1:15
We will be inviting applicants to join us for our WSD Discovery Days.
On these days, applicants and currently enrolled children will move experiences that are part of a typical WSD morning including: Main Lesson, snack, recess, a skills class (ex: math), and a subject class (ex: handwork), and lunch.
Following the group discovery day, applicants will work with a current WSD faculty member to complete assessments in reading, writing, and math.
Academic Year Visits:
After receiving your application, we will schedule a classroom visit for your child within two weeks.
This visit gives students a chance to engage with our teachers, classmates, and curriculum—while allowing us to better understand your child’s learning style and needs.
Early Childhood & Kindergarten applicants will join us for the morning portion of the day from 8:00-12:15.
Fall 2027 Applicants for early childhood and kindergarten will visit on one of the following 2027 dates:
February 27
March 19
April 10
April 30
May 21
Grades students (1st–8th) will attend for 1-2 full academic days (7:45-2:50).
-
Following your child’s classroom visit, you’ll receive an admissions decision via email within one week.
If accepted, we’ll hold your child’s spot for two weeks to give your family the time and space to thoughtfully consider your next steps and move through the enrollment process.
This is the ideal window to complete and submit your enrollment packet (and application for tuition assistance) via FACTS if you choose to join our school community.
We’re here to support you as you make this important decision, and we’re happy to answer any final questions along the way.
Application Review Process
Initial Application Review
Once an application is submitted, the Director of Enrollment reviews the application to ensure the application is complete and accurate information. Then, the faculty (and potentially Care Group) are looped in as we work to set up visit dates.
If there are indicators for Care Group involvement such as: IEP, 504, history of speech, PT, and/or OT, etc then Care Group will plan to observe a portion of the visit in addition to the faculty.
Note that if Care Group cannot observe a child with possible support indicators, we will reschedule the visit to ensure a consistent process for all applicants.
Note that starting in 3rd grade, any student who is not fluent in English must submit a TOEFL Primary Exam score demonstrating a B1 proficiency level to be admitted.
Visit Day Observations
During the visit days, faculty will assess various skills and note observations on our review form. Topics include things like: class participation, emotional maturity, academic level (in relationship to their age and peers), and ability to engage in a classroom setting, etc.
Coming to a Decision
When rendering an admissions decision, we will review the application, supporting materials, and observation notes. At least two employees will review every applicant to ensure fairness and consistency in our process.
Sharing the Admissions Decision
Families can expect an admissions decision 10 days or less after the final visit day via email. In the event a child is denied admission, we are happy to have a phone call to further discuss our observations and suggestions moving forward.
Partners on the Journey
When making admissions decisions, we hold two guiding questions at heart. Above all, our intention is to welcome only those children we feel truly ready to support. We never want to be a barrier (or a misstep) in a child’s educational journey.
First, we consider whether a child is developmentally ready for our program, including both social and academic maturity.
Next, we reflect on whether our school is equipped to meet the individual needs of the child before us. We thoughtfully explore their learning style and any support needs in relationship to the resources we currently have available.
We believe every child deserves access to a meaningful and supportive education. In honoring that, we commit to admitting only those students we believe can grow within the boundaries of what we offer. If we feel that we are not a good fit, we will be transparent with our observations and provide suggestions for your consider as you continue to find the right educational home for your child.
Enroll at WSD
Interested in joining us for Spring 2027?
Thank you so much for your interest in our school. We’re delighted that you’re considering Waldorf education for your family, and we’re looking forward to getting to know both you and your child in the months ahead.
If you’re hoping to apply for more than one child, it’s helpful to begin gathering your thoughts now — there will be space in the application to reflect on each child you’d like us to consider for enrollment.
We encourage you to submit your application as soon as you feel ready. Every applicant is required to attend a class visit, and coordinating those visits thoughtfully takes time. The sooner we receive your application, the more flexibility we’ll have in scheduling a meaningful visit for your child.
Again, we’re so glad you’re here, and we’re excited to walk alongside you on this journey.
