1st-5th Grade Admissions

Welcome to the Lower School at Birch Wathen Lenox!

Lower School students are eager to explore, grow, and discover their place in the world. At BWL, we build on their natural curiosity with a strong academic foundation, engaging instruction, and a community that encourages confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to navigate the admissions process, including key dates, application steps, visit opportunities, and events. If questions come up along the way, our team is always here to be of any assistance

Choosing the right school is about more than academics. It’s about joining a community where your child will thrive and your family will feel at home.We invite you to explore how BWL's tradition of excellence, innovative programs, and commitment to constructive dialogue prepare students to think deeply, engage meaningfully, and grow with confidence. By creating a Ravenna Hub account—or adding BWL to your existing Ravenna Hub—you’ll receive updates on upcoming admissions events, important deadlines, and opportunities to experience firsthand what makes our school distinctive.

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Visit BWL

There’s no better way to experience the heart of Birch Wathen Lenox than by visiting our school.

We would be delighted to welcome your family and share the energy, curiosity, and sense of belonging that define life at BWL.

All visits require advance registration through the Ravenna Hub.

You’ll have three opportunities to get to know us this fall. Navigate through the tabs below to learn more about each event, and check the calendar below or the Ravenna Hub for dates.

K–12 Intro Program & Tour

Lower School Program & Tour

Lower School Program & Tour:

Hear from our Lower School Director, participate in Q&A, and enjoy an in-depth tour.

Step inside Birch Wathen Lenox and experience where a lifelong love of learning takes root. At this essential event, you’ll hear directly from our Head of School and Lower School leadership as they share how BWL’s Kindergarten program blends joyful discovery, intellectual rigor, and meaningful connection to create a foundation for future success.

Following the initial conversation, join an intimate tour led by members of our Admissions team and a current BWL parent, offering authentic insights into our classrooms, community, and values.

This is a required step in the application process for Kindergarten, but also open to families who are still exploring.

Please note:

This event is distinct from our spring tour and fulfills the required Lower School information session component of the application process.
All families are welcome to attend this session before or after submitting an application.
Attendance at this event is required for all applicant families.

Discover how independence is nurtured, voices are heard, and futures take shape at BWL.

An Evening at BWL: K–12 Open House

An Evening at BWL: K–12 Open House, Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.

Our annual fall celebration of the entire school, welcoming families from all grades to experience BWL’s vibrant community.

Discover the full arc of a Birch Wathen Lenox education in one inspiring evening. An Evening at BWL offers Lower School families a unique opportunity to explore our K–12 program at your own pace. Move freely among classrooms and learning spaces, meet our dedicated teachers, school leaders, program directors, and current parents, and experience firsthand how BWL nurtures students from their first steps in Kindergarten through graduation.

Whether you stay for a short visit or linger to take it all in, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of how BWL blends academic excellence, personal growth, and meaningful connection at every stage. We recommend that Lower School families attend without their children, as this event draws a large audience and requires moving between floors.

Apply for 1st–5th Grades

We are thrilled to partner with families as they take this important step in their child’s educational journey.

At Birch Wathen Lenox, every application is the beginning of a relationship built on trust, shared values, and the promise of helping your child flourish. Applications are managed seamlessly through Ravenna Hub, where you can submit all required documents and schedule admissions appointments with ease. We would be honored to receive your child’s application and look forward to getting to know your family.

Note that the deadline for applying for admission is Friday, January 9, 2026. Late applications will be considered depending on available space in your child’s grade.

Admissions Timeline & Events: 1st–5th Grades 2025–2026

Key Dates for 2025–2026

Application Available: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026
Notification Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Decision Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026

We encourage families to create a profile on Ravenna Hub and search for “The Birch Wathen Lenox School” in the directory to begin.

All events on the calendar below are in person unless otherwise noted. Registration is required through the Ravenna Hub.

SEPTEMBER 2025

OCTOBER 2025

NOVEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

JANUARY 2026

FEBRUARY 2026

Frequently Asked Questions for 1st–5th Grade Applicants

When is the application for the 2025–2026 school year available?

When does BWL offer tours?

Do students apply from a wide range of schools?

Is there a sibling/legacy Early Notification policy?

Yes. Siblings and children of alumni are vital members of our community. We participate in the ISAAGNY Early Notification option for qualified applicants. Files must be complete by Friday, November 14, 2025. Admissions decisions for Early Notification candidates are released on Friday, December 5, 2025 at noon. Parents are required to reply to an offer of admission by Friday, December 12, 2025 at noon.

What is the tuition for the 2025–2026 school year?

Are tuition payment plans available?

Is financial aid available for 1st-5th grade applicants?

BWL offers need-based financial aid, with the majority of available funding prioritized for families applying to Kindergarten, Grade 6, or Upper School entry points. Financial aid for other grades—including 1st-5th grades—is extremely limited. Families interested in applying should indicate this on their application and complete the Clarity application by the stated deadline.