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Admission » Admission Considerations

Admission Considerations

St. Matthew's seeks to enroll children who will benefit from the philosophy, values, and purposes of our program. Equally important are parents who will work in partnership with the School’s faculty and administration in support of the School’s mission for the benefit of all students. We believe qualified students with actively involved parents are essential to sustaining a vital and successful school community.


Early Childhood (PS & PK) applicants will be evaluated according to their developmental level. A variety of means are used to assess each student's readiness for St. Matthew's program, to assure each student's correct placement when he or she enters the School. Those means include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • the birthdate cutoff dates: August 1 (for both boys and girls);
  • an attempt to enroll an equal number of boys and girls in each class;
  • confidential information from the child's current toddler or preschool teacher;
  • information from the family of the applicant;
  • parent interview.

Kindergarten-Grade 8 decisions on admission will be based on the following:

  • academic history (transcript) in previous schools;
  • confidential recommendations from an applicant’s current teachers;
  • School’s screening and evaluation sessions (Grades K-4) or Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) for Grades 5-8;
  • an attempt to enroll an equal number of boys and girls in each class;
  • the birthdate cutoff dates: August 1 (Kindergarten only);
  • parent interview;
  • personal interview with the applicant (Grades 5-8 only).


Further Considerations in Admissions


True to its founding Charter, the School's admission policies flow from the values, traditions, and tenets of the Episcopal Church. In addition to academic, developmental, and personal qualifications, we will consider a number of other factors. No one factor or combination of factors guarantees acceptance into the School.

  • As an Episcopal parish day school, consideration will be given to an applicant whose parents have been active, pledging members of The Parish of St. Matthew for at least two years prior to each child’s application to the school. (Secondarily, applicant families who are long-time, active members in other Episcopal parishes or faith communities may also receive further consideration.)
  • Family participation is valued and consideration will be given to a student who has a sibling(s) currently attending the School when the family has demonstrated significant support, commitment, and participation in all aspects of the School.
  • St. Matthew’s, at its discretion, will also consider other factors beyond those listed above. These could include racial, cultural, religious and economic diversity and/or other qualities that might benefit the School.

 

Diversity and Inclusion at St. Matthew’s 


St. Matthew's Parish School strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community that values diversity in all senses of the word. We are committed to making each member of the community feel that her or his whole identity is acknowledged, supported, and appreciated.


We believe that an appreciation of diversity and inclusivity is essential to our mission, our goals to serve, lead, and flourish, as well as the five principles of our Character Covenant: respect, responsibility, empathy, honesty, and fairness. Building and sustaining an inclusive community will create the most powerful and effective learning environment, and will also help us learn and work as global citizens.


St. Matthew’s Parish School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.