Frequently Asked Questions

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Where is Waverly located?

The Waverly School is located in Pasadena, California (91105), with three separate campuses and a one-acre organic farm — all within walking distance of each other. We’re conveniently situated near the 210 and 134 freeways and a short walk from the Metro A (Blue) Line Del Mar station.

List of 5 items.

Elementary Campus (Preschool-6)

67 W. Bellevue Drive (between Fair Oaks and Pasadena Avenues)
Middle School Campus (Grades 7 and 8)

120 Waverly Drive
High School Campus (Grades 9 - 12)

108 Waverly Drive
The Waverly Farm

665 South Pasadena Avenue
Business Office

124 Waverly Drive

School Overview

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

What kind of school is Waverly?

Waverly is a small, non-sectarian, coeducational, college-preparatory, and progressive school serving Preschool through 12th grade.
Is Waverly accredited?

Yes, Waverly is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).
What is progressive education?

Though educators have been challenged in agreeing upon a single definition for progressive education, The Progressive Education Network (PEN) consensus builds around defining principles which are embraced at The Waverly School at all grade levels.
How many students attend Waverly?
- Elementary: ~180 students
- Middle School: ~60 students
- High School: ~120 students
- Total: ~360 students
What is the average class size?
- Preschool: 24 students, with a director and three full-time teachers
- Kindergarten – 6 Grade: 25 students with two full-time teachers
- Middle & High School: ~12 students per academic class

Daily Life and Student Experience

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

What are the school hours?
- Preschool: 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
- Kindergarten – 6th Grade: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Middle School (7 – 8): 8:30 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
- High School (9 – 12): 8:35 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Does Waverly have after-school care?

Yes. After-school care runs until 6:00 p.m. for Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School students and includes sports, games, art, and enrichment classes. Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m. for Elementary and Middle School.
Does Waverly have sports teams?

Students in grades 5 through 12 may participate on Waverly sports teams. Waverly competes in a friendly and competitive league with schools that are similar in size. Sports offered include co-ed soccer, boys’ and girls’ flag football, boys’ and girls’ volleyball, boys’ and girls’ basketball, equestrian, baseball, tennis, cross country, and track and field. At Waverly, students aspire to compete for league championships while also supporting teammates who have never played the sport before.
Parent Participation

Each family is asked to contribute 30 volunteer hours annually. We recognize that capacity varies and invite families to support the school in ways that work for them.

Admissions Process and Policies

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

Does Waverly require standardized testing (ISEE, etc.)?

No. Waverly does not require formal testing as part of the admissions process. We assess applicants through transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a developmental lens to ensure each child is a good fit.
Does Waverly offer tuition assistance and how does it work?

Currently, 44% of our student body is on a Flexible Tuition plan. Click here for more information about this process.
What are the key application dates?
- Thursday, October 1 — Flexible Tuition Night
- Saturday, October 3 — Farm Open House
- Saturday, November 14 — Campus Open House
- Saturday, December 12 — Campus Open House
- Tuesday, January 19 — Application Deadline
- Sunday, February 12 — Flexible Tuition and required supplemental application documents due, including transcripts and teacher recommendations.
- Friday, March 12 — Decision notifications are sent to families at 5 p.m.
- Friday, March 19 — New Enrollment Contracts due at 12 p.m.
Is the Waverly community diverse?

On average, 54% of our families identify as families of color. As an essential component of realizing its mission, Waverly fosters an environment in which individual differences of race, ethnicity, biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, national origin, immigration status, ability and disability, physical characteristics, religious belief, and all aspects of identity are acknowledged and celebrated. For additional information about our objectives for equity and diversity, please see our mission statement.

Waverly is a member of The Alliance, POCIS, and A Better Chance.
How are transcripts submitted?
Transcripts are required for applicants to Grade 1 and above. Preferably, we would like to have at least two years of transcripts for 2nd through 12th grade.
- Submit the Transcript Release Form to the applicant’s current school
- Transcripts must be uploaded to the admissions portal or sent in sealed, signed envelopes
- Download the transcript form (PDF)
How do teacher recommendations work?
Forms should submit forms via the Parent Portal or in a sealed envelope on school letterhead. Helpful tip: Provide your child’s current teacher with a stamped, addressed envelope along with the form.
- Grades 2 – 12 require two recommendations
- Recommendations may be uploaded via the Parent Portal or submitted in sealed, signed envelopes
- Downloadable forms are available by grade level (PDF)
How much is tuition at Waverly?

Please click here for updated tuition.
Do you admit international students?

Yes, we welcome international applicants. However, Waverly does not issue or process student visas (I-20). Applicants must provide proof of U.S. residency or a valid visa as well as a local host contact.