PreK & Kindergarten Application Process

The early years are some of the most important in a child’s education. At Unquowa, PreK and Kindergarten are intentionally designed around how young children learn best: through exploration, movement, play, conversation, and hands-on discovery.

Step 1: Visit Unquowa

We encourage parents and guardians to begin with a personal tour of campus. You’ll see our classrooms in action, learn more about our approach to the early years, and have time to talk with a member of the Admission team.

Complete our inquiry form to schedule your visit. 

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Submit your child’s online application form through our application portal. Once you submit your application form, our admission team will help you request a recommendation and keep you informed about the status of your required next steps.

Step 3: Early Childhood Readiness Assessment (December-January)

Applicants meet individually  with a member of our Admission team for a brief, in-person, age-appropriate readiness assessment. Through simple activities and conversation, we get to know your child and gain a better understanding of their developmental and academic readiness. (30 minutes)

Step 4: Early Childhood Classroom Visit

Applicants are invited to join our Early Childhood teachers and other prospective students for a morning of classroom activities, play, and exploration. This visit allows our faculty to see how your child engages with peers, participates in a group setting, and approaches the rhythms of an Unquowa classroom. (1 hour)

Step 5: Teacher Recommendation

Families will request a recommendation from their child’s current preschool or classroom teacher, when applicable. Instructions will be provided as part of the online application process.

Step 6: Apply for Tuition Assistance, if Applicable

Unquowa offers need-based tuition assistance to qualifying families. Families seeking assistance must complete a separate application through Clarity, our secure financial aid application platform.

Lower School Application Process | Grades 1–4

Unquowa’s Lower School builds strong academic foundations while giving children the space to ask questions, take intellectual risks, and become increasingly confident and independent learners. Our admission process is designed to help us understand both where a student is today and how they may grow within our community.

Step 1: Visit Unquowa

Begin with a personal tour of campus. You’ll visit classrooms, learn more about Unquowa’s approach to teaching and learning, and meet with a member of the Admission team.

Complete our inquiry form to schedule your visit.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Submit your child’s online application form through our application portal. Once you submit your application, our admission team will keep you informed about the status of your required documents and next steps.

Step 3: Student Visit & Assessment

Applicants are invited to spend a half day at Unquowa, joining their grade-level peers for classroom lessons, snack, recess, and a special subject class. The visit gives students an opportunity to experience the rhythm of a school day and consider how Unquowa feels to them. During the visit, students will also complete an academic assessment with a grade-level teacher and should come prepared to share what they know and how they approach their work. 

Step 4: Teacher Recommendation

Families will request a recommendation from their child’s current classroom teacher. Instructions are provided as part of the online application process.

Step 5: Submit School Records

Applicants should submit their most recent school records and report cards. Additional academic information may be requested when helpful in understanding a student’s educational experience and needs.

Step 6: Apply for Tuition Assistance, if Applicable

Unquowa offers need-based tuition assistance to qualifying families. Families seeking assistance must complete a separate application through Clarity, our secure financial aid application platform.

Upper School Application Process | Grades 5–8

The Upper School years at Unquowa are intentionally designed for a pivotal stage of childhood. Students are challenged to think deeply, take greater ownership of their work, explore their interests, and develop the confidence and independence they will carry into high school and beyond.

Our admission process helps us get to know each student academically and personally while giving applicants the opportunity to experience the energy of the Unquowa Upper School.

Step 1: Visit Unquowa

We encourage families to begin with a personal tour of campus. You’ll experience our classrooms, learn more about the Upper School program, and talk with a member of the Admission team about your child’s educational experience and goals.

Complete our inquiry form to schedule your visit.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Submit your child’s online application form and required family information through our application portal. Once you submit your application, our admission team will keep you informed about the status of your required documents and next steps.

Step 3: Student Visit & Assessment

Applicants are invited to spend a half day in Unquowa’s Upper School. The visit gives applicants an opportunity to experience the pace and expectations of an Unquowa school day and consider whether our community feels like the right fit. During the visit, students will also complete a writing assessment with a faculty member and should come prepared to demonstrate their current skills, share what they know, and engage thoughtfully in the process. 

Step 4: Teacher Recommendation

Families will request a recommendation from a current Math and English teacher. Instructions are provided as part of the online application process.

Step 5: Submit School Records

Applicants should submit their previous year’s report card, their most recent progress report from the current school year and standardized testing if available. Additional academic records may be requested as part of the application review.

Step 6: Apply for Tuition Assistance, if Applicable

Unquowa offers need-based tuition assistance to qualifying families. Families seeking assistance must complete a separate application through Clarity, our secure financial aid application platform.