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 offering 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 winter and Spring 2023-24
Individual Tours
Call Alison Collins in the Admission office to schedule your tour
After the Bell Rings Welcome Event for Admitted Families
Thursday, March 7, 10:00am (Invitation to be emailed March 1.)
For parents of admitted students, please join us for a continental breakfast and conversation with our Head of School, Faculty and Staff and Primary Day Parents.
Apply
Apply For the 24/25 enrollment year, you may submit an application in early September 2023. The application deadline is January 12, 2024. Supporting documents are due February 1, 2024. The application fee is $65. Decisions are released on March 1, 2024 with a reply due date of March 15, 2024.
We offer an early application for siblings and children of alums. Applications for these two groups are due November 10, 2023 with all supporting documents due December 1, 2023. Decisions are released on March 1, 2024 with a reply due date of March 15, 2024. For more information about our early application process, please contact admission office at admission@theprimarydayschool.org.
Applicant Age Guidelines (for the 2024-25 school year)
- Pre-Kindergarten applicants should be 4 years old on or around September 1, 2024.
- Kindergarten applicants should be 5 years old by September 1, 2024.
- First Grade applicants should be 6 years old by September 1, 2024.
- Second Grade applicants should be 7 years old by September 1, 2024.
Student Visit
Student visits for sibling/alum applicants take place in November and December. Visits for new 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. For the most up to date information, please reach out to the Admission Office. Thank you.
- Children applying to Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten are required to come for a one-on-one evaluation scheduled during the week and are required to attend a 75-minute Saturday morning classroom play date on January 20, 2024. Pre-Kindergarten applicants attend at 8:15 am and Kindergarten applicants at 10:15 am.
- 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 evaluation. First and Second Grade applicants should bring a lunch and snack 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, 2024. (Sibling/alum forms are due December 1, 2023.)
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, 2024. (Sibling/alum forms are due December 1, 2023.)
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
Fri Oct 13, 2023
Admission Coffee
Fri Oct 20, 2023
Admission Coffee
Fri Oct 27, 2023
Admission Coffee
Fri Nov 3, 2023
Admission Coffee
Thu Nov 16, 2023
Admission Open House
Fri Dec 1, 2023
Admission Coffee
Sat Dec 2, 2023
Admission Playdate for siblings and alum
Details to come from Admission office
Thu Jan 11, 2024
Admission Coffee/Open House
More details to come from the Admission office
Sat Jan 20, 2024
Admission Playdate for Prospective Applicants
Details to come from Admission office
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 12, 2024. Supporting materials are due February 1, 2024. 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 contact you to set up your child’s visit to the school. Individual evaluations occur weekday mornings in January and February. There is also a required Saturday classroom play date. You will receive a confirmation email once these visits are scheduled. Please call the Admission Office for additional information regarding your child's visit.
- How long are the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Applicant Visits?
The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten applicant evaluation visit lasts approximately 45 minutes. The required Saturday classroom play date lasts 75 minutes and a parent is required to stay. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so that your child has time to get comfortable before we begin.
- 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 and snack with them (please note that we are not a peanut free school).
- 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, personal visits, 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 27, 2024 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 3:00–5:30pm. 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 2023 graduates were accepted into their first choice school. Our graduates currently attend the following schools: Bullis, GDS, Holton-Arms, Landon, Montgomery County Public Schools, Norwood, Sidwell Friends, Stone Ridge and St. Patrick's Episcopal. Detailed information about next school placement is located in After Graduation.
Tuition & Fees
2023–2024 School Year
- Application Fee: $65 non-refundable
- Pre-Kindergarten: $28,900
- Kindergarten: $32,750
- First Grade: $32,750
- Second Grade: $32,750
Educational materials and all other fees are included in annual tuition.
Upon acceptance of the student, a $1,500 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 | $15 | 2.95% |
| Monthly Payment through FACTS | 4 equal payments (Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec) | $50 | 2.95% |
| Monthly Payment through FACTS | 6 equal payments (Jun – Dec) | $50 | 2.95% |
| Monthly Payment through FACTS | 12 equal payments (Apr – Mar) | $50 | 2.95% |
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 23/24 school year must be made by April 1, 2024.
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 Clarity to evaluate financial aid applications. Based on a family’s financial information, Clarity 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 2024-25 school year.
To get started, please go to the Clarity Application and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit, and you can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity Application for no additional charge. Simply use the dropdown menu in the application to select those schools.
Deadlines for completing the financial aid application:
Begin Your ApplicationDecember 15, 2023 for returning families
February 1, 2024 for new families
If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.
