List of 22 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 on July 1. The sibling application deadline is October 14 and the preferred application for families new to the school is December 14. For families coming to the process after December 14, the application deadline is January 14. We recommend applying early.

• 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 email Marianne Ryan at mryan@clairbourn.org to check grade level 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 by 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 challenging 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 class, 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.

• Is there a school uniform?

  Yes, we have school uniforms, which are purchased from Lands' End or during the Used Uniform Sales held throughout the school year.

• Is there a hot lunch program?

  Yes, families are able to order lunch from Choice Lunch, which is delivered daily to the school. Additionally, the Clairbourn Families Association (CFA) holds special hot lunches each week; order forms are available at the beginning of the school year.

• What are the school hours?

  School hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. We have staggered pick up times, by grade, in the car transportation line between 2:45 pm - 3:20 pm.

• Does Clairbourn offer before and after school care?

  Students may arrive at school as early as 7:30 am at no additional cost. After school care is available at an additional cost. Clairbourn provides the care for Junior Pre-Kindergarten, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students (pick up time is at 5:30 pm) and is billed through the school in 1, 2 or 3 hour increments. Parker Anderson runs the after school program for 1st - 8th grades (pick up time is at 6:00 pm) and is billed through their website.

• What are the fees/costs at Clairbourn?

  Application Fee is $100

  FAST (Financial Assistance Application) fee is $48 (payable to FAST)

  CFA dues (Clairbourn Families Association) $150

  Deposit upon acceptance and due with contract: $1,500 (non-refundable deposit towards tuition) and New Student Fee $1,000

  Tuition (dependent upon grade level)

• Where do I find the tuition schedule?

  Please visit: Tuition for tuition details, FAQ’s related to tuition and financial assistance

• Do you teach a world language?

  Yes, Clairbourn teaches Spanish from Kindergarten to 8th Grade.

• How does Clairbourn use technology in the classroom?

  Students explore, create, and use a variety of applications and web tools to help enhance their communication. Teachers use technology to amplify teaching and learning practices such as higher-order thinking, creativity, and knowledge construction. Clairbourn has a 1 to 1 technology program, provided by the school. All students in grades K-8 spend time each week in The Innovation Lab.

• Where do Clairbourn students matriculate after they graduate?

  Clairbourn graduates are well prepared for the demands of the high school curriculum, leaving Clairbourn with a solid academic foundation. Our students have incorporated the Code of Ethics into their daily lives and are upstanding young people. They have taken part in all that Clairbourn has to offer and when they enter their chosen high school, they are eager to engage in many of the extra curricular activities. In the past several years, our students have been accepted to the following high schools: 

  
  

  Campbell Hall, Cate School, Don Bosco Tech, Flintridge Preparatory School, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, Harvard Westlake, La Salle College Prep, LACSA, Loyola High School, Maranatha High School, Mayfield Senior School, Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks, Polytechnic High School, St. Francis High School, Sierra Canyon, Village Christian, The Waverly School, Westridge School, The Webb Schools