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Applying to Watkinson

Application Checklist:

Note that the priority deadline for the completed application is February 1.

REQUIRED: 

  • Online application 
  • Two years of school records sent to Watkinson   
  • Individualized testing (i.e. WISC, I.Q., neuropsych, etc.) if applicable
  • Two confidential teacher recommendations, including a math recommendation
  • Interviews, one with the student and one with the parent

OPTIONAL:

  • SSAT scores submitted (grades 9 and above)
  • Piece of graded work (essay, project, etc.) from current school year, along with rubric and feedback from teacher  
  • Financial Aid application

3 steps* to a complete application

* plus an optional 4th

1.

Watkinson’s Application
Please note: If you’re applying to multiple schools and would prefer to submit the Standard Application Online instead, you may. No need to submit both. Note that Watkinson’s application cannot be completed on a mobile phone. 

2.

Teacher Recommendations
We need two confidential teacher recommendations; a math recommendation is required for proper placement. You can simply copy this link and send it to your chosen teachers to proceed.

3.

Records Release Form
We ask for two years of records. Please sign and submit to your child’s current school, and also submit a copy to Watkinson.

4.

SSAT (Optional)
Applicants for grades 9–12 who have taken or will take the SSAT are invited to submit their scores to Watkinson using our school code 8050. Please see Watkinson’s updated admission policy, effective fall 2020.

Important Dates

Early Dec
Deadline for Early Decision application and financial aid application (grades 6–9)
January 1
Returning students must apply for financial aid by this date. 
February 1
First round deadline for school application & financial aid. 
March 10
Families who have submitted a complete application by Feb 1 will receive an admission decision. 
April 10
Accepted families notify us of their enrollment decision. 
Applying after February 1?
Applicants whose files are received after February 1 will be considered on a rolling admission basis, pending space and funding.

Early Decision 2026–27

for 6–9th grade applicants 

Increased interest in Watkinson has made the application process a year-round endeavor for our admissions team. Prospective families who identify Watkinson as their first choice have expressed that a shortened timeline would reduce stress for all involved.

  • December 5, 2025: Early decision application & financial aid application deadline 
  • December 19, 2025: Notification of early decisions & financial aid awards 
  • January 5, 2026: Early decision enrollment response deadline

For students applying to grades 6, 7, 8, and 9 for the 2026-27 school year, Early Decision is a binding decision for those who have decided Watkinson is their top choice. 

Early Decision is a good option for families who would like to complete the process earlier than the Regular Decision timeline allows. Admission Officers evaluate both Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants on the same set of criteria regardless of which admissions path you choose.

Watkinson’s tuition will be set in January, 2026. Tuition typically increases annually by 2-5%, and while this is not a guarantee for any given year, it is a guide for families considering Early Decision.

Yes. Students seeking need-based financial aid should submit both applications by December 5, 2025.

Yes. Qualified applicants will be considered for limited merit awards for both Early and Regular decisions.

Yes. Sometimes Early Decisions are deferred by the Admissions Committee to the Regular Decision pool and will receive a final decision on March 10.

Need help or more information? Email us at admissions_info@watkinson.org