Parents of 6-9th grade applicants have one month to submit Early Decision apps.
Increased interest in Watkinson has made the private school 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.
Key Dates for Early Decision:
• 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
Please note that 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.
Students seeking need-based financial aid should submit both applications by December 5, 2025.
Qualified applicants will be considered for limited merit awards for both Early and Regular decisions.
Please note that sometimes Early Decisionsare deferred by the Admissions Committee to the Regular Decision pool and those applicants will receive a final decision on March 10.
If you have questions about Early Decision or the admissions process, please contact our admissions team.
