Application Process and Timelines

At Wheeler, there are many paths available to students on their educational journeys, and that flexibility begins right now in the enrollment process! We partner with each prospective family to navigate this process at a pace that is most comfortable for you.

For families who have their hearts set on Wheeler, or who may be considering other time-sensitive opportunities, we offer an Early Consideration option. This allows us to expedite the application timetable and share information with you sooner.

For those who need or want more time to explore school options in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts areas, our Feb. 1 application deadline provides that desired flexibility.

Providing both of these application options isn’t just helpful to you – it’s helpful to our enrollment team, too, as we aim to provide the best service possible amidst an increased interest in Wheeler recently. The two pathways ensure that all applicants continue to get the individualized attention they deserve throughout the process.

Given our Early and Regular Consideration options, you can:

  • Identify which timeline works best for your family
  • Explore all schooling options thoroughly before making a decision
  • Take the time you need and want in selecting the best educational experience for your child

No matter which option you choose, we look forward to going through the process together.

 

Early Consideration Timeline

Milestone Deadline
Interview / Visit completed by December 18, 2026
Financial aid application submitted by December 31, 2026
Application forms completed by January 8, 2027
Decisions released January 29, 2027
Contracts due February 5, 2027

Applicants who complete the general application process by Monday, February 1st will receive decisions for admission and, if applicable, financial aid on Friday, February 19th.  After the deadline, we switch into a rolling admission cycle when space is available.

General Application and Hamilton Timeline

Milestone Deadline
Financial aid application submitted by December 31, 2026
Interview / Visit completed by February 1, 2027
Application forms completed by February 1, 2027
Decisions released February 19, 2027
Contracts due March 5, 2027

For information regarding The Nest timeline, please click here.

See the Online Application Here

The Nest Preschool

Children 2.9 to 5 years old are welcome to enroll in The Nest Preschool.  The Nest at Wheeler provides an early childhood education that meets the developmental needs of each child through joyful, hands-on, experiential learning in the natural world. Our nature-based curriculum integrates academics and social-emotional skills and inspires a love of learning and connection to the natural world. Contact Michelle Dolan, Director of The Nest with questions. Read more about this program here.

Lower School Process

  • Kindergarten applicants must be five (5) years old by August 31, 2026.
  • 1st Grade applicants must be six (6) years old by August 31, 2026.
  • 2nd Grade applicants must be seven (7) years old by August 31, 2026.
  • 3rd Grade applicants must be eight (8) years old by August 31, 2026.
  • 4th Grade applicants must be nine (9) years old by August 31, 2026.
  • 5th Grade applicants must be ten (10) years old by August 31, 2026.

Complete the online Application and submit the non-refundable application fee of $60. You must complete the online application before your campus visit.

 

Parent/Guardian Statement

Parent/Guardians must complete the Parent/Guardian Statement found online in the Wheeler Application Portal.

 

  • All Lower School applicant families must complete the Parent/Guardian meeting with a member of the Enrollment team. 
  • Kindergarten and 1st Grade applicants must complete a play-based assessment with a member of the enrollment team.
  • 2nd through 5th Grade applicants must complete the Math Assessment found in the Wheeler Application Portal. A Reading assessment will be scheduled with a member of our enrollment team. 

Please contact the Enrollment Office to set up any of these appointments. 

Submit transcript(s) that include grades for the past 2.5 years. Transcript release forms can be found here. Transcripts are not required for Kindergarten applicants.

Lower School applicants need to request that your child’s current teacher complete the Teacher Recommendation Form which can be found online in your Wheeler Application Portal.

 

3rd- 5th grade applicants have the option to sit in on a half or full day of classes with their peers. If this is something you would be interested in, please let us know!

Middle & Upper School Process

Complete the online Wheeler Application and submit the non-refundable application fee of $60.

Parent/Guardian Statement

Parent/Guardians must complete the Parent/Guardian Statement found online in the Wheeler Application Portal.

Student Statement

Students must complete the Student Statement found online in the Wheeler Application Portal. 

  • All applicants 6 through 11th grade must complete an interview with a member of the Enrollment team. Please contact the Enrollment Office to schedule an appointment.
  • Parents/Guardians are encouraged to set up their meeting for a time directly following their student’s interview however, we recognize this is not always possible. We are happy to accommodate a time that works best for your family.
  • Note: Interviews and Parent/Guardian meetings must be completed by the February 1st deadline to be considered in our first cycle of enrollment decisions.

Standardized is not required nor accepted for any grade.

Submit transcripts that include grades for the past 2.5 years. The Transcript Release Form can be found here.

Request (through your Wheeler Application Portal) that your child’s CURRENT teachers complete the Math and English Teacher Recommendation Forms.

Financial Aid

Families interested in applying for tuition assistance should visit our Financial Aid page here.