Lower School
Grades 2-4
Applying to Grades 2-4
Though not natural entry grades, one to two openings at each grade level may occur through attrition. At the end of the selection process, a small wait pool is created for each grade in the event an opening occurs.
Applicants to Grades 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 January) and may not test at more than one location.
St. John’s
Applicants to Grades 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)
- Writing sample
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 January) and may not test at more than one location.
Parents 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, 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 December 15.
The Primary Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is mandatory for all Grades 2-4 applicants. St. John’s will not offer the ISEE exam on campus, however applicants may take the test at-home or at another proctor site. This test is designed to help further assess your child’s academic and social readiness for our program. To register for the Primary ISEE, please click here. Applicants must complete the ISEE exam by Friday, January 26, 2024. Please note you may only take the Primary ISEE one time during the admission cycle.
Grades 2-4 Admission Calendar for 2024 Entry:
August 4 - Application opens
October 1- Classes Kindergarten-Class 5 Open House 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Parents/Guardians only, please)
September - December - Individual cognitive abilities testing with Collaborative Academic Testing (C.A.T.S.)
October 20 - Application deadline at 4:00 p.m. (Grades 1-4)
November 3 - Deadline to contact Collaborative Academic Testing (C.A.T.S.) to schedule the WISC
December 15 - WISC testing due, teacher recommendation due
January 12 - Mid-year report card due
January 26 - Primary ISEE testing due
March 8 - Admission decision notification
October 1- Classes Kindergarten-Class 5 Open House 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Parents/Guardians only, please)
September - December - Individual cognitive abilities testing with Collaborative Academic Testing (C.A.T.S.)
October 20 - Application deadline at 4:00 p.m. (Grades 1-4)
November 3 - Deadline to contact Collaborative Academic Testing (C.A.T.S.) to schedule the WISC
December 15 - WISC testing due, teacher recommendation due
January 12 - Mid-year report card due
January 26 - Primary ISEE testing due
March 8 - Admission decision notification
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 Grades 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 meetings can be completed over video chat.
Out of town families applying for Grades K and 1 need to be on campus for their individual evaluation. Kindergarten evaluations will be conducted on January 18, 20 and 23, so that travel arrangements can be made. Kindergarten applicants will receive notification in mid-September of your scheduled date and time. Grade 1 evaluations will be conducted December 6 (last names A-K) and 13 (last names L-Z). We require out of town families for grades K and 1 to have the WPPSI administered by CATS. If you have questions about this, please contact Tahra Peterson 713-850-4119.
Since the WISC must be completed by December 15, out of town families for grades 2-4 can schedule testing in their local area.
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 Grades 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 meetings can be completed over video chat.
Out of town families applying for Grades K and 1 need to be on campus for their individual evaluation. Kindergarten evaluations will be conducted on January 18, 20 and 23, so that travel arrangements can be made. Kindergarten applicants will receive notification in mid-September of your scheduled date and time. Grade 1 evaluations will be conducted December 6 (last names A-K) and 13 (last names L-Z). We require out of town families for grades K and 1 to have the WPPSI administered by CATS. If you have questions about this, please contact Tahra Peterson 713-850-4119.
Since the WISC must be completed by December 15, out of town families for grades 2-4 can schedule testing in their local area.
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.
St. John's School
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