Admissions at Sussex
What if school felt less like sitting still and more like building something that matters?
At Sussex School, students don't just learn—they create, question, experiment, and discover. Since 1971, we've been designing learning experiences where curiosity leads, collaboration sparks innovation, and every student finds their unique way to make an impact.
We're looking for learners and families who are ready to think differently. The ones who ask "what if?" and "why not?" The makers, the tinkerers, the storytellers, and the problem-solvers who bring their whole selves to learning.
If that sounds like your learner, let's explore what's possible together.
Learning Done Differently
Your Path to Sussex
EXPLORE → DISCOVER → APPLY
Finding the right school is a journey. At Sussex, we've designed a clear path to help you and your child explore if we're the right fit.
Explore
Campus Tours
Walk through during a school day to see learning happen in real time. The best way to understand Sussex is to experience it. See students mid-creation, meet educators who guide (not lecture), and discover if this feels right for your family. You can either register for one of our monthly group tours or schedule a solo tour.
Evening Open Houses
Join us after hours for an in-depth evening session.
Discover our dynamic curriculum, inspiring arts program, outdoor education approach, and how creativity, courage, citizenship, and critical thinking come to life at Sussex.
Pro tip: Come to an Open House AND schedule a daytime tour to see students in action. The combination gives you the complete picture.
Experience a Discovery Day
After you tour, we invite your student to spend time learning with us.
Discovery Days let prospective students experience what it actually feels like to be a Sussex learner. They'll work alongside current students, engage in real projects, and get a genuine taste of our approach.
How It Works
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1st-4th Grade: A 2-3 hour experience discovering a slice of life at Sussex.
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5th-8th Grade: A full day including core classes, electives, and community time—the complete Sussex experience.
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Kindergarten: While we don't offer Discovery Days for our youngest learners, accepted Kindergarten families join us for a special spring meet-up with their teacher and future classmates.
Ready to Discover?
Discovery Days are available after you've toured or attended an open house. Contact our Admissions Director to schedule.
What Makes Sussex Different?
Discover
The Daily Rhythm of Sussex
Apply
Explored? Discovered? Ready for the Next Step?
Application Timeline
Priority Application Window for the 2026-27
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Applications Open: Monday, October 20th
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Applications Due: Wednesday, February 4th
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Tuition Assistance Application Due: Wednesday, February 11th
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Admissions Decision Notification: Wednesday, March 4th
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Enrollment Packets Due: Friday, March 13th
Rolling Admissions:
After our priority deadline, we will continue accepting applications on a space-available basis. We accept applications for mid-year enrollment in the current school year until mid-February.
What to Expect in the Application
For All Applicants (K-8th):
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Questions for parents and students
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$125 application fee
For 1st-8th Grade Applicants:
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Email addresses for two recommendations
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Recent report card, progress report, or school equivalent
Tell Us More:
We've created space in the application to share anything that helps us understand your learner—their passions, their challenges, their ideal learning environment, portfolio work, or special projects. Help us better know your learner.
What Happens Next?
Application Review
Once you apply, our admission review committee carefully considers:
Is this a mutual fit?
We look at whether your family's educational goals align with ours, whether your child will thrive in our hands-on, multi-age environment, and whether we can provide the support they need to flourish.
Will your child thrive here?
We're looking for students who are intellectually curious, willing to take creative risks, ready to collaborate, and excited about student-driven learning.
Can we support your child's growth?
We're honest about our capacity. Sussex works best for students whose learning needs match our resources and approach.
We also prioritize maintaining a diverse, balanced community where every student can contribute something unique.
Tuition Assistance
Great ideas shouldn't be limited by budgets. We offer tuition assistance based on demonstrated financial need and available funds.
After you submit your admission application, you'll receive information about applying for assistance.
Tuition Assistance Deadline: Wednesday, February 11th
And Then? You THRIVE.
If Sussex is the right fit and we extend an offer of admission, the real journey begins.
Acceptance is just the starting line. From summer meetups with your new community to your child's first project to those moments when learning just clicks—this is where your family grows with us.
We don't just welcome new families. We help you thrive.
Questions?
Contact Carol Schwartz, Admissions Director
Choosing the right school is a big decision. Carol is here to guide you through every step—from your first tour to your final decision.
Whether you're just curious or ready to apply, she's your go-to person for questions, campus visits, and honest conversations.
Sussex School welcomes students of all backgrounds and does not discriminate based on race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender, disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or other legally protected status. View our complete admissions policies.