admissions faqs
How many students do you accept each year?
We typically enroll 32 new Kindergarten students each year at Sea Crest. While the number of applications varies year to year, we do anticipate that we will have more applications than spaces in our upcoming Kindergarten class. We often will put students on a wait-list, but have gone to the list many years when filling our classes. We also accept a number of students into our 6th grade, as our middle school classes accommodate more students per grade level. Grades 1–5 and 7–8 openings vary annually—if there are spaces available, we will accept applications for those spaces.
Are sibling applicants guaranteed admission?
While sibling applicants are not guaranteed admission, we do understand that most families already have an association and connection to Sea Crest, and take that into consideration. Incoming sibling students at every grade must demonstrate their ability to find academic success at Sea Crest in order to gain admission.
What factors are used in your admissions decisions?
We take many factors into consideration, including our observations and assessment of the applicant from the kindergarten screening or shadow day, the preschool teacher or grade school teacher’s evaluation, student transcripts (where applicable), and the completed application. We also consider a variety of other factors, including sibling applicants, gender balance, and your child’s date of birth. We strive to configure classes that are well-balanced, diverse, and in relation to kindergarten, where students show kindergarten-readiness. Please read the admissions overview on specific admissions processes for more information.
How strict is the September 1 cutoff date for Kindergarten?
Like most independent schools, we strongly recommend that a child turns five years old by September 1 of the year he or she begins kindergarten. In fact, we have many students who are already six or will turn six early in the school year. If you have a child with a September birth date, we are happy to speak to you in more detail about your specific situation. If your child is currently in grades 1–8 at another school, you should apply for the grade that the student would be entering in his or her current school.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, we are happy to offer Financial Assistance information upon request. We strongly encourage families to submit all Financial Aid materials to School and Student Service (SSS) by the appropriate deadlines, which are available online or through our Admissions and Business offices.
When will we be notified of the Admissions decision?
In cooperation with other Bay Area Independent Schools, Sea Crest mails out admissions decisions on a specified date in mid-March each year. Families then have one week to return a signed contract and deposit. If we have not received a contract by the deadline, that space may be given to a student on the waiting list.
