Lower School

Class 1

Applying to Class 1

Class 1 is a natural entry point when 22 places are offered, usually to 11 boys and 11 girls. Applicants to Class 1 are considered on the following criteria: teacher recommendation, group evaluation with our teachers, and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) results.

Parent/Guardian meetings are for families new to the admission process. Current families or families who recently completed the process will not receive a meeting. Parent/Guardian meetings for Class 1 must be completed by December 19. A member of the Admission Office staff will contact you to schedule your parent/guardian meeting.

For Parents/Guardians of Class 1 Candidates

I. We have two limitations regarding age: (1) candidates must be 6 years old by September 1 of the year they will enter Class 1, and (2) they must not have turned 7 before June 1 of the year they will enter Class 1.

II. All candidates for Class 1 are considered for admission.

III. All candidates are required to complete individual cognitive abilities testing. St. John's contracts with Collaborative Academic Testing Service (CATS) to administer the WPPSI-IV. Please note that we require all applicants to test with CATS. Testing from other evaluators will not be considered when evaluating the student's file. This evaluation must be scheduled with CATS by November 8

An additional testing fee of $325 is due to CATS at the time of registration. A candidate may not test more than once during the admission season (August to December) and may not test at more than one location. 

Parents/Guardians often ask how they should best prepare their child for the WPPSI-IV (or WISC) test. Please approach the test in a relaxed manner and make sure your child is well-rested and well-fed prior to the test. Parents/Guardians, please be advised that evaluators will report to the schools any indication that the child has been tutored or coached. Since this is an important and valuable metric, any "test prepping" may jeopardize the accuracy of the results and can lead to the disqualification of the school admission application for your child. Please visit the CATS website for more information on how best to prepare your child for the test.

IV. The second phase of testing occurs December 4 (last name A-K) and December 11 (last name L-Z). Math achievement and school-readiness skills are assessed during the SJS evaluation. You will receive an email with your child's scheduled testing date and time. 

International Families and Out-of-Town Applicants

We look forward to working with families moving to Houston from other areas of the United States and other countries. We understand that the admission process may present some challenges given your circumstances. We encourage you to submit an application as soon as possible so that we may assist you with the admission process.
 
Out of town families applying for Classes 2–11 can complete the process without coming to campus. All testing can be done out of state and we can help facilitate. Additionally, interviews and parent/guardian meetings can be completed over video chat.
 
Out of town families applying for Kindergarten and Class 1 need to be on campus for their individual evaluation. Kindergarten evaluations will be conducted on January 16, 23 and 25, so that travel arrangements can be made. Kindergarten applicants will receive notification in mid-September of your scheduled date and time. Class 1 evaluations will be conducted December 4 (last names A-K) and December 11 (last names L-Z). We require out of town families for Kindergarten and Class 1 to have the WPPSI administered by CATS. If you have questions about this, please contact Tahra Peterson at 713-850-4119.

Out of town families for Classes 2-4 can schedule testing in their local area. Testing results must be received by January 10.

As a day school, St. John's policy requires that students reside with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian. We do not offer a program for international students and do not issue I-20 visas.

Class 1 Admission Calendar for 2025 Entry:

August 5- Application opens
September 22 - Kindergarten - Class 5 Open House, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m (1:30 p.m. arrival for last name A-K, 2:15 p.m. arrival for last name L-Z) (Parents/Guardians only)
August–December
- Individual cognitive abilities testing administered by Collaborative Academic Testing (CATS)
October 25 - Application deadline at 4:00 p.m. (Classes 1-4)
November 8 -
Deadline to be registered with CATS testing
December 4 - SJS evaluation (Last name A-K), 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
December 11 -
SJS evaluation (Last name L-Z), 12:30 - 2:30 p.m
December 19 -
CATS testing and teacher recommendation form due, deadline to complete parent/guardian meeting
March 7 - Admission decision notification

St. John's School

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