Application Process

List of 6 items.

• How to Apply

  All applications begin with an inquiry! Please visit the Inquire & Apply page to get started and connect with a member of the Admissions Team.

• When to Apply

  We accept applications for every grade level and consider them as space is available.
  
  Most students are admitted at one of our three main entry points: Early Childhood 3 (EC3), 1st grade (the first year of Primary School), and 5th grade (the first year of Middle School). 

  
  The application process begins a year in advance, so you will apply between September and December of the year before you want your child to enroll.
  
  Please note that Early Childhood 3 (EC3) students must be three years old on or before September 1 of the year of entry. 
  
  For example, if your child was born between:

  • 9/2/22 and 9/1/23, you would have applied for the 2026-27 school year in the fall of 2025
  • 9/2/24 and 9/1/25, you will apply for the 2027-28 school year in the fall of 2026

• Important Deadlines

  The timeline for the 2027-28 application season will be released in September, 2026. 

• Parent Meetings

  The parent meeting, which lasts about 30 - 45 minutes and is conducted via Zoom, is an informal conversation between the parents/guardians and a member of the admissions team. The purpose of the meeting is to learn more about your family and your student(s). We encourage you to ask any questions that you have about Ancona during this meeting.

   

  Parent meetings begin in November of each admissions season. As a prospective family, you will be able to self-schedule your parent meeting after submitting an application for admission through the My Ancona portal's Admissions Checklist. Please note that it may take up to 48 hours after you submit your application before you see the Admissions Checklist.

• Student Visit Day

  The student visit is an integral part of the application process for all students. Visits range from 30 minutes for early childhood applicants to a full school day for prospective 2nd-8th graders. 
  
  On the day of your child's visit, they will spend time in a classroom setting alongside their peers. Teachers will assess your child's readiness for their rising grade level by assessing their academic and social-emotional abilities. 

  • EC3, EC4, and Kindergarten: Students will spend 30 minutes in an early childhood classroom setting. They will have the opportunity to get to know teachers and other students, and engage with materials in the classroom.

  • 1st Grade: Students will spend a half-day in a 1st/2nd grade classroom setting. They will get to know teachers and other students, and engage in the day's learning activities. Teachers will assess students' academic and social-emotional readiness for their rising grade level.

  • 2nd-4th Grade Visits: Students will spend a full school day (8:30 am - 3:10 pm) in the classroom, amongst their peers. They will get to know teachers and other students and engage in the day's learning. Teachers will assess students' academic and social-emotional readiness for their rising grade level.

  • 5th-8th Grade Visits: Students will spend a full school day (8:30 - 3:20) in a middle school classroom. They will have get to know teachers and other students and engage in the learning activities of the day. Teachers will assess students' academic and social-emotional readiness for their rising grade level.

• Admissions Decisions

  The Ancona School is part of the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS) and therefore honors a timeline as agreed upon by the collective of schools within our network. 

  
  LMAIS Agreed Upon Decision/Response Dates for Admissions

  *Ancona has rolling admissions and will continue interviewing candidates until spaces are full. The dates below reflect the general admission season timeline.

  
  

  Please note that admission decisions cannot be made until all requested documents are submitted and your family has completed both a parent meeting and a student visit.