Admissions

Scholarships and Distinctions

Unlock Your Potential at AWS

Our scholarships and distinctions are here to celebrate what makes you unique—your talents, your passions, and your drive to make a difference. These opportunities aren’t just about recognition; they’re about giving you the tools and experiences to grow, lead, and shine. Click on the links below to see what’s available and how you can take your AWS journey to the next level!

Honors and Distinctions for Grade 9 students

At Annie Wright Schools, we strive to foster a dynamic and engaging learning environment, and we do this in part by assembling a class of students who each bring distinct curiosities and interests. The Arches Society is a stepping stone to realizing your potential. Don’t miss the chance to become an ambassador for your passion and make a lasting impact at Annie Wright Schools. Read more below and apply now. Take the first step towards a brighter future!

Whether you excel in Arts, Global Action, STEM, or Community Engagement, this distinction is designed to recognize and reward students who align with the school's ethos.

The Arches Society Distinctions are not just about recognizing academic prowess–though we do expect you to be invested in your own learning; they are about discovering the unique qualities, perspectives, and interests that you will bring to our community.

We want a class where each individual adds their distinctive thread to the rich tapestry of our community–in short, rather than searching only for "well-rounded" students, we are looking for "lopsided" students - curious artists, engaged global citizens, inventive thinkers, and compassionate leaders. Students wanting to make an impact.

Through the Arches Society, Annie Wright is excited to recognize and acknowledge students of distinction in each of the four areas - Arts, STEM, Community Engagement and Global Action. This selective and unique program provides a platform for personal and academic growth by investing time and resources in YOU:

$1,000 Renewable Merit Award: Acknowledges your outstanding achievements and reinforces our desire to have YOU at AWS.
$1,500 Exploration Grant: This grant allows you to invest in special projects that fuel your passion.
- You get to choose how and where you invest these funds. We are excited to help you ideate and build a project or an experience that is a direct reflection of your curiosity.
Leadership Seminar Program (only available for Society Members).
- Monthly sessions led by the Head of Schools and leading into a week-long summer intensive are designed to hone your leadership skills and give you the necessary tools to design the ways in which you wish to spend your Exploration Grant.
Targeted College Counseling: Specialized support for students in Grades 9 and 10.

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How to Apply
To be considered for this prestigious distinction, you need to submit a video (up to 5 minutes) that showcases:
- Why your chosen distinction is important to you.
- Why you are the ideal candidate.
- How you plan to bring your passions into Annie Wright Schools.
For those applying for the Arts Distinction, a portfolio is also required.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: January 24, 2026
- Announcement of Winners: Late February; Recipients will be notified with admissions decisions. Returning students will receive an official note and revised contracts reflecting the updated aid amount.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Be Authentic: Let your personality and passion shine through in your video submission.
- Showcase Creativity: Think outside the box to demonstrate your unique perspective and ideas.
- Focus on Communication: Ensure your video is clear, well-structured, and engaging.
Other Scholarship Details
- Renewal criteria: Scholarships are renewable every year, provided you maintain good academic standing and continue to contribute positively to the AWS community.
- Additional Need-Based Awards: If a student’s demonstrated financial need exceeds the scholarship amount, need-based financial aid may also be available. See Tuition and Financial Aid for more details.

Apply Now for the Arches Society

Scholarships for Incoming Students

All applicants to the respective programs are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Our merit-based scholarships are more than just financial awards—they're an investment in your future. We look forward to welcoming students who are committed to academic excellence and making a positive impact in our community.

GRADE 9 DAY STUDENTS

- At Annie Wright Schools (AWS), we believe in recognizing and nurturing academic excellence. Our Paddock Scholarships for Grade 9 Day program applicants are designed to reward exceptional academic achievement and potential.

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Who Is Eligible?

All Grade 9 Day students - prospective applicants and current AWS students - are automatically considered for the merit-based Paddock Scholarship. There is no separate application process—every applicant is evaluated based on their GPA and assessment results.
Selection Process

Because this is a highly competitive scholarship, all candidates - both prospective and current AWS students - will be assessed at the same time.

For prospective candidates, the scholarship decision is integrated into the standard admissions process. If you are admitted and selected for the scholarship, you will receive information about your scholarship award along with your admission decision and contract in late February.

Returning AWS students who might receive this scholarship will also be notified in late February and will receive a revised contract reflecting the additional merit award.
Other Scholarship Details
- Number of Scholarships: Each year, up to four scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic strength and strong potential to enrich our community—two in the Upper School for Girls and two in the Upper School for Boys.
- Award Amount: Scholarships cover 50% of your tuition, after any need-based financial aid is applied. [E.g., A family that qualifies for no need-based aid, would receive a merit scholarship equal to 50% of the full tuition. A family that qualifies for $10,000 in need-based aid, would receive a merit scholarship equal to 50% of the remaining tuition.]
- Renewal criteria: Scholarships are renewable every year, provided you maintain good academic standing and continue to contribute positively to the AWS community.

DOMESTIC BOARDING STUDENTS

- Our merit-based scholarships for Domestic Boarding Program applicants in Grades 9- 11, are designed to recognize students who excel academically, engage meaningfully in their school communities, and are eager to join the vibrant boarding life at Annie Wright.

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Who Is Eligible?

All applicants to our domestic boarding program—whether 5 - or 7-day in Grades 9–11—are automatically considered for the Jenkins Scholarship. There is no separate application process—every applicant is evaluated based on their GPA and assessment results.
Selection Process

The scholarship decision is integrated into the standard admissions process. If you are admitted and selected for the scholarship, you will receive information about your scholarship award along with your admission decision and contract in late February.
Other Scholarship Details
- Number of Scholarships: The number of awards is not predetermined and will depend on the strength of the applicant pool.
- Award Amount: The Jenkins Scholarships range from $5,000 to $25,000. The actual amount will depend on many factors including the strength and depth of the applicant pool.
- Additional Need-Based Awards: If a student’s demonstrated financial need exceeds the scholarship amount, need-based financial aid may also be available. See Tuition and Financial Aid for more details.
- Renewal criteria: Scholarships are renewable every year, provided you maintain good academic standing and continue to contribute positively to the AWS community.

INTERNATIONAL BOARDING STUDENTS

- All applicants to our International Boarding Program (Grades 9–11) are automatically considered for our Bates International Scholarship. We’re excited to welcome exceptional students who will thrive here—both inside and outside the classroom.

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Who Is Eligible?

All applicants to our international boarding program (F1-eligible students) entering Grades 9–11—are automatically considered for the Bates International Scholarship. There is no separate application process.
Selection Process

The scholarship decision is integrated into the standard admissions process. If you are admitted and selected for the scholarship, you will receive information about your scholarship award along with your admission decision and contract in late February.
Other Scholarship Details
- Number of Scholarships: The number of awards is not predetermined and will depend on the strength of the applicant pool.
- Award Amount: The Bates International Scholarships range from $5,000 to $30,000. The actual amount will depend on many factors including the strength and depth of the applicant pool.
- Additional Need-Based Awards: If a student’s demonstrated financial need exceeds the scholarship amount, need-based financial aid may also be available. See Tuition and Financial Aid for more details.
- Renewal criteria: Scholarships are renewable every year, provided you maintain good academic standing and continue to contribute positively to the AWS community.