It all begins in Pre-K.
Pre-Kindergarten is the foundational year of our program, setting the stage for a lifetime of learning and growth. We encourage families to apply for our Pre-K program, as it is designed to provide children with the essential skills and experiences needed for future academic success.
While most students begin in Pre-K, we also accept a limited number of Kindergarten applicants each year. Families interested in First and Second Grade should contact the admission office for information on possible openings.
Ready to apply?
Below is a list of everything you need to begin the admission process:
Inquiry Form
To begin the process, please fill out our Inquiry Form.
For additional information, contact us at admission@theprimarydayschool.org or (301) 365-4355.
Parent Visit
We encourage all prospective parents to visit our campus. You can schedule an individual tour or attend one of our admission events to see our school in action.
To schedule a visit, email or call us at
admission@theprimarydayschool.org
(301) 365-4355 x114
Apply
The application is open on September 3, 2025. There is a $75 application fee, which can be paid online through our secure payment portal.
For questions, contact us at admission@theprimarydayschool.org or (301) 365-4355.
Applicant age guidelines for the 2025-26 school year:
- Pre-Kindergarten applicants should be 4 years old by September 1, 2025.
- Kindergarten applicants should be 5 years old by September 1, 2025.
- First Grade applicants should be 6 years old by September 1, 2025.
- Second Grade applicants should be 7 years old by September 1, 2025.
Key dates and details to keep in mind before you apply:
- The application deadline is January 12, 2026.
- Supporting documents are due January 30, 2026.
- Decisions are released on February 27, 2026 with a reply due date of March 13, 2026.
Student Visits
Pre-K and Kindergarten Applicants
Your child will come for two required visits:
- Individual assessment on a weekday morning in January or February
- Saturday morning classroom visit on January 24, 2026 (snow date: January 31)
First and Second Grade Applicants
- Your child will spend a half-day in a classroom at their current grade level on a school day, with time set aside for an individual assessment.
Once you have submitted your application, our Admission Team will contact you to schedule your child’s individual assessment or visit.
Recommendations and Records
Teacher Recommendation
A recommendation from the current homeroom teacher is required for all applicants. However, if a Pre-K applicant does not have a current classroom teacher, a recommendation from an outside instructor is acceptable.
Teacher Recommendation forms can be found on Ravenna.
We use the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW) common recommendation form.
Please submit the Teacher Recommendation form through Ravenna, or email to admission@theprimarydayschool.org by January 30, 2026.
School Records
School records are required for all applicants. If the applicant’s current school does not provide school records, please have a school administrator indicate this on the Request for School Records form.
The Request for School Records form can be found on Ravenna.
Families should submit the Request for School Records form to their child’s current school well in advance of the January 30, 2026 deadline.
Upcoming
Admission Events
Events are open to all prospective families and count towards a Parent Visit requirement.
No upcoming events found.
Register for events at Ravenna or email admission@theprimarydayschool.org
For all application process questions please contact:
Jessie Kasenetz
Director of Advancement & Enrollment Management
(301) 365-4355 x112
j.kasenetz@theprimarydayschool.org
Alison Collins
Associate Director for Enrollment
(301) 365-4355 x114
a.collins@theprimarydayschool.org