Welcome from Your WNS Admission Team
Thank you for your interest in Westside Neighborhood School (WNS)!
At WNS, we believe that a school should be a community for both the student and the family. We seek families who support and embrace our philosophy and students with a wide range of backgrounds, talents, and interests who will benefit from our program and contribute positively to the school community.
Our admission team looks forward to working with you and your family throughout the admission process.
Kendra Tolentino
Director of Tuition Assistance & Assistant Director of Admission
The Admission Process
Select the grade level(s) that your child(ren) would be applying for to view the step-by-step process:
Toddler
Step 1
Campus Tour: During the Admission Presentation & Campus Tour, you will learn about our philosophy and program, hear from our Head of School and 8th grade students, and take a tour of the campus. Tours can be scheduled through our inquiry form or through your parent portal after you have applied.
Step 2
Application: Children should be at least 12 months and mobile by the first day of school.
Please create a Parent Portal account to begin the application.
Step 3
Parent/Guardian Conversation: You will be able to schedule your parent conversation through your Parent Portal after you have applied.
Step 4
Notifications: Notifications are emailed on a rolling basis. Our Early Preschool for Toddlers will open in January 2027.
Preschool
Step 1
Campus Tour: During the Admission Presentation & Campus Tour, you will learn about our philosophy and program, hear from our Head of School and 8th grade students, and take a tour of the campus. Tours can be scheduled through our inquiry form or through your parent portal after you have applied.
Step 2
Application: Children should be 2 years of age by the first day of school.
Please create a Parent Portal account to begin the application.
Step 3
Teacher Recommendation: For children who already attend a daycare or preschool program, please send the recommendation form directly to your child’s current teacher through your Parent Portal checklist after you have applied.
Step 4
Parent/Guardian Conversation: You will be able to schedule your parent conversation and play date through your Parent Portal after you have applied.
Step 5
Notifications: Notification letters are emailed February 25, 2027 at 2:00 pm. Enrollment contracts and the non-refundable deposit are due no later than 12:00 pm on March 2, 2027.
Developmental Kindergarten (DK)
Step 1
Campus Tour: During the Admission Presentation & Campus Tour, you will learn about our philosophy and program, hear from our Head of School and 8th grade students, and take a tour of the campus. Tours can be scheduled through our inquiry form or through your parent portal after you have applied.
Step 2
Application: Children should be 4 years of age by August 1.
Please create a Parent Portal account to begin the application.
Step 3
Teacher Recommendation: For children who already attend a daycare or preschool program, please send the recommendation form directly to your child’s current teacher through your Parent Portal checklist after you have applied.
Step 4
Parent/Guardian Conversation & Child Play Date: You will be able to schedule your parent conversation and play date through your Parent Portal after you have applied. We look forward to meeting your child!
Step 5
Notification: Notification letters are emailed February 25, 2027 at 2:00 pm. Enrollment contracts and the non-refundable deposit are due no later than 12:00 pm on March 2, 2027.
Kindergarten
Step 1
Campus Tour: During the Admission Presentation & Campus Tour, you will learn about our philosophy and program, hear from our Head of School and 8th grade students, and take a tour of the campus. Tours can be scheduled through our inquiry form or through your parent portal after you have applied.
Step 2
Application: Children should be 5 years of age by August 1. Children with August birth dates are considered for admission based on developmental readiness. Please create a Parent Portal account to begin the application.
Step 3
Teacher Recommendation: For children who already attend a daycare or preschool program, please send the recommendation form directly to your child’s current teacher through your Parent Portal checklist after you have applied.
Step 4
Parent/Guardian Conversation & Child Play Date: You will be able to schedule your parent conversation and play date through your Parent Portal after you have applied. We look forward to meeting your child!
Step 5
Notification: Notification letters are emailed March 12, 2027 at 2:00 pm. Enrollment contracts and the non-refundable deposit are due no later than 12:00 pm on March 19, 2027.
Grades 1-5
Step 1
Campus Tour: During the Admission Presentation & Campus Tour, you will learn about our philosophy and program, hear from our Head of School and 8th grade students, and take a tour of the campus. Tours can be scheduled through our inquiry form or through your parent portal after you have applied.
Step 2
Application: Please create a Parent Portal account to begin the application.
Step 3
Teacher Recommendation: Please send the recommendation form directly to your child’s current teacher through your Parent Portal checklist after you have applied.
Step 4
Parent/Guardian Conversation & Student Visit: Please schedule your parent conversation and student visit through your Parent Portal after you have applied.
Step 5
Notification: Notification letters are emailed March 12, 2027 at 2:00 pm. Enrollment contracts and the non-refundable deposit are due no later than 12:00 pm on March 19, 2027.
Grades 6-8
Step 1
Campus Tour: During the Admission Presentation & Campus Tour, you will learn about our philosophy and program, hear from our Head of School and 8th grade students, and take a tour of the campus. Tours can be scheduled through our inquiry form or through your parent portal after you have applied.
Step 2
Application: Please create a Parent Portal account to begin the application.
Step 3
Teacher Recommendations: Please send the teacher recommendation form(s) directly to your child’s current teacher through your Parent Portal checklist.
Step 4
Parent/Guardian Conversation & Student Visit: Please schedule your parent/guardian conversation and student visit through your Parent Portal.
Step 5
Notification: Notification letters are emailed March 12, 2027 at 2:00 pm. Enrollment contracts and the non-refundable deposit are due no later than 12:00 pm on March 19, 2027.
Key Dates and Deadlines
May 14, 2026: Preschool-8th Grade Online Applications Available
November 2, 2026: Sibling Application Deadline
December 4, 2026: Preschool, DK, & Kindergarten Priority Application Deadline (guaranteed student visit and interview appointment)
December 15, 2026: Returning Family Tuition Assistance Application Deadline
January 8, 2027: Preschool-8th Grade Application Deadline (applications received after the deadline are considered on a rolling basis as space allows)
January 15, 2027: Preschool-8th Grade Teacher Recommendation Letters and Transcripts Due
February 1, 2027: Preschool-8th Grade Tuition Assistance Application Deadline For Prospective Families
February 25, 2027: Preschool & DK Notification Emails Sent at 2:00 pm
March 2, 2027: Preschool & DK Contracts and Deposits Due by 12:00pm
March 12, 2027: Kindergarten-8th Grade Notification Emails Sent at 5:00 pm
March 19, 2027: Kindergarten-8th Grade Contracts and Deposit Due by 12:00pm
Get to Know WNS
Admission Presentations & Campus Tours
We invite you to visit and experience our community in person. You’ll begin with a presentation to learn more about our program and philosophy, followed by a guided group tour tailored to your grade level of interest.
DK - 8th Grade | 9:30 - 11:30 am:
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Wednesday, January 6, 2027
- Tuesday, February 9, 2027 (Late Bird Tour)
- Thursday, May 13, 2027 (Early Bird Tour for 2028-29 Admission)
Toddler - Preschool | 9:30 - 11:30 am:
- Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Thursday, November 5, 2026
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026
- Thursday, January 7, 2027
- Wednesday, February 3, 2027 (Late Bird Tour)
- Thursday, May 11, 2027 (Early Bird Tour for 2028-29 Admission)
Toddler Info Sessions:
- Friday, May 22, 2026 | 10-11 am
- Friday, June 5, 2026 | 1-2 pm
Middle School Preview Event
This event is for parents/caregivers and students interested in applying to 6th or 7th grades. Parents get a deep dive presentation from WNS staff and faculty while prospective students enjoy interactive classroom experiences led by WNS faculty.
Date: Monday, December 14, 2026 (4:30 – 6:15 pm) – On campus
The above events can be scheduled through our inquiry form or through your parent portal after you have applied.
Download Our Admission Brochure
Required
Admission Events
If you have applied, you can register through your Parent Portal checklist. If you have not yet applied, please click the links below to register.
Early Childhood Center: Fall into Autumn Festival
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 9:30am – 11:00am
Celebrate the season with us at Fall into Autumn Community Fest, a joyful morning designed especially for children ages 3 and under and their grownups! Little ones are invited to explore, play, and discover through autumn-inspired crafts, a petting zoo, live music, face painting and plenty of opportunities to connect with new friends.
Designed with young children in mind, Fall into Autumn Fest offers families a glimpse into the warmth and wonder of WNS’s Early Childhood Center, where curiosity, creativity, and learning come alive through play. Come enjoy the season, meet other families, and experience the welcoming spirit of the WNS community.
Open to the public—bring a friend and fall into autumn with WNS!
Mini Maker Faire
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Calling all curious minds, creative thinkers, and young makers! WNS invites you to our annual Mini Maker Faire, a hands-on celebration of creativity, innovation, and imagination. Students can roll up their sleeves and explore a variety of interactive maker stations—from woodworking, virtual reality, laser cutting, sewing, and 3D design to Hummingbird robotics, cardboard construction, and more.
Whether they love to build, design, tinker, invent, or simply try something new, young makers will have plenty of opportunities to experiment, problem-solve, and bring their ideas to life. Come create, explore, and discover what you can make at WNS!
This event is open to current 1st–6th graders from all schools. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay and join in the fun; families of 4th–6th graders may also choose to drop their children off for the event.
Skate Into Winter Community Fest
Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 9:30am – 11:00am
Calling all 3–6-year-olds! Join us for Skate into Winter Community Fest, a playful winter celebration designed especially for children in or approaching the Developmental Kindergarten and Kindergarten years. Families from WNS and the wider community are invited to enjoy a fun-filled morning of winter-themed activities, hands-on exploration, creative play, and opportunities to connect with new friends.
Building on the spirit of our ECC Fall into Autumn Fest, Skate into Winter Fest is designed with our slightly older early learners in mind—giving children opportunities to play, create, and discover through winter-inspired crafts, snow play, live music, face painting and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season together.
It’s also a wonderful way for families to experience the joyful, welcoming community of WNS.
Open to the public—bring a friend and skate into winter with WNS!
Middle School Preview Event
Monday, December 14, 2026 | 4:30-6:15pm
Discover what makes the WNS Middle School experience engaging, challenging, and uniquely WNS! Designed for families interested in applying to 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, this event offers something for both students and their grownups. Parents and caregivers will hear from WNS staff and faculty for an in-depth look at our Middle School program, while prospective students jump into fun, interactive classroom experiences led by WNS teachers. Come get a feel for learning, growing, and belonging in Middle School at WNS!
Community Connections & Conversation
Tuesday, January 26, 2027 | 9:00 - 10:15am
Join us for Community Connections & Conversation, an opportunity to hear directly from WNS faculty and current parents about their experiences within our school community. Guests will participate in age-group-specific panels, where faculty and parents will share their perspectives on the student experience, learning, community, and what makes each stage of the WNS journey unique. There will also be time for questions and conversation, giving prospective families the chance to connect with members of our community and learn more about life at WNS.
This event will be available for registration in your parent portal after you submit your application.
Black and Brown Parent Connections Zoom
Tuesday, February 2, 2027 | 6:00-7:00pm
Prospective Black and Brown families are invited to join us on Zoom for a warm and informal conversation with current Black and Brown parents and caregivers at WNS. Hear directly from current parents about their experiences, learn more about finding community and belonging at WNS, and bring your own questions for an open and welcoming conversation.
This affinity gathering is an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and hear authentic perspectives from members of the WNS community in a relaxed setting.
This event will be available for registration in your parent portal after you submit your application.
Admission Forms
All recommendation and transcript forms are conveniently located in your Parent Portal Checklist. Forms can also be found via the link below.
Questions?
Visit our Admission FAQs page to explore a list of the most commonly asked questions by parents considering WNS. Alternatively, if you don't see your question answered, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Admission team directly at admission@wns-la.org.
Nondiscriminatory Policy for Admission of Students:
Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or age in its employment practices. With regard to admission to its academic programs, Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) admits students of any race, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the School. WNS does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance, and athletics and other School-administered programs.