Apply to Lower School (K-4)

At Maret, our stimulating lower school classroom environment, rich in interactive resources and guided by teachers who are highly trained, enthusiastic, and supportive, provides the ideal setting for young minds to flourish.

Create an Account

  • First things first, create an account by clicking on the orange button below to keep track of admission events and deadlines.
  • This is also the place where you will schedule a campus tour, interview, and check on the progress of your application.

Campus Tour

  • K-3rd: For parents only in small groups (10-12 people total).
  • 4th grade: Applicant children are welcome on the 4th grade tour.
  • Offered daily in the morning.
  • Approximate duration: 60-90 minutes.
  • Tours are optional and not required to submit an application.
  • You may also attend our Open House on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 12 noon - 2 p.m.

Parent/Guardian Interview

  • For parents/guardians and offered on a first come-first served basis.
  • Strongly encouraged for families applying to Kindergarten, 1st and 4th grades.
  • Do not have to apply before interviewing.
  • All interviews must be scheduled by the application deadline January 4, 2018 by 5pm.
  • Approximately a 30-minute conversation with the Director of Admission.
  • Multiple time slots throughout the day and interview can also be conducted via Skype.

Applicant Visit

  • Required for kindergarten, 1st grade, and 4th grade applicants.
  • Parent/guardians schedule online after applying.
  • Visits occur in January and February during the school day.
  • Kindergarten and 1st grade visit last two hours, and 4th grade visits last 2 1/2 hours.
  • During a two-hour morning or afternoon visit, children will have an opportunity to participate in both independent and group activities with other children applying to the same grade level. In addition to spending time with other applicants, your child will meet Maret School teachers and Admission personnel. We will read a story, share a snack, work, and play.

Testing

  • REQUIRED for all applicants.
  • WPPSI-IV for children under 6 years old.
  • WISC-V for children 6 and older
  • For referrals, please click HERE.

Teacher Recommendations

  • One recommendation required from current homeroom teacher.

Grades/Transcript

  • Current grades/report card required.
  • Prior year report card or transcript also required (if applicable).

Applying FAQs

What are the age requirements for Kindergarten?

Students must be five years old by September 1 of their kindergarten year.

When are applications due?

  • Applications are due January 4, 2018 by 5:00pm.
  • Teacher recommendations, testing reports, and all other support material must be received by January 18, 2018 by 5:00 pm.

Does Maret require applicants to visit the school?

Maret strongly encourages all families to tour our campus before applying. Tours can be scheduled online by calling the Admission Office directly at 202-939-8814.

May my child accompany me on my tour of Maret?

  • Lower School tours are for parents or guardians only.
  • Children applying to Lower School are invited to visit the campus during our annual Admission Open House.
  • We encourage students applying to Middle and Upper School to join their parents for a small group tour.

When do Lower School applicants visit Maret?

  • Families are able to schedule visits for kindergarten, first, and fourth grade applicants once they have submitted their applications. You may schedule the visit using your online admission account.
  • Kindergarten visits take place on Wednesday afternoons in January and February.
  • Visits for all other grades will occur early in February.
  • We will notify parents with available dates and times for visits.

May my child apply for a non-expansion year?

Maret accepts applications to all grades. The Admission Office will collect teacher recommendations, grades, and testing. However, students will be asked to visit only if there will be an opening in the grade to which you hope to apply. Please call the office at 202-939-8814 for further details.

When do I hear if my child has been accepted at Maret?

Maret notifies families of our admission decision by email in early March.

Kindergarten

Our youngest students ease into the world of learning, self-awareness, and friendship in the comfort of the stand-alone Kindergarten Cottage. Kindergarten typically has 18 -20 students working with two full time teachers.

At a Glance

  • Approximately 130 students, grades K-4
  • First, second, and third grades each have two sections of 12-14 students
  • Fourth grade has two sections of approximately 18 students
  • The school day runs from 8am - 2:50pm with early dismissal at 1:20pm on Wednesdays
  • Our After School Program runs daily until 6pm

Lower School Classes

  • Science (2x week)
  • Spanish (4x week in kindergarten and fourth grade; 3x week all other grades)
  • Art (2x week)
  • Music (2x week)
  • Physical Education (4x week)
  • Library (1x week)
  • Technology (1x week)
  • Social-Emotional Learning (1x week)

    • New Students

    New student enrollment varies each year, but here is a typical profile:

    • Kindergarten: 20 new students
    • First Grade: 5 - 7 new students
    • Second and Third Grades: new students enrolled only if space becomes available
    • Fourth Grade: 7 - 10 students