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The Application
The Watkinson application consists of several parts. Follow the links below to visit or download these forms:
* If it is more convenient for your process, you may submit the Standard Application Online instead of Watkinson’s application form. There is no need to submit both. Watkinson’s application cannot be completed on a mobile phone.
We need two confidential teacher recommendations; a math recommendation is required for proper placement. If you are a teacher, please make sure you DOWNLOAD and SAVE this form before filling it out and sending it back to us… otherwise the form will return empty and all your hard work will be lost!
We ask for two years of records. Please sign and submit to your child’s current school, and also submit a copy to Watkinson.
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.
Your application is complete when all the following have been submitted:
REQUIRED:
- 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 (optional)
The priority deadline for the completed application is February 1.
Important Dates
February 1
Priority deadline for school application & financial aid. (Note: returning students must apply for financial aid by Jan. 1.)
March 10
Applicants who have submitted all required pieces of the application by February 1 will receive an admission decision.
April 10
Accepted families notify us of their enrollment decision.
After Feb 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 deadlineÂ
- December 19, 2025: Notification of early decisions & financial aid awardsÂ
- 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.Â
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.
If you have questions about Early Decision or the admissions process, please contact the admissions team at admissions_info@watkinson.org.
