What is the Early Notification Program (ENP)?
The early notification program is the option of “early decision” for applicants who are siblings of current BWL students, legacies of The Birch Wathen School, The Lenox School or BWL, or any family with an existing relationship with BWL.
Who is eligible for the Early Notification Program (ENP)?
ENP is offered to families who currently have children enrolled in BWL, or who have attended BWL in the past. Families who have an existing relationship or involvement with the school community may also be considered for the early notification program. Please inquire with the Admissions Department if you would like more information about this program.
May I tour the school before I submit an application?
Tours of the facility are conducted in a small group led by a knowledgeable member of the BWL faculty. In order to maintain these intimate tours, we are only able to welcome applicant families.
Do you offer spring tours or open houses?
Spring tours are offered to future Kindergarten applicants ONLY. We do not hold open house events. We do offer tours to applicants of any open grade during the rolling admissions period.
What is rolling admissions?
Rolling admissions is the process of continuing admissions in any grade that still has space available. This can take place at any time of the year.
Do both parents need to attend the tour and interview/play group?
It is not required that both parents attend the tour and interview. However, we do recommend doing so whenever possible.
K APPLICANTS ONLY: It is strongly advised that both parents attend the Question & Answer session with the Headmaster and Lower School Director during the Kindergarten play group.
GRADES 1-5: Students applying to grades 1-5 may return on another day for their assessments. Parents are NOT required to attend the student assessment.
Is the student interview the same day as the tour?
For Middle and Upper School applicants (Grades 6-12), parents and students tour the school together. The student interview is conducted either immediately before or after the tour on the same day.
For Lower School applicants (Grades K-5), the tour is for PARENTS ONLY and the children return for their assessments on another date.
What is the nature of the student interview?
For Kindergarten applicants, there is a small play group of approximately 8-10 students conducted by 4 members of the Admissions department.
For Grades 1-5 students work individually with a Lower School Learning Specialist and a member of the Admissions department.
For Grades 6-12 students participate in a one-on-one interview with the Director or Assistant Director of Admissions.
Is there a parent interview?
Parents are required to submit a parent essay as part of the application process. Parents of Kindergarten applicants are invited to attend an information session with the Headmaster.