How To Apply

Preschool 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
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open. Our online application can be found here.
- Our application deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is January 25, 2025.
- A completed online family questionnaire, accompanied by the non-refundable $80 application fee is required to initiate the formal application process.
5. Teacher Recommendations and other forms

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

Additional file uploads may be required as part of the admissions process and will be listed in the checklist on myAW. These may include any educational support documentation, non-custodial parent attestations, birth certificates, etc.
6. 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.

Kindergarten 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
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open and can be found here.
- Our application deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is January 25, 2025.
- A completed online family questionnaire, accompanied by the non-refundable $80 application fee is required to initiate the formal application process.
5. Teacher Recommendations and other forms

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

Additional file uploads may be required as part of the admissions process and will be listed in the checklist on myAW. These may include any educational support documentation, non-custodial parent attestations, birth certificates, etc.
6. 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.

Grades 1-5 Admission Process

List of 7 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
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open. Our online application can be found here.
- Our application deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is January 25, 2025.
- 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 the last 2 full-year transcripts and this school year’s transcript (to date).
5. Teacher Recommendations and other forms

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

Additional file uploads may be required as part of the admissions process and will be listed in the checklist on myAW. These may include any educational support documentation, non-custodial parent attestations, birth certificates, etc.
6. 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.
7. Complete Admission Testing

Academic assessments typically occur during the class visit.

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.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are 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 2025-2026 school year is January 25, 2025. 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 full school years and the current year's first semester transcript. School Transcripts/report cards can be uploaded by parents/guardians via the online application checklist. Note: Schools often require as long as two weeks to complete transcript requests, though unofficial transcripts are also acceptable.

A final official transcript will be required during the summer if the student is admitted and enrolls.
6. Teacher Recommendations and other forms

Both 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.

Additional file uploads may be required as part of the admissions process and will be listed in the checklist on myAW. These may include any educational support documentation, non-custodial parent attestations, birth certificates, etc.
7. Schedule a Visit Day, Assessments & Interview

Visit Day
A candidate will spend a day at school paired with a student guide and will be able to experience daily life at Annie Wright Schools. Lunch is included.

Interviews
The visit day includes a 30-minute student and family interview with your Admissions Director. This gives us the opportunity to get to know the student beyond what is written in the questionnaire and allows the student and family to ask specific questions about the Middle School.

Assessments
Students should sign up for an in-person assessment during one of our assessment windows. Our Mathematics and English admissions assessments cover core 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.

Scheduling
Links to schedule the visit day, interview and assessments 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.

Domestic Day and Boarding

Upper School 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 Cassandra Kopriva at cassandra_kopriva@aw.org or 253.284.8613.
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.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are 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 2025-2026 school year is January 25, 2025. The questionnaire includes a non-refundable $100 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 full school years and the current year's first semester transcript. School Transcripts/report cards can be uploaded by parents/guardians via the online application checklist. Note: Schools often require as long as two weeks to complete transcript requests, though unofficial transcripts are also acceptable.

A final official transcript will be required during the summer if the student is admitted and enrolls.
6. Teacher Recommendations and other forms

Both 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.

Additional file uploads may be required as part of the admissions process and will be listed in the checklist on myAW. These may include any educational support documentation, non-custodial parent attestations, birth certificates, etc.
7. Assessments, Visit Days and Interviews

Visit Day
A candidate will spend a day at school paired with a student guide and will be able to experience daily life at Annie Wright Schools. Lunch is included.

Interviews
Students should sign up for a 30-minute interview with your Admissions Director. This gives us the opportunity to get to know the student beyond what is written in the questionnaire and allows the student to ask specific questions about the Upper Schools.

Assessments
Students should sign up for an in-person assessment during one of our assessment windows. Our mathematics and English admissions assessments cover core 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.

Scheduling
Links to schedule the visit day, interview and assessments are included in the online application checklist.
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.
*Domestic Boarding Visits

Students interested in Domestic Boarding can extend their visit day to an overnight stay, making sure they get the full experience of Dorm life!

If you wish to schedule an overnight visit please reach out to Cassandra Kopriva prior to scheduling your visit to ensure all arrangements can be made.

Tacoma Scholars - Grade 9 Only

Students eligible to apply for Tacoma Scholars must meet

ONE of the following requirements:

Attend a Tacoma Public School (TPS District)
Attend Chief Leschi
Live in Tacoma and attend any public school
Attend another public school in Tacoma (regardless of residence)

AND All of the Requirements Below:

Be a current eighth grader
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

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 Sahara Jones at sahara_jones@aw.org or 253.284.8601.
4. Submit the Online Family Questionnaire

A completed online AWS family questionnaire is required to initiate the formal application process.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open. Our application deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is January 25, 2025.

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, Admissions Associate, or call her at 253.284.8601.
5. School Transcript/Report Cards

Completed applications will include a copy of the applicant’s school transcript/report card for the past two full school years and the current year's first semester transcript. School Transcripts/report cards can be uploaded by parents/guardians via the online application checklist. Note: Schools often require as long as two weeks to complete transcript requests, though unofficial transcripts are also acceptable.

A final official transcript will be required during the summer if the student is admitted and enrolls.
6. Teacher Recommendations and other forms

Both 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.

Additional file uploads may be required as part of the admissions process and will be listed in the checklist on myAW. These may include any educational support documentation, non-custodial parent attestations, birth certificates, etc.
7. Assessments, Visit Days and Interviews

Visit Day
A candidate will spend a day at school paired with a student guide and will be able to experience daily life at Annie Wright Schools. Lunch is included.

Interviews
Students should sign up for a 30-minute interview with your Admissions Director. This gives us the opportunity to get to know the student beyond what is written in the questionnaire and allows the student to ask specific questions about the Upper Schools.

Assessments
Students should sign up for an in-person assessment during one of our assessment windows. Our mathematics and English admissions assessments cover core 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.

Scheduling
Links to schedule the visit day, interview and assessments are included in the online application checklist.
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.

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.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open. A few Boarding spots are still available in some Upper School for Boys grades for the 2024-2025 school year. 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 2025-2026 school year is January 25, 2025. Our application includes a non-refundable $100 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 often consider the following criteria:

Rigor of course load | Grades earned | SAT or ACT score | Extracurricular Activities | iBT TOEFL score.
TOEFL/IELTS
In addition to the SSAT, an official TOEFL/IELTS Test score is required if a student has not been educated in a solely English curriculum for the last three years. We do not accept SLEP 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
The above scores are for TOEFL, please contact AWS Admissions for qualifying IELTS scores.

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. Interview and Assessments

Interviews
Students should sign up for a 30-minute interview with your Admissions Director. This gives us the opportunity to get to know the student beyond what is written in the questionnaire and allows the student to ask specific questions about the Upper Schools.

Assessments
International students are asked to submit SSAT scores as part of their application.

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

Scheduling
Links to schedule the interview are included in the online application checklist.
6. Teacher Recommendations and other forms

Both 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.

Additional file uploads may be required as part of the admissions process and will be listed in the checklist on myAW. These may include any educational support documentation, non-custodial parent attestations, birth certificates, etc.
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!

Prospective Gator Weekend Events

Join us in February for 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.