The Willow School has a rigorous academic program, with accompanying higher expectations. Eligibility for 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).

All applicants to grades K-12 complete an Arts Interest Profile as a component of the Supplemental Admissions Form (SAF). 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 (limit 750 characters each) and there are no right or wrong answers. The Arts Interest Profile is reviewed for completion. Additional materials are not accepted.

The Arts Interest Profile is a component of the Supplemental Admissions Form (SAF). Parent/guardians of applicants to grades K-4 may complete the Arts Interest Profile on behalf of their children. Applicants to grades 5-12 are encouraged to complete the questions independently or in partnership with their parent/guardian. 

Kindergarten and 1st-grade applicants must score 28 out of the 38 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 Profile completion (3 points)

• Parent/Guardian Involvement completion (15 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. Reading and math assessment scores below the 50th percentile do not earn points on the eligibility matrix. Please note: Students must earn 50% or greater on both the Reading and Math sections in order to be eligible for admission.

The Arts Interest Profile is completed as a component of the SAF. See more information in the Arts Interest Profile section above.

Parent/Guardian 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 in a virtual curriculum meeting as part of our admissions process. 

• The K-1 Curriculum Meeting is 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 October to January 24, 2025.

• The Parent Questionnaire ensures an understanding of The Willow School's mission, curriculum goals, and expectations. 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 is completed as a component of the SAF.

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 completion (3 points)

• 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. Reading and math assessment scores below the 50th percentile do not earn points on the eligibility matrix.

The Arts Interest Profile is completed as a component of the SAF. See more information in the Arts Interest Profile section above.

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). GPAs below 2.0 do not earn points on the eligibility matrix. For the Main Round, applicants are asked to submit one or more report cards based on their applying grade.

• Grade 2 Applicants: Submit only a mid-year report card from the 2024-2025 school year (showing grades from first semester, first trimester, or first two quarters)

• Grade 3-12 Applicants: Submit a final 2023-2024 report card and/or mid-year 2024-2025 report card (showing grades from first semester, first trimester, or first two quarters)

The Blaire Rule: Applicants to grades 3-12 are asked to submit report cards from two school years. The Willow team will calculate the applicant's GPA on both report cards. The applicant will earn matrix points for the report card with the highest GPA. Families must submit one report card in order to complete the application, either the final year or the mid-year report card. Willow recommends that applicants submit both report cards to maximize matrix points.

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 2024-2025 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 2025-2026 school year must show proof they have passed the State of Louisiana’s placement test (LEAP 2025 grade exams) by June 15, 2025. Non-public students must take the exam in Spring 2025 or prior to the start of school in August 2025.

• Students applying for 9th–12th grade must provide proof that the student has passed End-of-Course exams at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.