Admissions

Becoming a Spartan

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The Future Is Yours.

The Admissions Process Starts Here

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make. We know you may have questions, and we're here to help in any way we can. On this page, you'll learn the Steps to Apply and answers to our most frequently asked questions, including how to sign up for a tour (which you can do before you apply) and requirements for admissions testing.

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Steps to Apply

Thank you for your interest in The Steward School! Applications for the 2025-26 school year are now open.

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Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
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Thank you for your interest in The Steward School!
1. Submit an online application. The application fee is $50.
2. Register for admission testing. Submit the WPPSI-IV Testing Form (available on the applicant checklist, testing fees apply).
3. Schedule a readiness visit through Admissions.
4. If applying for Variable Tuition, complete and submit the application for eligibility. This must be done before the enrollment contract can be issued. This step is not required for admission but is necessary if seeking Variable Tuition.
5. Receive electronic notification letter.
Questions? Contact Lindsay McLaughlin at (804) 565-2315 or lindsay.mclaughlin@stewardschool.org.
Grades 1-5
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Thank you for your interest in The Steward School!
1. Submit an online application. The application fee is $50.
2. Register for admission testing. Submit the WISC-V Testing Form (available on the applicant checklist, testing fees apply).
3. Schedule an admission screening and student visit through Admissions.
4. Submit the Request for Release of Student Records Form to your child’s current school (available on the applicant checklist).
5. Submit the Teacher Recommendation Form to your child's current classroom teacher (available on the applicant checklist).
6. If applying for Variable Tuition, complete and submit the application for eligibility. This must be done before the enrollment contract can be issued. This step is not required for admission but is necessary if seeking Variable Tuition.
7. Receive notification letter.
Questions? Contact Lindsey Reynolds at (804) 565-2339 or lindsey.reynolds@stewardschool.org.
Grades 6-11
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Thank you for your interest in The Steward School!
1. Submit an online application. The application fee is $50.
2. Register for admission testing (testing fees apply).:
  - Grades 6, 7, and 8: Submit the WISC-V Testing Form (available on the applicant checklist).
  - Grade 9 (only): Register for SSAT testing. The school code for Steward is 6084.
3. Schedule a campus visit for your student (available on the applicant checklist). Grades 6, 7, and 8: Your student will complete a screening/interview during their visit. Grades 9, 10, and 11: Your student will complete a screening/interview on a separate date from the campus visit.
4. Submit the Request for Release of Student Records Form to your child’s current school (available on the applicant checklist).
5. Submit the Teacher Recommendation Form (available on the applicant checklist). For grade 6, please submit to your child's current classroom teacher. For grades 7-11, please submit to your child's current English and math teachers.
6. If applying for Variable Tuition, complete and submit the application for eligibility. This step is not required for admission but is necessary if seeking Variable Tuition.
7. Receive electronic notification letter.
Questions? For Grades 6-8, please contact Bobbie Fass at (804) 565-2334 or bobbie.fass@stewardschool.org. For Grades 9-11, please contact Beth Farmer-Smith at (804) 565-2335 or beth.farmersmith@stewardschool.org.
International Students
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1. Complete and submit an online application with a $50 fee.
2. Complete and submit the supplemental application. Please be sure to include the 3-5 paragraph essay based on the prompt in the supplemental application.
3. Submit translated copies of school records and transcripts from the past three school years, including this current school year.
4. Submit two teacher recommendation letters from the student’s English and math teacher. Families may submit a third letter if they chose. Recommendation letters should be translated into English. If a student’s teacher speaks English, the teacher is welcome to use our teacher recommendation form.
5. Submit iTEP slate, TOEFL Jr., or TOEFL iBT score. Steward's TOEFL code is B234.
6. Submit a copy of the student's current passport.
7. Optional: Submit translated copies of any aptitude or achievement testing from the past two school years, including this current school year.
Once Steward has received all of the above documents, the Admissions Committee will review the application and an online or in-person interview may be scheduled with the applicant.

Once the interview assessment is complete, Steward’s Admissions Committee will meet to determine if Steward can offer admission to the applicant.

Upon acceptance, an enrollment contract is issued. The contract, signed by the parents/guardian, should be returned along with the deposit, the new student fee, and verification of financial support. Once all required school documents are received, the student's I-20 will be processed (if needed) and a course of study will be recommended. Ongoing assessment after the student is enrolled may result in a recommended change in resources and services. Since all instruction at Steward is conducted in English, applicants should have studied English for several years prior to enrollment at Steward.

Questions? Contact Bobbie Fass at bobbie.fass@stewardschool.org.

Helpful Tips

The online application does not have to be completed all at once.

After you’ve created your account, bookmark the login screen. As you fill out the application, you’ll see that you can periodically save your work. If you need to pause and return at a later time, simply log in again and pick up where you left off.

The application fee can be paid online as well. At the end of the application, you will be directed to a secure, encrypted page where you can make a credit card payment.

School Life FAQs

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

How do I enroll my child after they are offered admission?

Please watch the video tutorial below or visit this step-by-step visual guide.
What are the tuition payment plans and schedule of fees for the upcoming school year?
Tuition Payment Plans for 2025-26
1. 100% due July 31, 2025.
2. 65% due July 31, 2025, and 35% due January 31, 2026.
3. Ten (10) equal payments - first payment due April 30, 2025, and tenth payment due January 31, 2026. Enrollments after April will be spread over the remaining months.
Fee Schedule
- A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required and should accompany all new applications.
- A required $600 payment is due upon the acceptance of all students new to grades JK-12. This is a one-time payment in addition to tuition and other charges.
- A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration for all returning students in grades K-12 and is applied to the student's account for 2024-25. If enrollment is canceled in writing by May 1, 2025, the $1,000 deposit is forfeited. If not canceled in writing, parents are responsible for the full year’s tuition.
- Note: Students in grades K-5 are billed in July for books and supplies. Students in grades 6-12 are responsible for purchasing books as required by their class schedules. Regardless of the payment plan you choose, all additional fees are billed in July.
For more information regarding Tuition and Fees, please visit here.
How do we submit our enrollment documents for registering?

We have helpful checklists of enrollment documents for registering behind the LOGIN screen of the school's website (My School App). To access, log in to your account and follow the steps below:

Step 1: Click Checklist Memo

Step 2: Upload Files
Where can I find a list of parent resources?

The Spartan Hub is a helpful landing spot for school year information, upcoming events, and school news.

When logged in to MySchoolApp, you are able to access the parent resource board, student grades and more!
What are the school hours?

JK-Grade 5: 8 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.; AfterSchool Care is available until 6 p.m.

Grades 6-8: 8 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.; AfterSchool Care is available until 6 p.m.

Grades 9-12: 8 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.
Looking for other details about summer work and the upcoming school year?

Check out the school year information section of the Spartan Hub!
What are the after-school options for my child?

AfterSchool Care is offered for students in grades JK-8. It is available from 3:10 - 6 p.m. daily and can be used on a regular or drop-in basis. Additionally, there are after-school enrichment opportunities for Lower School students throughout the school year.

Arts/Athletics: There are three plays performed each year by current Middle and Upper School students through Steward’s Theatre Department. Rehearsals are held after school. Students are also eligible to participate in athletics during the fall, winter, and spring seasons, with practices after school.

Clubs: Both the Middle and Upper Schools have a variety of clubs in which students may participate. Some have meetings during the school day, and others meet after school.
Is lunch provided?

The school offers an opt-in lunch program with Merriwether Godsey. Please visit the lunch page for more details. Students are also welcome to pack their lunches.
Is there a dress code?

The Steward School does have a dress code and encourages students to dress in attire conducive to learning. There are several “dress up” days on special occasions for all students during the year.
Is there summer programming?

Yes! Find out more about camps and summer programming on our Summer Experience page.

Admissions FAQs

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

What are you looking for in an applicant?

We seek students who are capable, curious, and eager to learn, and who will participate fully in the life of the school. Our admissions process uses a holistic approach to evaluating applicants, with no fixed criteria.
Is there admission testing?

Admission testing is required at all levels. For specific information about your grade-level requirements, read more here.
Does applying for variable tuition affect an applicant’s chance for admission?

No. All admissions decisions are made without regard to financial status.
Do I need to submit a completed application before I visit?

We are happy to give campus tours to anyone who inquires about admission. Tours are available on select weekdays. Registration is required.
What does it cost to attend Steward?
Steward is proud to be among the top tier of independent schools in the Richmond area and to offer a top-notch college-preparatory education. Tuition varies by division:
- JK: $19,725 (full-day)
- Lower School (K-5): $27,260
- Middle School (6-8): $29,660
- Upper School (9-12): $31,280
Steward offers a Variable Tuition option to eligible families, as well as merit scholarships to new Upper School students.

More information is available on the Affordability webpage
Can I visit Steward?

Yes! Tours are available on select weekdays. Registration is required.
What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2025, to be considered in our first-round decisions. All requirements for the application process must be submitted by January 30, 2025. Applications submitted after this date are considered on a rolling basis as space permits.
Can a student apply mid-year?

Mid-year applicants are carefully considered on a case-by-case basis, provided there is room in that particular grade. Relocation from out of area is the primary reason for a mid-year transfer.
Help! I don't know where to start.

We specialize in helping families learn everything there is to know about Steward. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (804) 565-2334 or email us at admissions@stewardschool.org. We’re here to help!

The Steward School admits students without regard to race, religion, color, ethnic or national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law 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 these protected characteristics in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.