| Q.How many students are admitted to each grade? |
| A.7th and 9th grades are the two main entry points into Harvard–Westlake. 220 spaces are available in the 7th grade, and approximately 75 new students are accepted into the 9th grade as we add to the class. We do not anticipate having any openings in the 8th grade for the 2010-2011 school year. Depending upon total school enrollment, between 10 and 15 students are admitted into the 10th grade. Applications for admission to the 11th and 12th grades are only considered in special circumstances, such as a student’s family moving from out of state or a foreign student’s participation in an official exchange program.
|
| Q.From which schools do you choose most of your students? |
| A. Harvard–Westlake prides itself on the diversity of its student body. We seek to enroll students from a variety of schools and backgrounds. This past year, we offered places to students from nearly 110 different schools, including public, religious, independent, and foreign schools.
|
| Q.How many applications do you receive? |
| A. The number varies from year to year, but we usually anticipate three to four applicants for each opening in the 7th grade and approximately four to five applicants for every 9th or 10th grade opening.
|
| Q.How are students selected for admission? |
| A. Admission to Harvard–Westlake is competitive. We are looking for bright and active students who have the ability to contribute to the school community and have the potential to be successful and happy at Harvard–Westlake. We consider the following: the information given on the application; the student’s academic records, essay, and test scores; the teachers’ and school’s recommendations; the student’s talents, character, and leadership qualities; and information gathered during the interview at Harvard–Westlake.
Each applicant is reviewed by at least two faculty members and discussed by the Admission Committee, which is comprised of deans, school administrators, faculty and members of the admission staff. No one factor is weighted more than another as the Admission Committee considers whether an applicant is a good fit for Harvard–Westlake. The school seeks to create a diverse community of engaged learners.
|
| Q.How much weight does the Admission Committee give to test scores? |
| A. Test scores are only one aspect of a student’s file. A broad range of test scores exists among those students accepted by Harvard–Westlake, and we do not have a cutoff point for admission. Because we accept children from so many different elementary and junior high schools, these scores illuminate a child’s academic record and provide a standardized measure for the Admission Committee. Our experience has shown, for example, that students who routinely score below the median on standardized tests, normed for independent schools, are likely to struggle with the Harvard–Westlake curriculum.
More information about the ISEE Test...
|
| Q.Are sibling and legacy applicants given special consideration? |
| A. Harvard–Westlake recognizes the desirability of enrolling brothers and sisters. However, what is right for one child may not be the right school for his or her sibling. Siblings will only be admitted if they have demonstrated qualities likely to lead to their success at Harvard–Westlake. Siblings of current students and children of alumni and legacy families who have sustained a positive relationship with the school since graduating will be given preference when all other factors are equal. In addition to applying to Harvard–Westlake, it is strongly recommended that all families apply to other schools because admission to Harvard–Westlake is not guaranteed. As a result of the increased competitiveness for both 7th and 9th grade spaces, every year more sibling/legacy families are disappointed as their applications have not been equal to others.
Sibling and legacy applicants are encouraged to attend the first Family Visiting Day scheduled for their grade and are strongly encouraged to take the ISEE by December. Sibling/legacy families should refer to the information sheet for sibling/legacy applicants and call the Admission Office if they have further questions.
|
| Q.Does a student need to be a particular age to be considered for admission? |
| A.For the 2010-2011 school year, students applying for the 7th grade must turn 12 before July 1, 2011.
|
| Q.Is admission to the Upper School guaranteed for Middle School students? |
| A. Although Harvard-Westlake has two separate campuses, we are one school. If a student's academic and behavioral record is acceptable, he/she will automatically be enrolled in the Upper School.
|
| Q.When will we receive the school's decision? |
| A.The application deadline is January 20, 2010. Decision letters will be mailed on March 26, 2010, to those 7th grade applicants whose files are completed by the deadline. Decision letters will be mailed on March 12, 2010, to those 9th and 10th grade applicants whose files are completed by the deadline.
|
| Q.Harvard-Westlake is our first choice. Do we have to apply to another school? |
| A. We strongly recommend that you apply to another school where your child will be happy should he or she not be admitted to Harvard–Westlake. Admission is not guaranteed, and each year some families are surprised and disappointed with the decision.
|
| Q.What happens if an application is late? |
| A.Most spaces at Harvard–Westlake will be filled by students who apply by the deadline of January 20, 2010. Applicants who complete their applications after this date will only be considered for the waiting list.
|
| Q.My son/daughter is a musician. May I send in a sample performance CD?
|
| A.Yes. The CD must be clearly labeled with the applicant's name, their voice part/instrument and the musical selections included.
|
| Q.Does Harvard-Westlake accept foreign students? |
| A. Harvard–Westlake does not issue the I-20 form for foreign student study and only enrolls students who intend to complete their secondary education at Harvard–Westlake through the 12th grade. We do not offer a program in English as a Second Language (ESL), so all students need to be completely fluent in English for reading, speaking, and composition.
|
| Q.What is tuition? What additional costs should be anticipated? |
A.Tuition for the 2009-10 school year is $27,825, with a new student fee of $2,000. Other expenses – which include books, transportation, meals, and class activities -- typically average $2,000 - $4,000 (the latter for those who avail themselves of the school’s comprehensive bus service). 2010-11 tuition and new student fees will be set by the Board of Trustees and announced in the acceptance letters.
|
| Q.Is financial aid available? |
| A. Absolutely. For the 2009-10 academic year, a total of almost $6.7 million, representing more than 10% of the school’s entire operating budget, has been committed to aid. Almost 300 students, nearly 20% of the student body, will be served, with average grants just under $20,000. Harvard-Westlake awards grants to families who demonstrate financial need. Grants are awarded on the basis of the Parents' Financial Statement and the Harvard-Westlake School Financial Aid Committee's review.
Harvard-Westlake has a strong commitment to students with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Families who do not apply for aid at the time of their application will be much less likely to receive aid in a subsequent year.
Please click here for more information about tuition and financial aid.
|