Visit Us!
It is our pleasure to introduce you to The Primary Day, our unique, joy-filled, learning environment in Bethesda, Maryland where we educate boys and girls during the four most important learning years of their lives—Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade. Whether near or far, joyful learning is occurring at The Primary Day School and our Admission Office is ready for your calls. We are available to answer questions you may have about our program.
Call or email us today. We can’t wait to hear from you.
admission@ThePrimaryDaySchool.org
301-365-4355 x114
Interested in finding out more about Primary Day?
- Read The Primary Day Story
- Catch up with us through our Facebook page and Instagram
- Visit Primary Day for a parent tour with a member of the Admission Team.
We look forward to welcoming you to Primary Day and assisting you with the application process.
Admission Process
A Portrait of an Applicant
Applicants to Primary Day are inquisitive and excited to explore the world around them. They exhibit an eagerness to learn and display both a motivation to prosper academically and potential school success. Developmentally prepared to cooperate with others and care for themselves, candidates for admission demonstrate the capacity to succeed in an active, challenging environment and present character traits aligned with our guiding vision - to treat all as you would like to be treated.
Request Information
Request Information Fill out an inquiry form or call 301.365.4355 and we will mail you our Viewbook.
Visit
Schedule a Tour With an understanding that the best way to appreciate the uniqueness of Primary Day is to see it in person, we are redefining individual tours so you may have the opportunity to visit Primary Day! Please call or email the Admission Office for more information and to schedule your fall appointment. Tours are for adults only.
301.365.4355 | Admission{AT}ThePrimaryDaySchool{DOT}org
Admission EVENTS Fall 2021
Saturday in person tours
September through December
Call ahead to schedule your tour
Thursday Under the Tent Events with Head of School
9-10am September through December, includes outdoor tour of Primary Day
Call ahead to reserve your space today and find out more about these small group events!
Coffee and Conversation with the Head of School
9-10am via Zoom
No reservation needed, Zoom link sent prior to event
Friday, October 15
Friday, November 19
Primary Day Open House
Thursday, November 18, 6:30-7:30pm
Webinar Virtual format. All families who have Inquired or Applied through Ravenna will be sent a Zoom link prior to the event.
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Call or email the Admission Office for additional information and to register!
Apply
Apply For the 22/23 enrollment year, you may submit an application in early September 2021. The application deadline is January 14, 2022. Supporting documents are due February 1, 2022. The application fee is $65. Decisions are released on March 4, 2022 with a reply due date of March 18, 2022.
We offer an early application for siblings and children of alums. Applications for these two groups are due November 12, 2021 with all supporting documents due December 3, 2021. Decisions are released on March 4, 2022 with a reply due date of March 18, 2022. For more information about our early application process, please contact Alison Collins at admission@theprimarydayschool.org.
Applicant Age Requirements (for the 2021-22 school year)
- Pre-Kindergarten applicants should be 4 years old on or around September 1, 2022.
- Kindergarten applicants should be 5 years old by September 1, 2022.
- First Grade applicants should be 6 years old by September 1, 2022.
- Second Grade applicants should be 7 years old by September 1, 2022.
Student Visit
Student visits, for both new applicants and sibling/alum applicants, take place in January and February and are scheduled after the application has been received. These visits typically occur Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Given the circumstances related to the pandemic, we may be modifying our student visit schedule and process. For the most up to date information, please reach out to the Admission Office. Thank you.
- Children applying to Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten come for a one and a half hour visit in the morning (8:00-9:30 am). This time includes a visit to the classroom as well as a one-on-one evaluation.
- Children applying to First and Second Grades visit Primary Day for the morning (8:30 am – 12:30 pm). They will spend the majority of their time in the classroom and will also do a one-on-one assessment. First and Second Grade applicants should bring a lunch with them.
Teacher Recommendation
A teacher recommendation is required for each applicant who is currently attending school. We use the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW) common recommendation form. Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade forms are available for download in Forms. Teachers should complete the form and return it directly to the Admission Office before February 1, 2022. (Sibling/alum forms are due December 3, 2021.)
School Records
School Records are required for each applicant who is currently attending school. Parents should fill out the top of the Request for School Records form and give it to the child’s current school. The school office completes the form and returns it directly to the Admission Office before February 1, 2022. (Sibling/alum forms are due December 3, 2021.)
Standardization Testing
Formal admission testing is not required for admission to Primary Day. If your child has taken the WPPSI or WISC, however, we request that you share the results with us.
Admission Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply to Primary Day?
You may apply online to Primary Day in early September.
- When should I apply to Primary Day?
Families should apply in the fall/winter prior to the year they would like their child to attend Primary Day. The application deadline is January 14, 2022. Supporting materials are due February 1, 2022. Apply now.
- Are visits to Primary Day required?
We encourage families to come for either a tour of the school or an Open House to best understand our philosophy and programs. We do require a child visit. Click here to begin the process.
- Do you have new students at every grade level?
Yes, while we accept most of our students at Pre-K and Kindergarten, each year we welcome new First and Second Graders as well.
- How do I know when my child’s visit will be?
Once you submit your application, we call to set up your child’s visit to the school. These visits occur weekday mornings in January and February. You will receive a confirmation email once the visit is scheduled. As we continue to monitor circumstances related to the pandemic, we may need to modify our student visit schedule. Please call the Admission Office for additional information regarding your child's visit.
- How long are the Pre-K and Kindergarten Applicant Visits?
The Pre-K and Kindergarten Applicant Visits last for 1.5 hours. This time includes a visit to the classroom as well as a one-on-one evaluation. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so that your child has time to get comfortable before we begin. This schedule is subject to change as we adjust our process as it relates to the pandemic.
- How long are the First and Second Grade Applicant Visits?
Children applying to First and Second Grades are dropped off for the morning (8:30 am –12:30 pm). They will spend the majority of their time in the classroom and will also do a one-on-one assessment. First and Second Grade applicants should bring a lunch with them (please note that we are not a peanut free school). This schedule is subject to change as we adjust our process as it relates to the pandemic.
- How can the teacher recommendation form be filled out if my child does not attend school?
This scenario is handled on a case-by-case basis. A child may be enrolled in a class (art, dance) or may attend a church or synagogue where an adult is able to provide the necessary information.
- How do I apply for financial aid?
For detailed information about the financial aid process, please read Financial Aid.
- Does applying for Financial Aid influence the admission decision?
No. Primary Day accepts students based on academic merit, test scores, teacher recommendations, and personal qualities. Financial aid files are reviewed and awards made only after a student is admitted. However, financial aid requests must be made by the January 28, 2022 deadline in order for an award to be considered.
- What is the student-teacher ratio at Primary Day?
The student-teacher ratio at Primary Day is 8:1.
- Does Primary Day have a uniform or dress code?
No, Primary Day does not have a uniform or dress code. Comfortable school clothes and sneakers are recommended.
- Does Primary Day have an after care program?
Yes, Beako’s Golden Rule After School Program (GRASP) meets Monday-Friday from 3:00–6:00pm. There is a separate fee for GRASP. Specific information is found in After School Programs.
- Are there any feeder schools to Primary Day?
No, we receive applications from children who attend over 25 preschools in Maryland, DC, and Virginia.
- What schools do children attend after Primary Day?
Over ninety seven percent of our 2021 graduates were accepted into their first choice school. Our graduates currently attend the following schools: Bullis School, GDS, Holton-Arms School, Landon School, Montgomery County Public Schools, Norwood School, Sidwell Friends School, Stone Ridge School and St. Patrick's Episcopal School. Detailed information about next school placement is located in After Graduation.
Tuition & Fees
2021–2022 School Year
- Application Fee: $65 non-refundable
- Pre-Kindergarten: $26,500
- Kindergarten: $27,500
- First Grade: $28,500
- Second Grade: $30,000
Educational materials and all other fees are included in annual tuition.
Upon acceptance of the student, a $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to hold the student’s place. This amount is credited to the tuition. Parents/guardians are responsible for the full annual tuition unless written notification is given to the school prior to June 1.
Tuition Payment Plans
The Primary Day School offers the following options for paying tuition and fees:
One payment or two Payments via check directly to Primary Day
One payment is due June 1. Two payments are due June 1 and December 1. Invoices are mailed in April and October.
Payment Plans through FACTS
FACTS accepts payment by direct withdrawal from a bank account or credit card.
Read FACTS FAQs FACTS is the largest provider of tuition payment plans in the industry, giving students and families from educational institutions at all levels a better way to manage education costs over time. With a FACTS Tuition Payment Plan, you can choose a convenient payment option to suit your needs. Instead of one lump tuition payment, smaller payments can be made over time.
FACTS Payment Plan Structures
| Plan | Payments | Enrollment Fee | Credit Card Convenience Fee |
| Semi-Annual Payment through FACTS | 60% in June and 40% in Dec | $10 | 2.85% |
| Monthly Payment through FACTS | 4 equal payments (Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec) | $45 | 2.85% |
| Monthly Payment through FACTS | 6 equal payments (Jun – Dec) | $45 | 2.85% |
| Monthly Payment through FACTS | 12 equal payments (Apr – Mar) | $45 | 2.85% |
Sign Up
Enroll in FACTS When you enroll in FACTS, you may choose either the 5th or the 20th of the month as your payment date. Automatic payments can be made from a checking/savings account or from a credit card. Enrollment in FACTS for the 2021/2022 school year must be made by April 1, 2021.
TUITION REFUND PLAN
The School offers a Tuition Refund Plan to provide for the payment of unpaid Tuition in certain specific circumstances where a Student withdraws voluntarily or involuntarily from the School. Participation in the TRP is optional. Parents participating in the TRP agree to all of the terms in the TRP document. When the TRP refunds the Student's Tuition, the Parent authorizes the School to first apply the TRP refunded amount toward payment on the outstanding balance on the Student's account. Any amount remaining after satisfaction of the outstanding balance owed on the Student's account shall be distributed to the Parents. In the event the TRP refund does not cover the outstanding balance owed on the Student's account, Parents agree to pay the School the outstanding balance within thirty (30) days of receipt of written demand by the School.
Financial Aid
At Primary Day, we seek to attract qualified students from a range of backgrounds and family income levels. The Board of Trustees has established funds to aid those families who need financial assistance in order to meet tuition costs. Primary Day offers only need-based financial aid; there are no merit awards. We use School and Student Services (SSS) by NAIS to evaluate financial aid applications. Based on a family’s financial information, SSS provides Primary Day with an estimated amount that a family can contribute towards educational expenses, which helps the school make objective financial aid decisions. Families must apply for financial aid annually. When awarding financial aid, priority is given to students who are currently enrolled. Families who have a change in financial circumstances during the school year may also apply for financial aid. Remaining financial aid resources are allocated to new families.
Financial Aid application steps for the 2022-23 school year.
1. Submit Application
New and returning families must submit the online financial aid application to School and Student Services (SSS). For full instructions, download the SSS Guide to Financial Aid.
Begin Your ApplicationYou only need to complete one application, even if you have several children applying to an individual school. You will set a username and password so that you may save information and return to it at a later date before submitting it. From there, select MD, The Primary Day School. You may attach your application to other schools at the end of the online application. If you have questions about the SSS submission process, please call SSS directly at 800-344-8328 or email support at sss@nais.org for more information.
Families may submit the financial aid applications and supporting documents starting November 1, 2021. The deadline for submitting a completed application to SSS is February 1, 2022.
2. Mail, fax, or upload supporting documents to SSS.
Upload signed copies of most recent IRS 1040 tax returns and supporting schedules, all W-2s, and a signed but not dated IRS 4506-T tax form. (Directions for uploading are on the SSS website.) *Families should use the Required Documents Cover Sheet whenever sending materials to SSS.
By Mail:
School and Student Services
PO Box 449
Randolph, MA 02368-0449 USA
For Overnight Mail:
School and Student Services
15 Dan Road; Suite 102
Canton, MA 02021
The deadline for submitting supporting materials to SSS is February 15, 2022.
