Apply to Dawson

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

• Q. Applying to Grades 9-12

  TIMELINE FOR UPPER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS
  - Application and Shadow Day deadline: January 29, 2021
  - Decision notification: February 19, 2021
  - Deadline to enroll: March 5, 2021
  
  CAMPUS VISIT
  During the visit, applicants and parents/guardians tour the campus with a student guide or Admissions Director, see classes in action, and learn about our Upper School program. You're welcome to bring your child along for the tour and typically, the campus visit will last around an hour. Following the tour, you'll have time to sit down with one of the Admissions Directors to get any questions answered.
  
  SUBMIT APPLICATION
  The application can be filled out online. In order for the application to be complete and reviewed by the Admissions Committee it must include the following:
  - parent questionnaire
  - student questionnaire
  - current English teacher recommendation
  - current math teacher recommendation
  - principal/counselor recommendation
  - official transcript (current and prior academic year)
  - $75 application fee
  
  SUBMIT STUDENT RECORDS AND TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
  Student recommendations should be submitted to teachers after the first marking period affording teachers the opportunity to get to know the student first. Dawson requires the above application pieces in order to be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
  
  SHADOW DAY
  Once you have submitted an application, we will contact you to schedule a shadow day. Shadow days allow us to get to know your child and gives your child a first-hand look at what life is like at Dawson. These visits are from 8:15 a.m - 12:15 p.m.; lunch is provided.
  
  Applicants will spend the day shadowing a current Dawson student who attends the grade to which your child is applying. These visits are from 8:20 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (lunch is provided).
  
  For students applying to the 2021-22 academic year, Dawson is offering virtual shadow opportunities in lieu of in-person shadow days.

• Q. Applying to Grades 6-8

  CAMPUS VISIT
  You're encouraged to bring your child along for the tour and typically the campus visit will last around an hour. Following the tour, you'll have time to sit down with one of the Admissions Directors to get any questions answered.
  
  SUBMIT APPLICATION
  The application can be filled out online. In order for the application to be complete and reviewed by the Admissions Committee it must include the following:
  - parent questionnaire
  - student questionnaire
  - current English teacher recommendation
  - current math teacher recommendation
  - principal/counselor recommendation
  - official transcript (current and prior academic year)
  - $75 application fee
  
  SUBMIT STUDENT RECORDS AND TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
  Forms should be submitted to teachers after the first marking period, affording teachers the opportunity to get to know the student first. Dawson requires the above applications pieces in order to be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
  
  SHADOW DAY
  Once you have submitted an application, we will contact you to schedule a shadow day. Shadow days allow us to get to know your child and gives your child a first-hand look at what life at Dawson. These visits are from 8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.; lunch is provided.
  
  For students applying to the 2021-22 academic year, Dawson is offering virtual shadow opportunities in lieu of in-person shadow days.
  
  DECISION NOTIFICATION
  The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications weekly beginning in January. Notification of admissions decisions for the upcoming fall term for all Middle School applicants continue on a rolling basis until all available openings are filled. Applications completed after a grade is full will be placed in a wait pool in the event a space does open up.

• Q. Applying to Grades K-5

  CAMPUS VISIT
  During the visit, applicants and parents/guardians tour the campus with an Admissions Director, see classes in action, and learn about our Lower School program. You're welcome to bring your children along for the tour and typically, the campus visit will last around an hour. Following the tour, you'll have time to sit down with one of the Admissions Directors to get any questions answered.
  
  SUBMIT APPLICATION
  The application can be filled out online. In order for the appication to be complete and reviewed by the Admissions Committee it must include the following:
  - parent questionnaire
  - teacher recommendations
  - official transcript
  - $75 application fee
  
  SUBMIT STUDENT RECORDS AND TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
  Forms should be submitted to teachers after the first marking period, affording teachers the opportunity to get to know the student first. Dawson requires the following recommendations for Lower School admissions:
  - current teacher 
  - school principal or guidance counselor
  
  SHADOW DAY/ASSESSMENT
  Once you have submitted an application, we will contact you to schedule a shadow day. Shadow days allow us to get to know your child and gives your child a first-hand look at what life is like at Dawson. Please note that Lower School applicants shadow in the grade in which they are currently enrolled. You will be contacted to schedule a shadow day as early as January.
  
  For students applying to the 2021-22 academic year, Dawson is offering virtual shadow opportunities in lieu of in-person shadow days.
  
  DECISION NOTIFICATION
  The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications weekly beginning in January. Notification of admissions decisions for the upcoming fall term for all Lower School applicants continue on a rolling basis until all available openings are filled. Applications completed after a grade is full will be place in a wait pool in the event a space does open up.