Admissions Process
Thank you for your interest in Sun valley Community School. We look forward to getting to know you!
Our students are curious, engaged, and ready to explore—in the classroom, in the outdoors, on the stage, or wherever else their passions lead them. We seek students who are eager to learn, to connect with their community, and to grow into their best selves.
We are committed to helping prospective students and families get to know our school. We offer opportunities to help families learn more about our school community. Please see currently scheduled events.
Application Process
- Early Childhood
- Kindergarten
- Grades One through Five
- Grades Six Through Eighth
- Grades Nine Through Twelve
- Boarding Program
- Sun Valley Ski Academy
Early Childhood
Application Procedure
Once the Admissions Office has received your initial inquiry or application, you will receive an application checklist for your child with links to the required documents and steps listed below.
Please note that applicants to the Early Childhood grades must have reached two years of age by September 1 of the year of entrance. Children who have reached four years of age by September 1 of the year of entrance are encouraged to attend the five-days/week program (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Please be certain that all documents are completed and submitted to the Admissions Office by the application deadline.
Requirements
An Application Form and Parent Statement
Completing the application form and Parent Statement is the first step in our admissions process. Should you need a pdf version, please contact our office.
Within the application, you can indicate which program (three-days, four-days, or five-days/week) you prefer. We strive to balance the class in terms of gender, children's ages, and teacher/student ratios; therefore, we are not always able to accommodate all requests. You can also indicate whether you are interested in our after-school care program. Typically our aftercare program runs from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A Teacher Feedback Form
If your child has been enrolled in a preschool program, we ask that you provide your child’s current teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please have the teacher complete and submit it to the Admissions Office.
Campus Tour for Parents
Parents are welcome to tour the school at any point in their application process. Please refer to your checklist or contact the Admissions Office to schedule a tour of our campus.
Early Childhood Visit day
With the goal of having a good sense of every child who applies to Sun Valley Community School, we ask that each applicant participate in a short visit with our Early Childhood teachers. For the 2025-26 application year, the visit day will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Registration information for a particular time at this event will be communicated to families in the winter. Families not able to attend this date should be in touch with the admissions office to discuss alternate options.
Kindergarten
Application Procedure
Once the Admissions Office has received your initial inquiry or application, you will receive an application checklist for your child with links to the required documents and steps listed below.
Please be certain that all documents are completed and submitted to the Admissions Office by the application deadline. The school cannot make enrollment decisions until all documents have been received.
Tuition Assistance
Parents interested in applying for Tuition Assistance should notify the Admissions Office at the time of application. Tuition Assistance awards are based on the need of the family and the availability of funds. Admissions decisions are made without regard to financial need. Families applying for Tuition Assistance must submit a separate Tuition Assistance Application. Please visit the Tuition Assistance page on our website to learn more.
Requirements
Sun Valley Community School requires that kindergarten applicants turn five by September 1 of the year of enrollment.
Application Form and Parent Statement
We consider parents to be an integral part of a child's education. Your description of your child will help us understand him or her better. Completing the application form and Parent Statement is the first step in our admissions process.
Applicant Photo (optional)
Please upload a photo of the applicant with the application form.
Teacher Evaluation Form
We ask that you provide your child’s preschool teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit it to the Admissions Office by the application deadline.
School Records Request
Please provide the appropriate official at your child's current school with the School Records Request and have records submitted to Community School before the application deadline. This can be done directly through the application portal as well.
Campus Tour for Parents
Parents are welcome to tour the school at any point in their application process. Please refer to your checklist or contact the Admissions Office to schedule a tour of our campus.
Kindergarten Visit Day
With the goal of having a good sense of every child who applies to our Kindergarten program, we ask that each applicant participate in a short visit with our teachers. For the 2025-26 application year, the Kindergarten visit day will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Registration information for a particular time at this event will be communicated to families in the winter. Families not able to attend this date should be in touch with the admissions office to discuss alternate options.
Grades One through Five
Application Procedure
Once the Admissions Office has received your initial inquiry or application, you will receive an application checklist for your child with links to the required documents and steps listed below.
Please be certain that all documents are completed and submitted to the Admissions Office by the application deadline. The school cannot make enrollment decisions until all documents have been received.
Tuition Assistance
Parents interested in applying for Tuition Assistance should notify the Admissions Office at the time of application. Tuition Assistance awards are based on the need of the family and the availability of funds. Admissions decisions are made without regard to financial need. Families applying for Tuition Assistance must submit a separate Tuition Assistance Application. Please visit the Tuition Assistance page on our website to learn more.
Application Form and Parent Statement
We consider parents to be an integral part of a child's education. Your description of your child will help us understand him or her better. Completing the application form and Parent Statement is the first step in our admissions process. For applicants to grades 4 and 5, we require a student response which you will find within the Application form.
Applicant Photo (Optional)
Please upload a photo of the applicant with the application form.
Teacher Evaluation: Homeroom Teacher
We ask that you provide your child’s homeroom teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit it to the Admissions Office through the application portal.
School Records Request
Please provide the appropriate official at your child's current school with the School Records Request and have records submitted to Community School before the application deadline. This can be done directly through the application portal as well.
Campus Tour
Families are welcome to tour the school at any point in their application process. Please refer to your checklist, see our admissions events, or contact the Admissions Office to schedule your tour to get to know our school for the 2025-26 school year.
Student Visit
We encourage students to sit in on classes to help them get a sense of the school and for us to get to know them better. Please contact the Admissions Office to schedule your child's visit day.
Grades Six Through Eighth
Application Procedure
Once the Admissions Office has received your initial inquiry or application, you will receive an application checklist for your child with links to the required steps and documentation listed below.
Please be certain that all documents are completed and submitted to the Admissions Office by the application deadline. The school cannot make enrollment decisions until all documents have been received.
Financial Aid
Parents interested in applying for Tuition Assistance should notify the Admissions Office at the time of application. Tuition Assistance awards are based on the need of the family and the availability of funds. Admissions decisions are made without regard to financial need. Families applying for Tuition Assistance must submit a separate Tuition Assistance Application. Please visit the Tuition Assistance page on our website to learn more.
Application for Admission, Parent Statement, and Student Responses
We consider parents and students themselves to be an integral part of a child's education and school decisions. The parent statement helps us gain an understanding of each applicant and family. The Student Responses and Writing Sample give voice directly to each student applying to Sun Valley Community School.
Completing the application form, Parent Statement, and Student Responses are important steps in our admissions process. Should you need a pdf version, please contact our office.
Applicant Photo (Optional)
Please upload a photo of the applicant with the application form.
Teacher Evaluation: Homeroom Teacher (6th grade)
For sixth grade applicants, we ask that you provide your child’s Homeroom teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit the form to the Admissions Office through the application portal.
Teacher Evaluation: English or Social Studies (7th and 8th grade)
We ask that you provide your child’s English or Social Studies teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit the form to the Admissions Office through the application portal.
Teacher Evaluation: Mathematics (7th and 8th grade)
We ask that you provide your child’s Maths teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit the form to the Admissions Office through the application portal.
School Records Request
Please provide the appropriate official at your child's current school with the School Records Request and have records submitted to Sun Valley Community School before the application deadline. This can also be requested online through your application checklist.
Admission Testing
Sun Valley Community School requires that applicants to grades six through twelve provide recent standardized testing, ideally from within a year of their application date. We accept State testing, the SSAT, ISEE, ERB, and/or PSAT/SAT test results.
Students needing to complete a standardized test can register for the SSAT test at SSAT.org. The SSAT code for Community School is 2547.
Applicants unsure of whether they need to take additional testing should be in touch with the Admissions Office for confirmation (208.229.3960 ext 174). We understand the challenges that sometimes arise when scheduling standardized testing and can work with you on a solution that accommodates your family.
Campus Tour
Families are welcome to tour the school at any point in their application process. There are several opportunities to learn more and experience what it might be like to be a student. Please refer to your checklist, see our admissions events, or contact the Admissions Office to schedule your tour to get to know our school during the 2025-26 school year.
Student Visit
Middle School applicants will have the opportunity to visit campus for a student visit which will include time with the applicant's current grade and time in the Middle School. This is a required part of the application process. Please contact the Admissions Office to schedule your child's visit.
Grades Nine Through Twelve
Application Procedure
Once the Admissions Office has received your initial inquiry or application, you will receive an application checklist for your child with links to the required steps and documentation listed below.
Please be certain that all documents are completed and submitted to the Admissions Office by the application deadline. The school cannot make enrollment decisions until all documents have been received.
Financial Aid
Parents interested in applying for Tuition Assistance should notify the Admissions Office at the time of application. Tuition Assistance awards are based on the need of the family and the availability of funds. Admissions decisions are made without regard to financial need. Families applying for Tuition Assistance must submit a separate Tuition Assistance Application. Please visit the Tuition Assistance page on our website to learn more.
Application for Admission, Parent Statement, and Student Responses
We consider parents and students themselves to be an integral part of a child's education and school decisions. The parent statement helps us gain an understanding of each applicant and family. The Student Responses and Writing Sample give voice directly to each student applying to Sun Valley Community School.
Completing the application form, Parent Statement, and Student Responses are important steps in our admissions process. Should you need a pdf version, please contact our office.
Applicant Photo (Optional)
Please upload a photo of the applicant with the application form.
Teacher Evaluation: English or Social Studies
We ask that you provide your child’s English or Social Studies teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit the form to the Admissions Office through the application portal.
Teacher Evaluation: Mathematics
We ask that you provide your child’s Maths teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit the form to the Admissions Office through the application portal.
School Records Request
Please provide the appropriate official at your child's current school with the School Records Request and have records submitted to Sun Valley Community School before the application deadline. This can also be requested online through your application checklist.
Admission Testing
Sun Valley Community School requires that applicants to grades six through twelve provide recent standardized testing, ideally from within a year of their application date. We accept State testing, the SSAT, ISEE, ERB, and/or PSAT/SAT test results.
Students needing to complete a standardized test can register for the SSAT test at SSAT.org. The SSAT code for Community School is 2547.
Applicants unsure of whether they need to take additional testing should be in touch with the Admissions Office for confirmation (208.229.3960 ext 174). We understand the challenges that sometimes arise when scheduling standardized testing and can work with you on a solution that accommodates your family.
Student Interview
Applicants for grades nine through twelve will be interviewed by the Admissions Office staff during their campus visit. These informal interviews give us a personal introduction to each student and allow us to provide the student with information about the school. This is a required part of the application process.
The interview usually takes place during the student's visit day. If you are not able to visit campus, please email the Admissions Office to schedule a virtual interview.
Campus Tour/Student Visit
Families are welcome to tour the school at any point in their application process. Upper School Tours are scheduled in the mornings with students invited to stay afterwards to sit in on classes and eat lunch with a Student Ambassador. The tour/visit day can be scheduled online through your application checklist. We also encourage you to check out our admissions events as a way to learn more about the school community.
Boarding Program
Application Procedure
Once the Admissions Office has received your initial inquiry or application, you will receive an application checklist for your child with links to the required documents and steps listed below.
Please be certain that all documents are completed and submitted to the Admissions Office by your application deadline. The school cannot make enrollment decisions until all documents have been received.
Tuition Assistance
Parents interested in applying for Tuition Assistance should notify the Admissions Office at the time of application. Tuition Assistance awards are based on the need of the family and the availability of funds. Admissions decisions are made without regard to financial need. Families applying for Tuition Assistance must submit a separate Tuition Assistance Application. Please visit the Tuition Assistance page on our website to learn more.
Application for Admission, Parent Statement, and Student Responses
We consider parents and students themselves to be an integral part of a child's education and school decisions. The parent statement helps us gain an understanding of each applicant and family. The Student Responses and Writing Sample give voice directly to each student applying to Sun Valley Community School.
Completing the application form, Parent Statement, and Student Responses are important steps in our admissions process.
Applicant Photo (Optional)
Please upload a photo of the applicant with the application form.
Teacher Evaluation: English or Social Studies
We ask that you provide your child’s English or Social Studies teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit the form to the Admissions Office directly through the Admissions Portal, if possible.
Teacher Evaluation: Mathematics
We ask that you provide your child’s Maths teacher with a feedback form, available through your application checklist. Please ask the teacher to complete and submit the form to the Admissions Office directly through the Admissions Portal, if possible.
School Records Request
Please provide the appropriate official at your child's current school with the School Records Request and have records submitted to Sun Valley Community School before the application deadline. School Records can also be requested online through your application checklist.
Admission Testing
Sun Valley Community School requires that applicants to grades six through twelve provide recent standardized testing, ideally from within a year of their application date. We accept State testing, the SSAT, ISEE, ERB, and/or PSAT/SAT test results.
Students needing to complete a standardized test can register for the SSAT test at SSAT.org. The SSAT code for Community School is 2547.
Applicants unsure of whether they need to take additional testing should be in touch with the Admissions Office for confirmation (208.229.3960 ext 174). We understand the challenges that sometimes arise when scheduling standardized testing and can work with you on a solution that accommodates your family.
Interviews
Applicants for our boarding program will be interviewed by the Admissions Office and the Residence Hall Director. These informal interviews give us a personal introduction to each student and allows us provide the student with information about the school. Interviews will usually take place during your child's visit day. If you are not able to make it to campus, please email the Admissions Office to schedule a virtual interview.
Campus Tour/Student Visit
Families are welcome to tour the school at any point in their application process. Tours for boarding students will include visiting our main academic campus as well as our Rufus M. Brown Residence Hall. The visit will also include the opportunity for each family to meet with our Residence Hall Director, Clay Wawner, to learn about our boarding program.
Residence Hall Tours are scheduled in the mornings with students invited to stay afterwards to sit in on classes and eat lunch with a Student Ambassador. The tour/visit can be scheduled online through your application checklist. Please contact Admissions if have any questions or need help coordinating your visit. We also encourage you to check out our admissions events as a way to learn more about the school community.
Sun Valley Ski Academy
In addition to completing the Upper School application, Sun Valley Ski Academy (SVSA) applicants will need to submit a Coach's Evaluation from their current program. This form is available through the applicant checklist once an Inquiry or Application have been completed.
Please contact Program Director Jonna Mendes with any questions about the SVSA application process: jmendes@sunvalleyskiacademy.org or 208.720.0512.
Key Admissions Dates
Tours and Campus Visits
We encourage all families to visit Sun Valley Community School for a campus tour and interview. Tours for prospective families are typically available year-round, with exceptions around holidays. Please email our Admissions Office, or call us at 208.622.3960, ext. 117. to schedule your your campus tour/visit.
Important Application Dates
Tuition Assistance
Parents interested in learning more about making a Sun Valley Community School education affordable, should inquire about our Financial Aid Program.
Financial Aid awards are based on the demonstrated need of the family and the availability of funds. Financial Aid applicants must submit a separate Financial Aid application on an annual basis. Applicants who wish to apply for Financial Aid must complete the Clarity application and must also submit tax returns.
Financial Aid Application Deadline:
- Returning families must return all materials by mid December.
- New families complete materials when they submit their school application.
Financial Aid Award Notification:
- Ongoing: Financial Aid award notifications are provided alongside admissions decisions.
Learn more about Financial Aid here.
Admissions Testing
Sun Valley Community School requires that applicants to grades six through twelve provide recent standardized testing, ideally from within a year of their application date. We accept state testing, the SSAT, ISEE, ERB, and/or PSAT/SAT test results.
Students needing to complete a standardized test can register for the SSAT test at SSAT.org. The SSAT code for Community School is 2547.
Applicants unsure of whether they need to take additional testing should be in touch with the Admissions Office for confirmation. We understand the challenges that sometimes arise when scheduling standardized testing and can work with you on a solution that accommodates your family.
READY TO APPLY?
We are here to help you throughout each step of the application process. Please contact the Admissions Office at any point if you have questions or need more information about any aspect of this process: 208.622.3960, ext. 174, or via email.
We are accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year!
Rolling admissions continue through the school year.
The Value of the Visit
Many families tell us that their visit to Sun Valley
Community School was a turning point in the admissions process.
We would love for you to spend time on our campus, meet our students and faculty, tour our facilities, and feel the energy and engagement that make Sun Valley Community School such an incredible place to learn.
Please contact the Admissions Office to schedule your visit: 208.622.3960, ext. 117, or via email.