Admissions FAQ

• Submit an inquiry so that we can assign a username and password for you. Login information will be emailed to you within one business day. Once you receive your Community portal username and password, you will have access to complete our online application and monitor your child's progress through the admissions process.
• Schedule an appointment to tour the campus by contacting Dana Scott Saulsberry, Director of Admission, at (314) 899-2414, ext. 315. The tour is for adults only. Current families are not required to tour the school.
• Submit an application for admission accompanied by a $90.00 non-refundable application fee no later than January 26, 2024. Apply online using the Community portal page. 
• If applicable, apply for financial aid at www.solutionsbysss.com/parents by February 1, 2024. Please note that half-day Nursery applicants are not eligible for financial aid.
• After submitting an application, schedule a parent interview with our Head of School, Bob Cooke. Contact the Admission Office at (314) 899-2414, ext. 315 to make an appointment. Current families are not required to meet with the Head of School.
• All applicants are required to participate in an assessment. You will receive notification about the assessment, including a date and time in January 2024.
• Decision letters, enrollment contracts, and financial aid awards will be emailed on Friday, March 8, 2024.
• A non-refundable tuition deposit of 10% of tuition for each student is due Friday, March 29, 2024.

The application for admission accompanied by a non-refundable $90.00 application fee must be received no later than Friday, January 26, 2024.  You may apply online and pay the fee with a credit card. Late applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, space permitting.

Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is $23,500 for Nursery (full day) through Senior Kindergarten and $24,400 for First through Sixth Grades. Tuition for the half-day Nursery program is $15,934.* This includes books, supplies, lunch, snacks, and field trips.

Tuition and financial aid for our private elementary school in Ladue, MO is intended to increase the diversity of the student body by assisting the parents of qualified students in meeting the expense of an independent school education. Because students are admitted without regard for their ability to pay tuition, every effort is made to provide financial assistance where needed. Families are encouraged to apply for financial aid if they feel they meet the criteria.

When completing the admission application, check the appropriate box to indicate that you are requesting financial aid. In order to determine the financial need of a family, Community uses the School & Student Services program for financial aid, and requires financial documentation such as federal tax returns to be submitted. Click here to fill out a financial aid application and complete it no later than Thursday, February 1, 2024. Our school code is: 2548. 

All information regarding a family's application for financial aid is confidential. Announcement of grants will be awarded with admission decisions.

*Half-day Nursery students are not eligible for financial aid.

Applicants for Nursery/JK/SK/First Grade are given the Gesell Developmental Observation. This assessment observes child behavior and measures physical/neurological growth, language skills, and adaptive behavior. Adaptive behavior reflects that area of development that includes cognitive thinking, memory, perception, and attention to task. The Gesell does not measure I.Q. or academic skills. Because the Gesell provides a qualitative evaluation rather than a numerical score, the teachers in the Early Childhood Division have received special training to interpret a child's responses.

Applicants for Grade 2 are asked to take a Developmental Reading Assessment, complete a math packet, and provide a writing sample.

Applicants for Grades 3-6 take the IXL Diagnostic tests in math and reading, and provide a writing sample. 

Most students enroll in Nursery (ages 3/4) and Junior Kindergarten (ages 4/5). There are a few spaces for Senior Kindergarten (ages 5/6). Enrollment in Grades 1-6 is based on attrition.

Nursery students must be 3 no later than August 1st of the year for which they are applying. Junior Kindergarten students must be 4 by August 1st, and Senior Kindergarten students must have reached their 5th birthday by August 1st. However, the school reserves the right to delay entry if we feel that it is in the best interest of the child.

Our After School Program includes Extended Day for children of working parents, Mini Classes, and Homework Club. This year, more than 80% of students are involved in our after school programs. Learn more about our After School Programs.

Community has three full-time learning specialists who are available to both support and challenge students. They collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure that every student's needs are being met. Reading and math are also taught in small groups and differentiated to challenge each student. A wide variety of after school classes are also available right on campus for students who want to explore additional interests.

Test scores validate our hands-on educational philosophy. Year after year, Community students score among the highest in the nation on standardized tests—averaging 40-42% above national norms, 11% above gifted suburban public students, and 5-6% above other independent schools. Click here to learn about academic excellence at Community School.

There are myriad ways for parents to get involved with Community School. Classroom volunteering, special events, and Community Parent Association are just a few. 

Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to/from school. Some families choose to carpool.

No. Community believes in allowing children to make appropriate choices in how they dress. Students should be appropriately groomed and should wear clean, comfortable clothing suitable for the activities of the day.

For new families, non-refundable tuition deposits of 10% of tuition for each student shall be due within two weeks of written acceptance. Payment plans can be arranged.

Remaining tuition shall be paid as follows:

• On May 15th, 50% of tuition
•  On the succeeding December 15th, the other 50% of tuition (minus the deposit).

As an alternative to these tuition due dates, a monthly payment can be arranged through the Business Office.