West End School Admissions
More than an opportunity. A way to change your student’s life
Admissions Timeline for 2025-2026 School Year
August 1, 2024
Admissions process opens for boys
October 10, 2024
Admissions process opens for Girls(only for grades Pre-K, K, 1st and 2nd)
January 31, 2025
Applications window closes
March 4 and 11 2025
Assessment date for: All Pre-K, K Students both Boys and Girls 1st and 2nd Grade Girls
ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (GRADES Pre-K-5th)
At West End School (WES), we strive for academic excellency that prepares our racially, culturally, and socio-economically diverse students with the skills and confidence to chase the paths they choose – college, career, and beyond. Historically, WES has served boys in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. In August 2025, West End School expands our program to girls in grades Pre-K, Kindergarten 1st and 2nd. We offer an academically rigorous program in a safe, structured environment where students become life-long learners and are challenged to excel. Classes are small—fifteen students or fewer—allowing for more individualized learning.
In August 2025, West End School will admit girls in grades Pre-K, Kindergarten 1st and 2nd.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOARDING PROGRAM (GRADES 6th-8th)
In grades six through eight, the academic experience for WES students is enriched by our mandatory boarding school program. By boarding, our young men learn leadership, independence, responsibility, and decision-making skills that will serve them well in life. We have an outstanding team of caring, attentive dorm faculty who live on campus to support the academic and character development of our young men.
Please Note: WES is a college preparatory school. Therefore, we do not have the resources to educate students with significant learning, emotional and/or behavioral challenges. WES is not a residential treatment facility.
CRITERIA
All Pre-K applicants must be four years old by August 1st, 2025.
- West End School accepts students entering grades Pre-K through 7th.
- Applicants must demonstrate potential to meet high academic expectations.
- Applicants must demonstrate capacity to contribute positively to our school community.
Process
Due to the opening of our Girls School in 2025, the application process has been amended and is now specific to each student’s age and gender.
Ready to take the first step for your student to join WES? Applications for Boys opens August 1, 2024, and applications for Girls opens October 10, 2024. There are multiple steps that must be completed before the Admissions Team determines if your child is eligible for a scholarship. After the student application has been submitted, we will help guide each family through the remaining process. WES will contact you with any additional information needed. This may include transcripts, teacher recommendations, student response (5th-7th grade applicants), proof of income, proof of residency, and birth certificate.
We will contact you with the additional information needed, including transcripts, teacher recommendations, student response (5th-7th grade applicants), proof of income, proof of residency, and birth certificate.
Please note the process differs slightly by Age and Gender due to the opening of our Girls School in 2025 for Grades Pre-K, K, 1st and 2nd.
Boys and Girls Pre-K and Kindergarten: All Pre-K and kindergarten applicants will be asked to register for an assessment. These assessments will be held on March 4th and March 11, 2025, and will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. During this time, parents will have the opportunity to learn more about the school and specific class routines. All scholarship decisions will be communicated no later than March 30th, 2025.
Boys 1st through 8th: Once you student’s application has been received, we will contact you to schedule a campus tour and a “Shadow” day where your student spends the day with classmates and is assessed on-site. Tours and shadows must be scheduled in advance; drop-ins will not be accepted. All final scholarship decisions will be communicated no later than March 30th, 2025.
Girls 1st and 2nd grade: All students will be assessed on March 4th and March 11, 2025. Because our current classes are all male we decided to omit our requirement of a shadow day for these applicants. All scholarship decisions will be communicated no later than March 30th, 2025.
*Please note at this time we are NOT accepting girls applications for 3rd through 8th.
After all steps have been completed, the Admissions Team will review the applicant and determine if a scholarship can be offered. You will be notified by the admissions office.
If you have questions about the admissions process or paperwork,
please email Adrianne Dubins at admissions@westendschool.org or call 502-776-5236 and ask for Adrianne.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on January 31th, 2025.
Does West End School consider students with different types of learning needs?
West End School selects students with varying academic abilities. Some are gifted students to those who have not yet reached their academic potential. If a child has identified disabilities under a current IEP/504 plan, he/she is not eligible for admission, based on the school’s available resources. West End School is not staffed to support these needs.
Is Boarding Mandatory?
Yes, boarding is mandatory for boys in grades 6th through 8th grade on Monday through Thursday night. Sunday night is an optional return at 7:00 PM. Each Friday at 3:30, Middle School students are picked up by their families to spend a weekend at home.
Is West End, College & Career Ready?
West End will certainly prepare students for college but we also recognize the value of trade schools and active employment within the community. Our school focus is for students to be both/either “College or Career Ready.” Our main goal is for each scholar to lead a purposeful life that leverages their unique talents and capabilities.
Does West End School consider students with different types of learning needs? What type of student is West End School looking for?
The admissions committee selects students who they feel will benefit most from the style of educational program we offer. We strive to have learners form various academic levels and backgrounds.
How many students will be accepted?
In order to maintain an optimal learning environment, we limit our class size to 15 students per boys and girls respective classroom.
Will there be a waiting list?
No, we do not have a waiting list once scholarships have been allocated for the year. A new application would need to be created.
Does West End School give special consideration to the sibling(s) of current RCA students when they apply?
Each student is assessed and evaluated by using an admissions rubric. Siblings and other children defined by tax law as a dependent, are given 5 additional points on the grading rubric. While this doesn’t guarantee admission, it provides a significantly increased opportunity for admission.
What are the hours of operation? Please note this schedule starts in 2025-2026 School Year.
8:00 AM: Doors open
8:30 AM: Start of school day begins with attendance at Morning Meeting
2:45 PM: Dismissal for Pre-K students
3:00 PM: Dismissal for grades K through 5th grade (Middle School students remain on site)
Will I need to provide transportation?
Yes, we do not have a bus system for our school. All scholars must have transportation to and from school for grades Pre-K through 5th grade. Our Middle School students remain on site.