List of 13 items.

• When should we start the application process?

  The application process begins the year before you are interested in having your child attend Clairbourn.

• When will I be able to apply and is there an application deadline?

  Applications are open in August prior to the year you are applying. The sibling application deadline is October 14 and the preferred application for families new to the school is December 14. The December 14 deadline guarantees that your child will have a Visit Day (Family Meeting for JPK and PK applicants, Playdate for Kindergarten applicants and Visiting Morning for Grade 1-8 applicants). For families coming to the process after December 14, the application deadline is January 14.

• What if I missed the application deadline?

  We will know in mid-March if there are any spaces available for the next school year. Please fill out an Inquiry Form and we will be in touch about availability.

• May we apply without first visiting Clairbourn?

  Yes. However, we strongly recommend you attend one of our In-person or Virtual Tours to fully understand the value of a Clairbourn education. You may register for one of our tours once you fill out the  Inquiry Form.

• Do you have age requirements for applicants?

  Yes, students must be 3 years old by September 1 to enter Junior Pre-Kindergarten, 4 years old by September 1 to enter Pre-Kindergarten and 5 years old by September 1 to enter Kindergarten and so forth. This is a firm policy as we know that students perform better, both academically and socially, when throughout their academic career they are the appropriate age for their grade level. See birthdate chart here.

• How can I find the status of my child’s application?

  Once all items on your checklist have been marked complete, your child’s file will be complete. You can review your checklist often during the process, and we highly recommend that you carefully read everything that is sent to you by the school.

• Is Clairbourn Accredited?

  Yes, Clairbourn is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools, CAIS and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges WASC We also have membership in the National Association of Independent Schools NAIS, Private School Village, Independent School Management, Educational Records Bureau, and the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals. 

• Are there any assessments required for Middle School applicants?

  Clairbourn does not require the ISEE for Middle School applicants. Please see admission process information.

• On what do you base your admission decisions?

  At Clairbourn, we take a personal approach to educating each child, therefore we consider each applicant from that basis. Confidential teacher recommendations, student visits/playdates, interviews, transcripts and previous standardized test scores, ISEE scores (Merit Scholarship applicants only), the student writing supplement (grades 4-8 grade only), parent statements on the application, and social and emotional maturity, are all factors the Admission Committee considers when making decisions. We want to ensure each student offered a place at Clairbourn is ready to thrive in our program, and we admit families who are interested in becoming an integral part of our community. At the heart of the admission process, above all else, is a commitment to make decisions that are sensitive to children’s best interests and ensure an appropriate match between the School and student. In all cases, the School retains the right to determine, at its sole discretion, whether or not to select a student for admission or to re-enroll a student. Admission decisions are made under the overall supervision of the Head of School.

• What qualities does Clairbourn seek in an applicant family?

  Students with a wide variety of personalities, interests and talents, thrive in our stimulating and comprehensive environment. Curiosity, a joy and enthusiasm for learning, and thinking critically when engaging the curriculum, are all desired traits in any Clairbourn student. We look for children and families who will actively embrace our Mission and Code of Ethics. Appropriateness of match between family and the School is an important factor, including a parental commitment to establish a supportive and constructive partnership with the Clairbourn community.

• Does Clairbourn admit International students?

  As a day school, Clairbourn does not have a boarding program. All students attending Clairbourn live with their parents or legal guardians. Clairbourn does not provide I-20 Visa documents for incoming students. Other than Spanish classes in Middle School, all courses at Clairbourn are conducted in English, and English proficiency is a necessary precondition of attendance. Clairbourn does not offer an ESL program.

• Is there a waitlist?

  Yes, The initial admissions decisions are announced in March. Applicants are either admitted, denied or added to the waitpool. The waitpool remains active through the summer. Families will receive communication from our office should a spot become available.

• Do you accept students in the middle of the school year?

  It is not our typical practice to admit students after the start of the school year.