Finding Your Fit: A Guide to the Sayre School Admissions Process

Choosing the right school is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. At Sayre School, we believe the heart of a successful education lies in finding a mutually good fit between students and our community. Our mission is to empower students to achieve academic excellence and lead purposeful lives, and that journey begins with a thoughtful, collaborative admissions process.

Whether you are exploring options for a two-year-old or looking for a rigorous college-preparatory environment for a high schooler, here is your step-by-step guide to joining the Sayre family.

Inquire and apply

The first step is getting to know us. You may contact our Admission Office to schedule a campus tour, or you may dive right in by completing an inquiry form or application. The application fee is $75.

• Pro tip: Jeff Oldham, Sayre’s director of enrollment management, is available year-round to meet with families and answer questions about the Sayre experience.

Experience our campus

At Sayre School, we believe that academic challenge, growth through discovery, and comprehensive educational experiences open doors to a lifelong journey.  We call this process the Education of a Lifetime. 

There is no better way to understand our philosophy than by seeing it in action. We encourage families to schedule a tour to see our facilities in downtown Lexington, visit classrooms, and meet the teachers and coaches who align with your child’s specific interests.

Student visit and assessment

Once you’ve completed the application, we will invite your child to spend time with us. This step is a vital part of the process in which students may attend classes, meet potential classmates, and complete an academic assessment.

• Preschool applicants: Visits typically last 20–30 minutes.
• K-12 students: Visits range from half a day to a full day.
• Success-focused assessments: These evaluations are age-appropriate and designed to ensure your child is developmentally and academically ready to thrive in our challenging environment.

Records and recommendations

To get a full picture of your child’s academic journey, Sayre will request records and teacher recommendations from their current school.

• Pro tip: Because records requests take time, we encourage parents to provide copies of recent report cards, progress reports, and/or standardized test results to keep the process moving forward.

The admissions decision

After the application is complete and your child has completed their classroom visit and assessment, Mr. Oldham meets with the admissions committee in the appropriate academic division to make a final decision.

Enrollment

If your child is accepted, you will receive an enrollment contract. To secure their spot in the upcoming class, you will need to return the signed contract along with providing a non-refundable tuition deposit:

• Preschool: $500
• Grades K-12: $1,000

A note for our global community

Sayre welcomes international students, whether they are joining us through a recognized exchange program or living locally with host families. For international applicants, the process includes a few additional steps, such as a virtual interview and English proficiency testing (TOEFL or TOEFL Junior).

Ready to start your journey?

Take the next step toward the education of a lifetime. Complete the contact form, and we’ll answer any questions you have or coordinate a campus visit. We look forward to meeting your family and helping you discover how your child can make their mark at Sayre School.
 

Additional reading:

• 5 Reasons to Choose a Private School 
• Sparking Student Knowledge through Project-Based Learning
• Fostering Teamwork at Sayre School