The Willow School has a rigorous academic program, with accompanying higher expectations. Acceptance to The Willow School during all application rounds is determined by the applicant’s total matrix score, which is calculated as described below.

The matrix score is a sum of points from Math Assessment (all grades) + Reading Assessment (all grades) + Arts Interest Profile completion (all grades) + Curriculum Meeting/Questionnaire (K-1 only) OR GPA (grades 2-12 only).

Families can download a copy of the Willow Matrix Calculator to enter sample scores and understand how the matrix works. Review the directions in the first tab of the spreadsheet or review the Willow Matrix Calculator - Completed Example for more information.

All applicants to grades K-12 complete an Arts Interest Profile. The Arts Interest Profile is designed to help prospective students and families understand the focus on the arts with high academics at The Willow School. The Arts Interest Profile is three short answer questions and there are no right or wrong answers. The Arts Interest Profile is reviewed for completion. Student responses should be no more than one page, front and back.

Applicants to grades 5-12 are given the opportunity to complete the Arts Interest Profile at the time of their in person assessment. Parents of applicants for Kindergarten through 4th grade complete the Arts Interest Profile at home and submit it to the Willow School.

The Arts Interest Profile is available through the Supplemental Admissions Form (SAF). The Arts Interest Profile can be turned in several ways: uploaded with the SAF, emailed to the admissions team, dropped off in person at the admissions office, or completed at the time of the student’s in person assessment (grades 5-12).

Kindergarten and 1st-grade applicants must score 25 out of the 30 points possible to be eligible. For Kindergarten and 1st Grade applicants, the score is composed of the:

• Math Assessment score (maximum of 10 points)

• Reading Assessment score (maximum of 10 points)

• Arts Interest Form completion (3 points for completion)

• Curriculum meeting with completed questionnaire (7 points) 

The reading and math assessments are taken in person at The Willow School. See the eligibility page and the assessment calendar pages for more information.

The Arts Interest Profile is accessible through the SAF and can be submitted in several ways. For grades K-4, we recommend families complete the Arts Interest Profile at home and submit it to The Willow School. See more information in the Arts Interest Profile section above.

Parent Involvement: We believe it is important for families to understand our program before making their choice of an education partner. To assist families with their decisions, our curriculum and programs are reviewed at curriculum meetings as part of our admissions process. 

• The K-1 Curriculum Meeting (4 points) will be held virtually. The virtual presentation provides detailed information about our Kindergarten and 1st grade programs. Families can access the link to the virtual meeting here or through the Supplemental Admission Form (SAF). Families can view the presentation at any time during the application window from early November to January 26, 2024.

• The Parent Questionnaire (3 points) ensures an understanding of The Willow School's mission, curriculum goals, and expectations. Families complete the google form after watching the virtual curriculum meeting. Completion of the form is worth three points on the matrix. The questionnaire does not have right or wrong answers; it is used to verify parental participation and understanding of the Lower School’s education model. The Parent Questionnaire must be completed by January 26, 2024.

Applicants to grades 2-12 must score 28 out of the 33 points possible to be eligible. For 2nd–12th Grade applicants, the score is composed of the:

• Math assessment score (maximum of 10 points)

• Reading assessment score (maximum of 10 points)

• Arts Interest Profile (3 points for completion)

• GPA (maximum of 10 points)

The reading and math assessments are taken in person at The Willow School. See the eligibility page and the assessment calendar pages for more information.

The Arts Interest Profile is accessible through the SAF and can be submitted in several ways. For grades K-4, we recommend families complete the Arts Interest Profile at home and submit it to The Willow School. For grades 5-12, we recommend applicants take advantage of the opportunity to complete the Arts Interest Profile at the time of their in person assessment. See more information in the Arts Interest Profile section.

The grade point average (GPA) is calculated using only full year, core academic classes. Coursework included in the GPA must be in a regular, honors or gifted classroom, and the grades will be unweighted (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0). Applicants to second grade submit a mid-year report card from the 2023-2024 school year and applicants to grades 3-12 submit a final year report card from the 2022-2023 school year.

The Blaire Rule: Some applicants to grades 3-12 may earn enough points to be eligible on the assessment (15+ points), but do not earn enough points to be eligible based on the GPA from their final year report card. Applicants in this situation will be asked to submit a mid-year report card from the 2023-2024 school year. The applicant's GPA will be recalculated using the mid-year report card to determine the number of matrix points earned. If the mid-year report card results in more points for the applicant, the mid-year report card from 2023-2024 (rather than the final year report card from 2022-2023) will be used for the GPA section of the matrix. Families will be contacted individually after the assessment is completed if an applicant is in this situation and can submit a mid-year report card.

There are several additional requirements for 10th–12th-grade applicants:

• Students applying for 10th–12th grade must provide a class schedule or report card to show coursework to be earned during the 2023-2024 school year.  

• Students applying to enter the 10th grade must have one high school credit in each of the following subjects: English, mathematics, social studies and science.

• Students applying to enter the 11th grade must have two high school credits in each of the following subjects: English, mathematics, social studies and science.

• Students applying to enter the 12th grade must have three high school credits in each of the following subjects: English, mathematics, social studies and science, and two credits in the same world language or one credit in French or Spanish.

End of Year State Testing Requirements

• Students enrolling in 5th and 9th grades for the 2024-2025 school year must show proof they have passed the State of Louisiana’s placement test (LEAP 2025 grade exams) by June 10, 2024. Non-public students must take the exam in Spring 2024 or prior to the start of school in August 2024.

• Students applying for 9th–12th grade must provide proof that the student has passed End-of-Course exams.