Applying to Birches School
We seek curious, motivated students who will thrive in our inquiry-based, collaborative learning environment. The admission process is designed to ensure that the applicant will both thrive at Birches and contribute to our classrooms. Admission to Birches School is based on the written application, previous teachers’ assessments, and visits with the prospective student and family. We strive to partner with parents and guardians throughout the process and provide ample opportunities to get to see our curriculum in action and connect with our community.
Our office is happy to connect with you and answer any questions about the admissions process. We look forward to getting to know your family!
Middle School Showcase 12/3
Learn why students thrive in our program and get a sense of what our progressive teaching approach looks like in 6th through 8th grades. Students and parents/guardians are invited from 5:30-7:00 pm to participate in a middle school advisory meeting and two interactive mini-classes taught by our faculty. Current 8th grade students will be present to share their experiences and answer your questions.
Winter Open House January 11, 2025
Join us! The whole family is invited to our Winter Open House from 1:00-3:00 pm. Hear from our faculty, alums, and current students about the power of a Birches education. Experience Birches before our 1/15 application deadline. We can’t wait to meet you! Questions? Please reach out to admissions@birchesschool.org
Application Steps
While the 24-25 application deadline has passed, we continue to process new applications for select grade levels. Please reach out to the admissions office for information on availability and follow the steps here for applying for 24-25 school year.
Our priority cycle application deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is January 15. All applicants who submit materials by this date will receive a decision on March 10. After January 15, we encourage you to reach out to Admissions about any remaining spaces, and we will support your family through the application process as quickly as possible.
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To begin, please provide us with your contact information by completing our Inquiry Form. Once the form is submitted, you can schedule a Parent/Guardian Tour.
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A parent/guardian tour is an important step for all applicant families. Tours are approximately one hour with our Director of Admissions. You can register for a tour at your convenience here.
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Please complete and submit the online application by January 15, 2025. Birches School uses Ravenna, and you will need to set up an account. You can see an updated list of required materials we have received and steps that have been checked off. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required.
If you have any questions about the online application, please reach out to the Admissions Office or call (781) 259-8189.
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In addition to your application, we require a completed Boston Common Recommendation from your child's current teacher and school reports. You can request these forms directly through Ravenna. These recommendations are confidential. All recommendations and transcripts are due by January 15, 2025.
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Once all of your application and supplemental materials are recieved, you will be invited to schedule a visit day for your student. These are coordinated with the Admissions team after January 15. If you have questions about scheduling these visits, please reach out to the Admissions Office or call (781)259-8189.
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Birches School uses Clarity to asses the needs of families who apply for financial aid. Birches strives to make our program accessible to as many families as possible, and 32% of our current families receive some tuition support. Financial Aid at Birches is need based, and families must qualify for aid. Please complete the Clarity Financial Aid application by January 15 and see our resources regarding affording a Birches education.
Birches School admits students of any race, gender, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender, ethnic origin, or family status in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition support and financial aid, and other school-administered programs.