Admission Process

A Warm Welcome to WES

We know that choosing the right school is an important decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. At WES, we’ve designed our application process to be as smooth, friendly, and enjoyable as possible—so you can focus on getting to know us, and we can get to know your family.

“I never fail to be impressed with WES grads. They are articulate, poised, and comfortable speaking with adults. WES prepares them well to meet the challenges of high school. They are all-around good citizens."

— Gina Mirigliano, Parent of two WES Alumni

Preparing to Apply

We look forward to welcoming you to Washington Episcopal School and assisting you with the application process.
Please email the Office of Enrollment Management or call us at 301.652.7878 if you have any questions.

Step One: Tour

Step Two: Meet With US

Tell us about your child and family.

A parent interview is required. The interview gives the WES enrollment team the chance to learn more about your child and your family. You can schedule a parent interview online.

This is the time to share your child’s learning style, personality, interests, hobbies, and educational background. The best way to prepare for the parent interview is to think about a list of your aspirations for your child’s education and any information about your child’s learning or medical needs.

At the end of the interview, both you and the Office of Enrollment Management should have a good idea if WES is a potential fit for your child.

Step Three: Apply Online

Begin your Washington Episcopal School admission application.

Please submit the application with a photo of your child and the $100 application fee. The application takes about ten minutes to complete, and you may start and save the application as needed before submitting it. Families with financial need may request, in writing, a reduction of the application fee.

Once you finish the general online application, you will be prompted to complete the additional requirements as appropriate (i.e. transcripts, recommendations, and testing). Please give yourself a week to two weeks to complete the additional steps.

January 15, 2027
Financial Aid & Application Deadline

February 26, 2027
Acceptances Announced

March 12, 2027
Contract Deadline

Application Process

Helpful Tips for Applying

Do

Be yourself. Let us get to know the real you. WES has a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes and embraces a range of students and families.
Ask questions. Talk with our admissions team, administrators, faculty, students, and families. They will give you the confidence that you have the full picture of WES.
Visit, visit, visit! Join us for an Open House, take a private tour, attend a Chapel, see a game, view a play, and more. Our doors are always open.
Read: Finding the Best Fit School for Your Child

Don’t

Give a partial portrait of your child. If your child has special needs, please let the Office of Enrollment Management know. WES has a support team comprised of learning specialists, the school nurse, counselors, and a chaplain who can help assess if WES can meet those needs. WES is always happy to make referrals if there is a school that would be a better fit.
Get stressed. The Office of Enrollment Management is here to help you. Freely email or call with questions or concerns.
Wait to invest in your child’s education. About a quarter of WES families receive tuition assistance. The online tuition assistance application takes about 30 minutes to complete and can make a huge difference in WES’s affordability. Grants range from a few thousand dollars to nearly full aid.

Helpful Application Information

Applications by Grade

PK3-PK4

Kindergarten (Age 5)

Recommendation: Please request your child’s homeroom teacher recommendation through your application checklist in Blackbaud. Please select the form for Applicants to PK3–Grade 1.

Testing (OPTIONAL): The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV). Scores are valid and usable for 18 months. Please let us know if you need assistance finding a tester.
Teacher Recommendation Form (if applicable)

Grade 1

Grades 2-8

Recommendation: Please request your child’s homeroom teacher recommendation (Grades 2-5) or math and English teacher recommendations (Grades 6-8) through your application checklist in Blackbaud.

Testing (OPTIONAL): All testing is optional. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is optional for all applicants applying to Grades 2 – 5. Applicants to Grades 6-8 may choose to take either the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), but neither is required. Scores are valid and usable for 18 months.

To register for the ISEE, please visit www.iseetest.org and enter 090329 to ensure that WES receives your child’s scores.
To register for the SSAT, please visit www.ssat.org and enter 8035 to ensure that WES receives your child’s scores.

Admission Policy

Washington Episcopal School seeks qualified students who can contribute to and benefit from our educational program. All students applying to the school are screened to assess their readiness for the program. Students are selected for admission on the basis of multiple factors and the school’s enrollment at time of application. In all cases, the school retains the right to determine, at its sole discretion, whether or not to select a student for admission or to re-enroll a student.

To be eligible for enrollment, children must be current on all vaccines required by the Maryland Immunization Schedule 2025-26.

When there are more qualified candidates than openings available, the school establishes an unranked waiting list. If any openings occur, the admissions committee decides which candidate(s) to offer a position based on the overall profile of the class and the match between the needs and qualifications of the student and the needs of the school.

Siblings of current WES students may apply early and opt to receive early admission decisions, which are generally sent in early January.

Washington Episcopal School is committed to having a diverse student population. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, family composition, economic status, or disability. All persons are encouraged to apply.

"We are so thankful to have had WES as an option; our child LOVES school, heads out happily each morning, and buckles down to do homework right after school. As parents, we were blown away by the enthusiasm, professionalism, and intelligence of the teachers. We know our child will be well prepared for high school, whether returning to MCPS or continuing on at an independent school."

— WES Alumni Parent