Our Approach to Admissions Decisions
While we consider many factors in our admission process, we always begin by considering the following:
Your child will thrive here. We look forward to getting to know your child’s true self. We value the unique qualities and interests of each child, and we are eager to learn what excites, delights, and challenges them. As an admissions team, the most important question we explore is how the Peninsula School student experience and our progressive educational program can help your child to thrive.
Your family will thrive here. We also understand that engaged families are essential to a successful school experience. We seek to cultivate a community of families who are supportive of our mission, vision and values, including our commitment to equity and belonging, are eager to partner with teachers, and who share our commitment to the growth of the whole child: socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
Your child and family will be part of a thriving community. Peninsula School is a community where everyone is learning and growing. In our admissions process we consider how each child and family will contribute to the richness and culture of our school, both in the classroom and in our broader commitment to raise competent, thoughtful and contributing members of society. We value diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests, and the unique ways in which these interact to create a dynamic school community.
Finally, we consider the composition of each class, and seek to cultivate diverse, well-rounded and balanced cohorts in our preschool through 8th grade classrooms. To do so we consider age, gender, academic and social development, and group dynamics, in addition to many other nuanced factors.
Applying to Peninsula Step-by-Step
Step 1: Inquire
Submit an Inquiry to let us know of your interest. Our admissions staff will respond and offer opportunities to connect for a tour, introductory call or zoom meeting.
Step 2: Visit the School
Join us for a School Tour as part of our 2024-25 Admission Program offers. Both in-person and virtual opportunities are available.
Step 3: Apply
When you’re ready to apply our Application is hosted on SchoolAdmin, and will be available by October 1, 2023. To begin an application you will need to create an account. If your child was waitlisted in 2023-24, you may update your application at no additional cost. All applications submitted by our January 9th deadline are considered equally.
Step 4: Student Visits
Student Visits with classroom teachers and potential cohorts will be coordinated through the admissions office. These visits are designed to be a comfortable, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for your child, and are scheduled only after applications are submitted.
Step 5: Final Conversation
Connect directly with the Admissions Director to discuss any final questions, and mutual expectations.
While the majority of our new students come to Peninsula during the Annual Admissions Program schedule, we may have additional openings after April as returning families make final contractual commitments. We therefore maintain an active waitpool of interested applicants, and are happy to accept applications throughout the year.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS : Peninsula School admits students of any race, 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, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
If you have questions, please contact the Admissions Director by phone at 650-325-1584 ext. 114 or email Admissions.