Welcoming Prospective Families to
Take the Next Step
Greetings and thank you for allowing us to be part of your search for a “best fit” school for your student(s)! You have successfully navigated to an excellent starting point and have discovered a true gem among Connecticut’s many options for Age 3 through Grade 8 education.
For 65 years, IDS has been delivering on its promise so clearly articulated in its mission to “inspire a community of independent thinkers who are resilient and confident to take risks as they connect with others in the joyful pursuit of learning”. The outcomes that are part of our approach include our students as confident communicators and curious scholars that value respect and empathy for all and possess a blossoming passion for learning, now and for a lifetime. Our program is foundational on many levels and in partnership with you, we strive to maximize the learning experience to prepare them to be global citizens that are ready for the challenges that await them.
Take the next step and schedule a visit to see for yourself the value of an IDS education!
How to Apply
The Independent Day School welcomes applications for all grade levels (age 3 through Grade 8).
Whether you are eager to have your application reviewed in the initial round, or you would prefer to explore IDS during our rolling admissions phase (spring/summer), we encourage you to begin the admission process outlined below.
Important: To be considered during the first round of admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year, applications and all required materials must be received by January 31, 2026. Applicants meeting the January deadline will receive their decision on March 6, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as space allows.
STEP 1: Inquire & Apply
You may call us at 860-347-7235 or email mccaffreymmc@independentdayschool.org to learn more about the unique educational environment at The Independent Day School or complete the Online Inquiry Form and we will be in touch with you.
Families are also encouraged to join us for a private or group visit which includes a talk and tour, as well as attending any of our Open House Dates. Find a tour date or event for your family.
Once completed, a member of our team will reach out to you and you will receive a link to login to Blackbaud to complete a student online application. This, along with the $55 application fee, will all be submitted via Blackbaud. Please note: you must fill out an inquiry form to receive a username and password for Blackbaud.
Schedule a Visit InQUIRE ApplySTEP 2: Submit School Records & Student Evaluation
Once you have logged into Blackbaud, you will see that you can submit all your student’s school records and reports. Complete the Record Release Form and submit it to your student’s current school, along with the student evaluation forms (applicable Kindergarten through Grade 8).
By completing the Record Release form, you grant The Independent Day School permission to receive the following documents:
- Grades
- Teacher comments
- Standardized test results and achievement scores
- Health records (with birth certificate), medical and psychological reports
- Birth to Three evaluation materials, PPT evaluation materials, special education, and support services documentation. Supporting documentation must be provided for the application to be complete.
- Any other documents you deem appropriate.
For students in Pre-K through Grade 8, we require that their current teacher complete a Student Evaluation.
STEP 3: Schedule an Interview & Assessment
Your student is invited to join us for a student visit day to participate in classes, meet students, and take grade-level assessments. At either pick-up or drop-off, our admissions team will meet with the parent(s) for a brief interview. This will be scheduled with our admissions team.
STEP 4: Request Tuition Assistance
If your family requires tuition assistance, consider applying for need-based financial aid by applying through Clarity.
Please note: all tuition assistance applications are due by January 31. After January 31, requests for tuition assistance will be considered on a rolling basis.
Click the button below to learn more about tuition assistance at The Independent Day School.
Tuition Assistance Form 4506 InstructionsSTEP 5: Receive your Admission Notification
Upon acceptance, families will need to return an enrollment contract and deposit within two weeks of being notified of their decision to secure a spot in the upcoming class. The admission office will stay in close contact with applicants placed on the admission waitlist.