Click here for our Viewbook

Autumn Open House

Open House 2008-2009

Applying to IDS

The Independent Day School welcomes communication from all who are interested in learning more about our school. The Admission office will gladly arrange for a visit to our school in order to receive a view book or gather more information. In order to begin the admission process, applications are accepted from all interested families.

Prospective parents are invited to schedule a tour with the Director of Admission, Mary Lou Stewart, during our school day or to attend any Open House opportunities scheduled at various times throughout the school year.

The goal of the admission process is to determine whether our curriculum and programs will meet a child's needs and the family's expectations. To this end, we make every effort to inform parents and applicants about the school: similarly, the school makes every effort to come to know the applicants and their families. During this process the school actively seeks families who value and aspire to a positive parent-teacher partnership.

After the application is received, an admission visit is scheduled. This offers the prospective students the opportunity to visit in the classroom of their present grade, interact with children of similar age and participate in interviewing, testing, and information-gathering exercises which assist the Admission committee in their decision process. The Admission committee reviews past and present school records and speaks with individuals listed on the application as references.

Our school serves children with normal development and enthusiasm, who have average to above average intelligence. Programs are designed to be enriching and challenging as well as supportive in guidance. In those few instances where our school does not have programs to meet the needs of a candidate, the family is encouraged to seek a more appropriate school setting.

>Download application forms [pdf]


Financing an IDS Education

Financial Assistance

IDS welcomes applications from families of varied means. Like most independent schools, the school's budget includes funding for need-based financial aid awards. While our resources are necessarily limited, we strive to support families as much as we are able. Our aid program seeks to support many families with moderate awards and we are typically unable to make full-tuition awards.

Families seeking financial aid may apply by submitting financial information through one of the two programs below:

~ School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS)

~ Financial Aid For School Tuition (FAST)

Both programs are available online, or you may request a SSS form from the admission office. The FAST program is only web-based, easy-to-navigate providing a quick response. Click on either of the two links below to apply for assistance.

In addition, IDS requires a copy of IRS 1040 and W-2 form for the current year to be submitted to the school office. This process needs to be completed by February 28. All information is held in strictest confidence.

No family should feel deterred from applying for admission for financial reasons since each evaluation is separate. The school will award aid within the limits of its available funds. Scholarship assistance is available to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. In those cases when parents are not living together, the resources of both parents will be considered in establishing the family ’s level of need.

Other options. Even with a scholarship or tuition reduction, you may need assistance to meet the full cost of an IDS education. Here are two excellent resources for educational loans and extended repayment.

Additional ways to pay for an IDS education

The Key Education Resources Monthly Payment Plan

You can spread annual tuition costs over a 10-month period with this installment plan. You pay the initial 10% directly to the school, and then divide the remaining tuition over 10 months, beginning in April, through January of the following year. It’s interest-free, but there is a non-refundable $40 application fee. You can apply on line by visiting www.key.com/educate, or call 1-800-Key-LEND.

The Achiever Loan

A long-term loan with terms of up to 20 years, this option has the benefit of low overall costs and easy renewal. Apply by Internet at www.key.com/educate, or call 1-800-Key-LEND. You’ll receive conditional approval in as little as 24 hours.

We encourage you to apply, and we make every effort to assist you with the process. Simply call the IDS Admission Office at (860)347-7235 and request an application form. You can also obtain an online application form. Be sure to fill out the parent financial statement whether you’re applying for a merit scholarship or financial aid. That will be a key item in our evaluation process.

Begin. The sooner you start your financial planning for an IDS education, the better. So call us at the Admissions Office, (860) 347-7235. You can also e-mail us at ids@independentdayschool.org.

The Independent Day School is a coeducational school.
The school does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admissions, educational programs, and activiities, or in access
to financial aid.

>Download application forms [pdf]

Click here for our Viewbook

IDS Snapshot

“The nurturing aspects of the kindergarten program, supplemented by the same feeling in the hallways, made it clear that IDS was a place our child could obtain a wonderful elementary school education…”

– IDS parent

“Respect for difference is a core value. We are fortunate to have a school which includes students from so many different ethnic and racial backgrounds.”

– IDS parent

“After researching other school curricula and observing the classrooms, IDS became our first choice. The classroom size at IDS was favorable…as was the quality of the IDS science, reading, math, music and PE programs”

– IDS parent