Lower School
Classes 2-4
Applying to Classes 2-4
Though not natural entry years, one to two openings in each class may occur through attrition. At the end of the selection process, a small wait pool is created for each class in the event an opening occurs.
Applicants to Classes 2-4 are considered on the following criteria:
An additional testing fee of $325 is due to C.A.T.S. 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.
For Classes 2-4, parent meetings will be scheduled depending upon the availability of spots.
Applicants to Classes 2-4 are considered on the following criteria:
- Teacher recommendation
- Individual cognitive abilities test results (WISC)
- ISEE test results
- Academic record (mid-year report card)
An additional testing fee of $325 is due to C.A.T.S. 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 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. We must receive the results by January 10.
The Primary Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is mandatory for all Class 2-4 applicants. St. John’s will not offer the ISEE exam on campus, however applicants may take the test at-home. The test may also be offered at other schools in which you may be applying. If that is the case, your child may take the Primary ISEE through that school. When registering, please make sure you use St. John's School code 443425 to have the results forwarded to us. Please note that the test may only be taken one time during an admission cycle. This test is designed to help further assess your child’s academic and social readiness for our program. To register for the Primary ISEE at-home, please click here. Applicants must complete the ISEE exam by January 10, 2025.
For Classes 2-4, parent meetings will be scheduled depending upon the availability of spots.
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.
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.
Classes 2-4 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 with Collaborative Academic Testing (CATS)
October 25 - Application deadline at 4:00 p.m. (Classes 1-4)
November 8 - Deadline to contact Collaborative Academic Testing (CATS) to schedule the WISC
January 10 - WISC testing results due, teacher recommendation due
January 10 - Mid-year report card due
January 10 - Primary ISEE testing due
March 7 - Admission decision notification
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 with Collaborative Academic Testing (CATS)
October 25 - Application deadline at 4:00 p.m. (Classes 1-4)
November 8 - Deadline to contact Collaborative Academic Testing (CATS) to schedule the WISC
January 10 - WISC testing results due, teacher recommendation due
January 10 - Mid-year report card due
January 10 - Primary ISEE testing due
March 7 - Admission decision notification
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