AW | Tacoma Private Day and Boarding School for PreK-12

PS - Grade 5

Grades 1-5 Admission Process

List of 6 items.

1. Submit an Inquiry Form

Students and families interested in Annie Wright Schools may initiate the admission process by submitting an inquiry form here. Once we receive the form, a member of our admissions team will be in touch about next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!
2. Attend a Virtual Preview

Join us to learn more about our school and program via a Virtual Preview. Check out our preview schedule, register, and bring any questions you might have.
3. Schedule a Campus Tour (Highly Recommended)

There is nothing we enjoy more than sharing our campus and classrooms with prospective families. Campus tours can be scheduled via the online application checklist. Please click here to create an application account and schedule a tour. If you have any questions, please contact Chelsea Thompson at 253.284.8602 or chelsea_thompson@aw.org.
4. Complete the Online Family Questionnaire
Though all grades in the Lower School are currently full, we are still accepting inquiries for wait pool spots for the 2023-2024 school year. The application process for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Our online application can be found here.
- Our application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is January 20, 2024.
- A completed online family questionnaire, accompanied by the non-refundable $80 application fee is required to initiate the formal application process.
- Report cards can be uploaded by parents/guardians via the online application checklist. We require last year’s and this school year’s transcript (to date).
- The Teacher Recommendation Request is included in the online application and requires the student's current teacher’s email address.
5. Schedule a Class Visit Day

An important part of the admission process is your student's class visit. Whether an applicant has toured or visited prior to applying, they will spend a morning at school paired with a peer buddy. This allows applicants to get acquainted with Annie Wright Schools and serves as an important step in the admission process.

You may schedule a Class Visit by contacting Chelsea Thompson at 253.284.8602 or chelsea_thompson@aw.org.
6. Complete Admission Testing

Academic assessments typically occur during the class visit.

Kindergarten Admission Process

List of 5 items.

1. Submit an Inquiry Form

Students and families interested in Annie Wright Schools may initiate the admission process by submitting an inquiry form here. Once we receive the form, a member of our admissions team will be in touch about next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!
2. Attend a Virtual Preview

Join us to learn more about our school and program via a Virtual Preview. Check out our preview schedule, register, and bring any questions you might have.
3. Schedule a Campus Tour (Highly Recommended)

There is nothing we enjoy more than sharing our campus and classrooms with prospective families. Campus tours can be scheduled via the online application checklist. Please click here to create an application account and schedule a tour. If you have any questions, please contact Chelsea Thompson at 253.284.8602 or chelsea_thompson@aw.org.
4. Complete the Online Family Questionnaire
Though Kindergarten is currently full, we are still accepting inquiries for wait pool spots for the 2023-2024 school year. The application process for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Our online application can be found here.
- Our application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is January 20, 2024.
- A completed online family questionnaire, accompanied by the non-refundable $80 application fee is required to initiate the formal application process.
- The Teacher Recommendation Request is included in the online application and requires the student's current teacher’s email address.
5. Schedule a Group Play

Applicants participate in a group play session during which we observe candidates interacting with other children and assess school readiness. Group Play happens each February. We will contact you to schedule once your student's application is complete.

Preschool Admission Process

List of 5 items.

1. Submit an Inquiry Form

Students and families interested in Annie Wright Schools may initiate the admission process by submitting an inquiry form here. Once we receive the form, a member of our admissions team will be in touch about next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!
2. Attend a Virtual Preview

Join us to learn more about our school and program via a Virtual Preview. Check out our preview schedule, register, and bring any questions you might have.
3. Schedule a Campus Tour (Highly Recommended)

There is nothing we enjoy more than sharing our campus and classrooms with prospective families. Campus tours can be scheduled via the online application checklist. Please click here to create an application account and schedule a tour. If you have any questions, please contact Chelsea Thompson at 253.284.8602 or chelsea_thompson@aw.org.
4. Complete the Online Family Questionnaire
Preschool and the preschool waitpool are currently full and we are no longer accepting inquiries or applications for 2023-2024. The application process for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Our online application can be found here.
- Our application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is January 20, 2024.
- A completed online family questionnaire, accompanied by the non-refundable $80 application fee is required to initiate the formal application process.
- The Teacher Recommendation Request is included in the online application and requires the student's current teacher’s email address.
5. Schedule a Group Play

Applicants participate in a group play session during which we observe candidates interacting with other children and assess school readiness. Group Play happens each February. We will contact you to schedule once your student's application is complete.

Please be aware that students must be three years of age by the start of the school year to be considered for Preschool 3-4 admission. They must also be able to use the toilet independently and come to school wearing underwear.

Grades 6 - 8

Middle School Admission Process

List of 8 items.

1. Submit an Inquiry Form

Students and families interested in Annie Wright Schools may initiate the admission process by submitting an inquiry form here. Once we receive the form, a member of our admissions team will be in touch about next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!
2. Attend a Virtual Preview

Join us to learn more about our school and program via a Virtual Preview. Check out our preview schedule, register, and bring any questions you might have.
3. Schedule a Campus Tour (Highly Recommended)

There is nothing we enjoy more than sharing our campus and classrooms with prospective families. Campus tours can be scheduled via the online application checklist. Please click here to create an application account and schedule a tour. If you have any questions, please contact Sahara Jones at 253.284.8601 or sahara_jones@aw.org.
4. Complete the Online Family Questionnaire

A completed online family questionnaire, accompanied by the non-refundable application fee is required to initiate the formal application process.

While most grades are full, we do have a wait pool and we are still accepting inquiries for the wait pool spots for the 2023-2024 school year. If you are interested in 23-24, please submit an inquiry and our admissions team will reach out regarding any availability.

The application process for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Our online questionnaire can be found here, please make sure to select the appropriate year, grade, and school level when submitting the questionnaire.

Our application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is January 20, 2024. The questionnaire includes a non-refundable $80 application fee.
5. School Transcript/Report Cards

Completed applications will include a copy of the applicant’s school transcript/report card for the past two years. School Transcripts/report cards can be uploaded by parents/guardians via the online application checklist. We require last year’s and this school year’s transcript (to date). Note: Schools often require as long as two weeks to complete transcript requests.
6. Teacher Recommendations

A Math and English teacher online recommendation form must be completed by the applicant’s current teachers. The Teacher Recommendation Requests are included in the online application and require the student's teacher’s email address. Completed recommendations are submitted electronically to the admissions team upon completion by the teacher and are confidential.
7. Schedule a Visit Day, Assessments & Interview

A candidate will spend a day at school paired with a student guide. The visit day includes an interview. Students should also sign up for an assessment during one of our assessment windows. Links to schedule the visit day, assessments, and interview are included in the online application checklist. Please contact Sahara Jones at 253.284.8601 with any questions.
8. Attend Ticket to Thrive

Ticket to Thrive is the formal conclusion of the Middle School admission process. The event, which takes place each February, helps students and parents learn more about our campus and school culture. Participation in Ticket to Thrive ensures an early decision for the following school year.

Learn more about Ticket to Thrive or any part of the Middle School admission process by contacting Sahara Jones at sahara_jones@aw.org or 253.284.8601.

Prospective Gator Weekend Events

Click here learn more about our Prospective Gator Weekend Events: Group Play (PS-K), Ticket to Thrive (6-8) and Scholar Search (9-12).

Registration for these events is the last of the items on the application checklists and should be done once all the other steps are completed. In some cases, the registration is not visible until all the prior steps are completed.

Grades 9 - 12

Domestic Day and Boarding

Upper School Domestic Admissions Process

List of 8 items.

1. Submit an Inquiry Form

Students and families interested in Annie Wright Schools may initiate the admission process by submitting an inquiry form here. Once we receive the form, a member of our admissions team will be in touch about next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!
2. Join us for a Virtual Preview

Join us to learn more about our school and program via a Virtual Preview. Check out our preview schedule, register, and bring any questions you might have.
3. Schedule a Campus Tour (Highly Recommended)

There is nothing we enjoy more than sharing our campus and classrooms with prospective families. Campus tours can be scheduled via the online application checklist. Please click here to create an application account and schedule a tour. If you have any questions, please contact Maddy Mancuso at maddy_mancuso@aw.org or 253.284.8603.
4. Complete the Online Family Questionnaire

A completed online family questionnaire, accompanied by the non-refundable application fee is required to initiate the formal application process.

While most grades are full, we do have a wait pool and we are still accepting inquiries for those few open spots and the wait pool spots for the 2023-2024 school year. If you are interested in 23-24, please submit an inquiry and our admissions team will reach out regarding any availability.

The application process for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Our online questionnaire can be found here, please make sure to select the appropriate year, grade and division when submitting the questionnaire.

Our application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is January 20, 2024. The questionnaire includes a non-refundable $80 application fee.
5. School Transcript/Report Cards

Completed applications will include a copy of the applicant’s school transcript/report card for the past two years. School Transcripts/report cards can be uploaded by parents/guardians via the online application checklist. We require last year’s and this school year’s transcript (to date). Note: Schools often require as long as two weeks to complete transcript requests.
6. Teacher Recommendations

A Math and English teacher online recommendation form must be completed by the applicant’s current teachers. The Teacher Recommendation Requests are included in the online application and require the student's teacher’s email address. Completed recommendations are submitted electronically to the admissions team upon completion by the teacher and are confidential.
7. Assessments

Students should sign up for an in-person assessment during one of our assessment windows. Our mathematics and English admissions assessments cover core Middle School concepts. We treat the results of the assessments as only one piece of data that contributes to our admissions decision.

Course placement will be based on transcripts, letters of recommendation, scores and, where necessary, additional placement tests prior to starting at AWS.
8. Attend Scholar Search

Students applying for Grades 9-11 are invited to attend Scholar Search each February. This is your chance to get to know the Upper School Programs at Annie Wright Schools, and for us to learn about you, too.

You will be able to register to attend Scholar Search through the checklist in your myAW application. If you don't have a myAW application account, you can create one here.

Tacoma Scholars Admission Process

List of 9 items.

1. Submit an Inquiry Form

Students and families interested in Annie Wright Schools may initiate the admission process by submitting an inquiry form here. Once we receive the form, a member of our admissions team will be in touch about next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!
2. Join us for a Virtual Preview

Join us to learn more about our school and program via a Virtual Preview. Check out our preview schedule, register, and bring any questions you might have.
3. Schedule a Campus Tour (Highly Recommended)

There is nothing we enjoy more than sharing our campus and classrooms with prospective families. Campus tours can be scheduled via the online application checklist. Please click here to create an application account and schedule a tour. If you have any questions, please contact Maddy Mancuso at maddy_mancuso@aw.org or 253.284.8603.
4. Submit the Online Family Questionnaire

A completed online AWS family questionnaire accompanied by the non-refundable application fee is required to initiate the formal application process. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now open and are due January 20, 2024.

To demonstrate need, families must complete an online financial aid application through Clarity. During the admissions process, Tacoma Scholar applicants can receive fee waiver codes for both the online AWS questionnaire and the financial aid application. If you have any questions about your code or the application process, email Sahara_Jones@aw.org, Upper Schools Admissions Director, or call her at 253.284.8603.
5. School Transcript/Report Cards

Completed applications will include a copy of the applicant’s school transcript/report card for the past two years. School Transcripts/report cards can be uploaded by parents/guardians via the online application checklist. We require last year’s and this school year’s transcript (to date). Note: Schools often require as long as two weeks to complete transcript requests.
6. Teacher Recommendations

A Math and English teacher online recommendation form must be completed by the applicant’s current teachers. The Teacher Recommendation Requests are included in the online application and require the student's teacher’s email address. Completed recommendations are submitted electronically to the admissions team upon completion by the teacher and are confidential.
7. Assessments

Students should sign up for an in-person assessment during one of our assessment windows. Our mathematics and English admissions assessments cover core Middle School concepts. We treat the results of the assessments as only one piece of data that contributes to our admissions decision.

Course placement will be based on transcripts, letters of recommendation, scores and, where necessary, additional placement tests prior to starting at AWS.
8. Attend Scholar Search

Students applying for Grades 9-11 are invited to attend Scholar Search each February. This is your chance to get to know the Upper School Programs at Annie Wright Schools, and for us to learn about you, too.

You will be able to register to attend Scholar Search through the checklist in your myAW application. If you don't have a myAW application account, you can create one here.
9. Tacoma Scholar Family Interview

Eligible students who have completed the full application process, including all of the elements on the application checklist (accessible via myAW), and are admissible to AWS, will be invited to a final student and family/guardian interview.

The final determination of which students are named as Tacoma Scholars will come after all interviews of prospective Scholars are completed. Students may hear about admission to AWS prior to learning their status as Tacoma Scholars.

Students eligible to apply for Tacoma Scholars must:

Be a current eighth grader
Live in Tacoma or attend a Tacoma public school or Chief Leschi
Identify as a Student of Color
See financing an AWS education as a significant obstacle
Have an adult who will support and advocate for them in partnership with AWS
Meet the AWS admissions requirements
Complete a financial aid application.

International Boarding

Upper School International Admissions Process

List of 8 items.

1. Submit an Inquiry Form

Students and families interested in Annie Wright Schools may initiate the admission process by submitting an inquiry form here. Once we receive the form, a member of our admissions team will be in touch about next steps. We look forward to hearing from you!
2. Complete the Online Family Questionnaire

A completed online family questionnaire, accompanied by the non-refundable application fee is required to initiate the formal application process.

Our Boarding spots are all full for the 2023-2024 school year. The application process for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Our online application can be found here, please make sure to select the appropriate grade, year, and division when submitting the application. We also accept the SAO Application for international boarding candidates.

Our application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is January 20, 2024. Our application includes a non-refundable $80 application fee. Note that the SAO fee is $150.
3. School Transcript/Report Cards

Completed applications will include a copy of the applicant’s school transcript/report card for the past two years. School transcripts/ report cards can be uploaded by parents/guardians via the online application checklist. We require last year’s and this school year’s transcript (to date). Note: Schools often require as long as two weeks to complete transcript requests.
4. Official ETS TOEFL/IELTS Score Requirements & Report

Our end goal is for every student to earn a 100 or higher on the Internet-Based TOEFL Exam (iBT) prior to graduation from Annie Wright Schools. This goal is driven by the American university admission process. When reviewing international student applications, colleges consider four main criteria:

Rigor of course load | Grades earned | SAT or ACT score | Extracurricular Activities | iBT TOEFL score.

GRADE PLACEMENT
TOEFL/IELTS score largely determines grade level placement. We do not accept SLEP, Duolingo or TOEFL Jr.

Grade 9: 60+ to be considered, 70+ to be competitive
Grade 10: 70+ to be considered, 90+ to be competitive
Grade 11: 80+ to be considered, 100+ to be competitive
Grade 12: 90+ to be considered, 100+ to be competitive

An official ETS TOEFL or IELTS score report should be uploaded via the application checklist. Our ETS school code is 8624 if you would also like ETS to send the score report to us directly.

If a student has been educated in an English curriculum for the last three years, an official ETS TOEFL / IELTS score is recommended but not required.
5. Math Assessment

Students are encouraged to submit SSAT or ISEE scores.

If those are not available, an online mathematics admissions assessment that covers core Middle School mathematics concepts will be requested. We treat the results of these assessments as only one piece of data that contributes to our admissions decision.

Course placement will be based on transcripts, letters of recommendation, scores and, where necessary, additional placement tests prior to starting at AWS.
6. Teacher Recommendations

A Math and English teacher online recommendation form must be completed by the applicant’s current teachers. The Teacher Recommendation Requests are included in the online application and require the student's teacher’s email address. Completed recommendations are submitted electronically to the admissions team upon completion by the teacher and are confidential.
7. Bank Statement & Passport
In order to process an I-20 for international students, the following documents are required as part of the admissions application:
- Copy of the student's passport with photo and expiration date
- Copy of a bank statement showing approximately one year's worth of tuition ($75,000 USD or equivalent for 2023-2024).
These documents can be uploaded as part of the online application checklist.
Campus Visit

If you will be in the Tacoma area and wish to schedule a campus tour, please reach out to the Admissions office at admissions@aw.org at least one week prior to your arrival. Someone from our office will reach out to schedule a time. We would love to give you a tour of our campus!