Getting to Know Each Other
Our admission process is designed so that we can get to know each applicant individually and evaluate if UCDS is the right fit for a student. Begin the process by following the steps below.
Step 1: Register
UCDS uses Ravenna, a web-based admission system for prospective parents to submit application materials, register for events, track application status, and view decisions online.
Create an account in Ravenna or log in to your existing account. Once your account is created, you will gain access to register for a tour and apply to UCDS. (If your child will not be 3 years old before September 1, 2024, create your account and select “Explore.” You will not be able to apply, but you can still register for a tour to get to know UCDS.)
If your child will not be 3 years old before September 1, 2024, visit Infant-Toddler Education for more information about enrollment.
Step 2: Tour
Once you’ve created an account in Ravenna, the first step in our admission process is registering for a required small-group tour. During the tour, prospective families will experience UCDS in action. The tour will provide the opportunity to observe students and teachers in preschool through 5th-grade classrooms, as well as Specialist classrooms. The tour will conclude with the Head of School sharing the UCDS philosophy and hallmark programs, followed by an opportunity to talk with faculty.
Parent/Guardian tours are designed for adults only and conducted on school days from 9:00 am-11:00 am from October through January (dates will be listed in Ravenna). If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled tour dates, please contact the Admission Office to receive the link to our virtual option.
let's chat
Talks with Tami
Following a required school tour, you have the option to chat with our Director of Enrollment Management, Tami Milles-Atterberry. This is an opportunity to connect with the Admission Team, Faculty, and UCDS community members to ask questions about UCDS. (Dates are listed in Ravenna.)
Step 3: Apply
In an effort to ensure the quality of our admission process and give applicants our most thoughtful consideration, UCDS only accepts 300 applications.
To secure your place in the application process, we strongly recommend submitting your preliminary application and $50 fee in Ravenna by early December. The deadline to submit all application materials is January 11, 2024.
The following supplemental materials are submitted and tracked through Ravenna and are due January 11, 2024:
- Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
- Teacher Evaluation Form
- IQ Testing (required for K-5th grade applicants) (not submitted through Ravenna)
Click for testing information - Transcripts (required for 1st-5th grade applicants)
Step 4: Applicant Visit
UCDS Visit Days are designed to be a fun experience for your child and to give them a chance to explore our school environment. Classrooms are set up like a regular school day with a variety of activities for your child to explore. Our goal is to meet your child in person and get to know their personality and the qualities that make them unique.
Parents/Guardians will register each child for one of the following visit days based on the application grade level:
- Early Elementary Visit Days:
Friday, March 1, 2024
Saturday, March 2, 2024 - Grades 1-5 Visit Days:
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The Admission Office will contact you to schedule your child’s visit day and provide details about the visit.
Out-of-state Applicants: We encourage your child to visit on one of our scheduled dates, but can work with your family to accommodate your schedule. UCDS classrooms must be in session to host an applicant.
Step 5: Parent/Guardian Interview
The Parent/Guardian Interview serves a vital role by giving parents/guardians the opportunity to talk about their child(ren) in greater depth with faculty members. The interview is also the best time for you to ask any remaining questions you have about UCDS.
Parent/guardian interviews will be conducted virtually. Register for your parent interview in Ravenna. Interviews run approximately 15 to 20 minutes. All parents/guardians are required to be present for the interview (adults only please).
We Are Happy to Help
For more information, contact our Director of Enrollment Management & Communications,
Tami Milles-Atterberry.