Welcome!
We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about our Collegiate community. Collegiate's admission process begins in the fall with applications, tours, and testing deadlines throughout the winter. Admission decisions are typically made in February and March.
[child-name] WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY AT ANY OF THE BELOW POINTS:
the admission
process
How To Apply
Our dedicated and experienced admission team is here to help your family navigate the process — from inquiry to enrollment.
| Lower School Admission Process (Grades JK-4) |
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Junior Kindergarten & KindergartenThe admission process begins with an online application and a $50 application fee. A candidate’s completed application includes the following items for each grade level:
Admission applications completed by Dec. 17 will be considered in the first round of admission decisions. Minimum Age Requirements:Junior Kindergarten (JK): Applicants must be 4 years old by August 31 of their Junior Kindergarten year. Kindergarten (K): Applicants must be 5 years old by August 31 of their Kindergarten year. Grades 1 - 4The admission process begins with an online application and a $50 application fee. A candidate’s completed application includes the following items for each grade level:
Admission applications completed by Dec. 17 will be considered in the first round of admission decisions. |
| Middle School Application Process (Grades 5-8) |
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The admission process begins with an online application and a $50 application fee. A candidate’s completed application includes the following items for each grade level:
Admission applications completed by Feb. 1 will be considered in the first round of admission decisions. |
| Upper School Admission Process (Grades 9-12) |
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The admission process begins with an online application and a $50 application fee. A candidate’s completed application includes the following items for each grade level:
Admission applications completed by Feb. 1 will be considered in the first round of admission decisions. |
We will be there for you every step of the way.
You will receive a new world of information and learn about admission events on campus.
Admission Calendar for 2027-28 Applications
There's nothing like experiencing this special place firsthand. We welcome you to schedule a visit, attend an Admission Program, or contact us with questions.
| Lower School - Grades JK - 4 |
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JK - 4th Grade Applicants: Please submit your application by December 17, 2026, and submit all required admission materials by January 28, 2027, to be considered in the first round of admission decisions. September 16, 2026 October 21, 2026 November 6, 2026 December 4, 2026 November - March Group Tours January 9, 2027 January 15, 2027 January 23, 2027 (Snow Date) February 19, 2027 (4 p.m.) February 2027 March 2, 2027 (4 p.m.) |
| Middle School - Grades 5-8 |
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Beginning in October November 13, 2026 January 9, 2027 January 30, 2027 February |
| Upper School - Grades 9-12 |
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Beginning in October October 16, 2026 January 22, 2026 February March 4, 2027 at 4 p.m. March 18, 2027 March 24, 2027 (Noon) |
A dynamic education
At Collegiate School, education thrives through the vibrant interplay of students, faculty, families, and alumni. It's a dynamic learning community where high academic standards are matched by deep personal connections — empowering each student to grow intellectually, lead with purpose, and serve with heart. This unique environment is enriched by engaged parents and the enduring relationships that bind our community together.
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Entry points
Please share your child’s name and date of birth and we will calculate the next available grade-level entry point and admission year for them. Collegiate’s admission process begins in the summer, with applications, tours, and testing deadlines throughout the fall. Admission decisions are typically made at the end of January/early February.
why
collegiate
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At Collegiate School, we pride ourselves on excellence in academics, the arts, and more. But what truly sets us apart is the community that develops around our students. Supportive, lifelong relationships — with peers, teachers, parents, and staff — are at the heart of who we are. Together, we are preparing the next generation of creative thinkers and engaged citizens. |
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AcademicsAt Collegiate, there’s a space for every interest. Whether that’s in the robotics lab, one of our three libraries, or working one on one with a teacher in our maker spaces, Collegiate provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests. We embrace an academic philosophy that inspires intellectual curiosity, sharpens critical thinking, and nurtures a lifelong passion for learning. |
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Programs & TraditionsSince our founding over a century ago, Collegiate has focused on helping children know themselves and realize their potential. Our programs are both challenging and supportive. With an emphasis on JK-12 academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, we help maximize each student’s unique learning journey and each educator’s special contributions. |
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Responsible CitizenshipResponsible citizenship flows through everything at Collegiate. The guiding principles of the Powell Institute for Responsible Citizenship are to empower engaged, contributing citizens by nurturing students’ compassion, creativity, and purpose. Collegiate’s mission is to foster and equip its students as scholars, citizens, and leaders so that they are ready to take on the world beyond Collegiate. |
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A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Collegiate is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, where every person is respected, valued, and belongs. Our culture and curriculum encourage the exchange of ideas that promotes understanding, civil dialogue, and intellectual growth. Collegiate recognizes that varied backgrounds and perspectives enrich our educational experiences and prepare our students for success as responsible citizens, inquisitive thinkers, and compassionate leaders.
Admission faq
| International Students |
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| NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL INQUIRIES: Collegiate School does not issue Form I-20 documents to students and, therefore, cannot accept students who are seeking multi-year enrollment and/or a high school diploma from Collegiate School, under F-1 student visa status. However, international families who relocate to Richmond are welcome to apply if the student will be living permanently with his or her parent or guardian in the Richmond area as a dependent on the parent's visa or if the child is otherwise eligible to study in the U.S. |
| When should I start the application process for Collegiate School? |
| You should begin the application process in the fall prior to the year of intended enrollment. Collegiate’s application typically opens in September, with the first round of decisions released in February or March, depending on the application grade. Starting early allows ample time to schedule visits, gather documentation, and complete application requirements. |
| What are the key components of the application? |
| All applications include an online form and parent survey. Additional requirements vary slightly depending on the grade to which the student is applying and may include teacher recommendations, transcripts or report cards, a student assessment (age-appropriate), and a school visit or interview. |
| Does Collegiate require an entrance exam? |
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Yes, age-appropriate assessments are required. For younger applicants (e.g., JK and Kindergarten), this may involve play-based observation. For older students, standardized testing (like the SSAT or SAT) or on-campus academic evaluations may be required. |
| Can my child visit the school during the admission process? |
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Yes, Collegiate includes student visits as part of the admission process. For more information, please reach out to the Admission Office. Lower School: 804.741.9778 and Middle/Upper School: 804.665.1754 |
| Is financial aid available? |
| Yes. Collegiate offers need-based financial aid for families who qualify. The financial aid application is separate from the admission application and is managed through the Clarity platform. Families are encouraged to apply by the stated deadline to ensure full consideration. |
| What are the chances of admission? |
| Admission to Collegiate is competitive and varies by grade level and space availability. Our natural entry-points are JK, K, 5th, 6th and 9th Grades. While the school does not publicly share acceptance rates, applicants are reviewed holistically, considering academic performance, character, readiness, and alignment with the school’s values. |
| What makes Collegiate’s admission process unique compared to other private K-12 schools? |
| Collegiate emphasizes a personal, relationship-driven approach. The school values not only academic aptitude but also the character and community fit of each applicant. The admission process is designed to give families a comprehensive understanding of the school’s mission and culture. |
| How does Collegiate assess applicants for Kindergarten or Junior Kindergarten? |
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Admission decisions are based on the child’s profile, which consists of three complementary components which include an individual evaluation with a qualified psychologist, a small-group readiness assessment, and a preschool report. This process is designed to provide our team with multiple snapshots that work together as puzzle pieces in providing a complete picture of a child’s learning profile. |
Virtual
Tour
North Mooreland Campus |
Robins Campus |
Where next?
Explore more of Collegiate through each of our school divisions.
