How to Apply

Interested in applying?

Thank you for your interest in applying to Chicago Friends School. Our online application form includes student information, family information, other supporting documents, and a $75 application fee*. For admission in Fall 2023, we strongly recommend submitting the application form by February 1, 2023, but we accept applications throughout the year on a rolling admissions basis.

*For applications submitted after February 1, 2023, the application fee will be $100.

Before starting the admissions process, we strongly encourage all families to take a tour or attend an open house.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at admissions@chicagofriendsschool.org or call 773-442-2371 ext. 1 to learn more.

Steps in the Admission Process

1. Submit Application Materials

The first step is to complete the online application and ask the student’s current teacher to submit a teacher recommendation form (links below). You may also upload the most recent progress report, for students coming from another school.

Teacher Recommendation Forms

K-2nd grade teacher recommendation form

3-5th grade teacher recommendation form

6-8th grade teacher recommendation form

Students applying for grades 6 and 7 should also submit a hand-written, one-page essay that answers these questions: “You are unique. Describe one skill, talent, or interest that makes you who you are. Why is that an important part of you? How does it impact your life and the lives of others?”

2. Student Visit

After we receive your application materials, the director of admissions will contact you to schedule a time for your child to visit the classroom.

For kindergarten and early elementary applicants, this will be a half day. On the visit day, your child should arrive at 8:30 a.m. and be picked up at 12:00 p.m. Please send a nut-free snack for your child.

For older applicants, we may schedule a full day, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., after consultation with the parents. On that day, please pack a nut-free lunch and snack.

3. Family Meeting

After the half-day visit, the admissions team will contact parents to schedule a family meeting. At this meeting, we will learn more about your family, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions of school personnel and other parents. We feel it is important to understand parents’ perspectives and educational philosophy.

Family meetings include parents only for grades K-5 and include parents and the prospective student for grades 6-8.

4. Admission Decision

School personnel will contact you with an admissions decision, usually within 10-14 days after the family meeting.

5. Enrollment and Registration

After acceptance, the family secures a place in the class by submitting a signed contract and enrollment deposit. After this, we will share details with you about the registration process.

6. Inquiry Form

If you decide not to apply for the next year, don’t hesitate to contact us to stay in touch, and sign up for our newsletter to learn about our admission process, school events, and open houses.