The application deadline for the 2018-2019 school year has passed. Please contact Director of Admissions Kate Gallery for more information or if you would like to discuss submitting a late application.

kgallery@chds.org
(202) 386-9920

Welcome! We are delighted that you are interested in applying to Capitol Hill Day School.

The application process begins each fall. We invite prospective parents to sign up online to come visit us for a tour or Open House. In early October, our online application opens, allowing families to submit an application. Applications to all grades Pre-K through 8^th are accepted through mid-January and admissions decisions are communicated to applicant families in early March.

Throughout the admissions process, we learn more about each applicant by collecting a teacher recommendation from the applicant’s current teacher, as well as testing. Transcripts and additional information are also collected for applicants to our elementary classes and middle school. We meet all applicants Pre-K – 8^th grade in person, with small group playdates scheduled for our youngest applicants, and classroom visits scheduled for our elementary and middle school students.

Pre-Kindergarten is the major entry year at Capitol Hill Day School. Each year, we have openings for 24 new Pre-K students. To be eligible, a child should be age 4 by October 1 of their start year. There are typically 10 to 15 spaces available in Kindergarten through 8th grade; this number fluctuates based on attrition. If you have questions about availability in a specific grade, please contact us.

Admissions decisions at Capitol Hill Day School are based on a combination of criteria, including evaluation of the applicant's visit, teacher recommendations, testing, optional parent meeting, and availability within a given grade level. Special attention is given to maintaining gender balance and diversity within each grade. An Admission Committee of teachers and administrators reviews applications, and decisions are guided by our commitment to the School’s mission. Younger siblings of current Capitol Hill Day School students are given preference for entry into the Pre-Kindergarten year only.

We look forward to getting to know your family! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Kate Gallery
Admissions Director
admissions@chds.org
202-386-9920

Additional Admission Information

Parent Meetings are optional, informal meetings with the Admissions Director, Head of School, or Assistant Head of School. They are an opportunity for parents to ask questions and share more information about their child and their family.

Admissions Play Dates are an opportunity for Capitol Hill Day School teachers to meet and engage with your child in a fun and relaxed way. The play dates are for applicants to our Pre-K, K and 1st grades, and take place at Capitol Hill Day School on Saturday mornings in late January/early February. Small groups of 5 to 8 students spend time in a classroom with three Capitol Hill Day School teachers. There is no formal assessment of students during the play date. Play dates are one hour.

Admissions Testing (WISC or WPPSI) is an important piece of the application process, but not the sole determinant for admission. Capitol Hill Day School does not administer the WISC or WPPSI test; Parents schedule the assessment with a psychologist of their choosing. A list of testers is provided in the forms and resources section on this page.

Recommendations are required for all applicants. If a student has not been in a formal school setting, a recommendation may be filled out by a non-family member who has interacted with the student in another setting (dance teacher, sports coach, etc).