Applying to Woodland School? Here’s What You Need to Know

From essays to interviews, discover smart strategies for a standout application.

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Is Woodland School a Good School?

Woodland School isn’t just good. It’s the kind of place where kids race to class because they’re actually excited to learn. Tucked into the hills of Portola Valley, this Pre-K through 8th grade gem turns curiosity into confidence and turns students into thinkers, makers, and doers.

Founded in 1981, Woodland has always done things a little differently. Learning here isn’t about memorizing facts or filling in bubbles. It’s about building robots, writing short stories, asking wild questions, and figuring out how the world works. It’s academic, sure, but it’s also joyful, creative, and just a little bit messy in the best way.

Class sizes are small enough that teachers really know your kid. Like favorite-animal-and-go-to-snack level of knowing. Lessons feel more like group adventures than lectures. Whether your child is into coding, painting, reading, or starting a club for future inventors, Woodland makes space for every kind of spark.

Student Diversity

Based on data from U.S. News, Woodland School has a diverse student body. Approximately 47.5% of students identify as White, while 28.7% identify as Multicultural. Asian and Pacific Islander students make up 18% of the population. Hispanic or Latino students represent 5%, and African American students make up 0.8% of the student body. This breakdown reflects Woodland School’s ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for students of all backgrounds.

How Hard Is It To Get Into Woodland School?

The school is small, the bar is high, and plenty of families are hoping to snag a seat. Now, it’s true that spots are limited. It’s a close-knit school, and that means space fills up fast. So it helps to apply early and take the time to let your child’s personality shine. The process includes a student visit, a parent meeting, and a few thoughtful steps designed to get to know your family, not just your child’s report card.

At the heart of it, Woodland is looking for kids who are ready to jump in with both feet, bring their whole selves, and make the most of everything this dynamic little school has to offer. It’s not about perfection. It’s about potential, playfulness, and a whole lot of heart.

What’s Woodland School’s Admissions Process?

Applying to Woodland School involves a few key stages, each designed to help families learn more about the school while giving the admissions team a full picture of each applicant. Here’s a quick overview of what the process looks like from start to finish.

  1. Submit an Inquiry

Fill out the inquiry form to pop up on Woodland’s radar and get all the important updates. Think of it as your official RSVP to the admissions journey.

  1. Attend Admissions Events

Now’s your chance to see what Woodland is really like. Join an info session, sign up for a campus tour, or hop into a virtual event. These aren’t just slideshows and speeches. They’re your sneak peek into the people, spaces, and spirit that make the school tick. Pro tip: the more you explore, the more your questions turn into confidence.

  1. Complete the Application

If you’re eyeing the 2025–26 school year, hang tight. Applications are currently closed. But if you’re moving or missed the window, reach out to admissions. You never know what openings might pop up.

  1. Student Visit and Parent Meeting

After you hit submit, it’s time to visit. Kids get to spend time on campus, meet teachers, and see if this place feels like home. At the same time, parents get their own moment with the admissions team to share stories, ask questions, and talk about what makes their child one of a kind.

  1. Submit a Writing Sample (Grades 5–8 Only)

Older applicants will need to tackle the Online Essay. It’s part writing prompt, part thinking challenge, and all about showing how your child puts thoughts into words. It’s done virtually through Test Innovators, just once, and can be shared with other schools too.

What are the application requirements for Woodland School?

School Records for Woodland School Admissions

Before your child can build cardboard castles or ace a science project at Woodland, the admissions team needs to see their paper trail. That means report cards, transcripts, immunization records, and a birth certificate. If your child has had any educational testing or support services, toss those in too. It helps the school see the full picture, not just the highlight reel. Think of it less like red tape and more like an intro package to who your child really is.

But what if your child doesn’t have impressive grades? Then you need help from the professionals. Enroll in tutoring and academic coaching to improve the numbers. 

Woodland School Student Visit

This is the fun part. Your child gets to step into a real Woodland day, meet teachers, explore classrooms, and maybe even get involved in a group project that involves glue sticks or gravity. Younger kids join a small group experience, while older students blend into the actual school day like mini visitors from the future.

Want them to make the most of it? Start with the basics, make sure they get a good night’s sleep and eat a solid breakfast. A rested, well-fed kid is much more likely to stay focused and enjoy the experience. Pack a snack just in case, and dress them in something they feel comfortable moving and learning in.

Encourage them to be polite, ask questions, and engage with the activities or lessons they’re part of. Remind them that it’s okay not to know all the answers. What matters most is showing curiosity, a positive attitude, and a willingness to participate. If they’re nervous, that’s normal. Just let them know that the school isn’t expecting perfection. They’re looking to see how students learn, communicate, and fit into the classroom environment.

And don’t forget, this visit is a two-way street. Encourage your child to notice how they feel during the visit. Do they feel welcome? Do they enjoy the learning style? If it feels like a place where they can grow and be themselves, that’s a great sign.

Woodland School Parent Meeting

While your child is off making new friends and maybe getting a little glitter glue on their shoes, you’ll be chatting with the admissions team. This virtual meeting is your chance to brag a little (or a lot) about what makes your child special. You can talk about their love of science, their obsession with building things, or that phase where they only answered in animal facts.

It’s not an interview, it’s a conversation. You get to ask questions too: about the academics, the community, the daily rhythm of life at Woodland. Think of it as a chance to see if this school feels like a good match for your family, not just your kid. Real talk, real questions, real connection. No need to rehearse, just come ready to share and listen.

​Here are some tips to help you make the most of your parent meeting during the Woodland School admissions process:​

  1. Be Authentic: Share genuine insights about your child’s interests, strengths, and areas for growth.​
  2. Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Consider what aspects of the school are most important to your family and prepare questions accordingly.​
  3. Reflect on Your Family’s Values: Think about how your family’s values align with Woodland’s mission and community.​
  4. Keep It Conversational: Engage in a two-way dialogue to determine if Woodland is the right fit for your child and family.

Parent Statement for Woodland School Admissions

This is your chance to show the admissions team who your child really is, their passions, their quirks, and all the little things that make them totally one of a kind. Maybe they build cardboard cities, maybe they’re the unofficial family fact-checker, or maybe they’ve got a heart the size of the playground. You don’t need to write the next great American novel. Just be honest, specific, and real. Talk about what lights them up and why you think Woodland is the kind of place where that spark will grow. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s to help the school see the amazing human behind the name on the form.

Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling and authentic parent statement for Woodland School’s admissions process:

  1. Be Yourself: Write as if you’re having a conversation with a friend. Share stories and insights that truly reflect your child’s personality and your family’s values.
  2. Highlight Unique Traits: Focus on what makes your child special. Whether it’s their curiosity, creativity, or sense of humor, let their individuality shine through.
  3. Connect with Woodland’s Values: Explain why you believe Woodland is the right fit for your child. Discuss how the school’s philosophy and community align with your family’s educational goals.
  4. Keep It Genuine: Avoid trying to impress with grand achievements. Instead, offer honest reflections and anecdotes that provide a real glimpse into your child’s world.
  5. Proofread and Reflect: After writing, take a moment to review your statement. Ensure it captures your child’s essence and conveys your enthusiasm for the potential partnership with Woodland.

Teacher Recommendation for Woodland School Admissions

A teacher recommendation gives Woodland a peek into your child’s day-to-day school life, how they learn, how they work with others, and how they show up in the classroom. It’s like getting a behind-the-scenes tour from someone who sees your child in action, not just on paper.

This isn’t about perfection or straight A’s. It’s about giving the admissions team a fuller picture of who your child is as a student and a classmate. So choose a teacher who knows your child well, someone who can speak to their strengths, their effort, and even those little moments that show what kind of learner they are.

Writing Sample (Grades 5–8) for Woodland School Admissions

If your child is applying to grades 5 through 8, they’ll need to complete something called the Online Essay. Don’t worry, it’s not as intense as it sounds. It’s a virtual writing session run by Test Innovators that includes a 30-minute writing prompt and a 15-minute thinking challenge. It’s all done in one go, with a friendly Zoom proctor keeping things on track.

The goal? To see how your child thinks, writes, and organizes their ideas when it’s just them and the keyboard. It only has to be done once, and the results can be shared with other schools too if you’re applying to more than one. Just make sure your child has a quiet space, a computer with a camera, and a solid internet connection. Oh, and maybe a pep talk beforehand. Always helps.

Here’s how to help your kid feel cool, confident, and ready to crush that Online Essay for Woodland School

  • Do a few timed practice runs at home
  • Read the prompt carefully before jumping in
  • Stick to a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Leave time to read it over before submitting
  • Test your tech ahead of time
  • Write like you’re talking to a smart friend
  • Don’t try to be perfect, just be real
  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before
  • Use your own voice, not what you think they want to hear

What Student Life Is Like At Woodland School and Why Families Choose It

What Are Academics Like at Woodland School?

Woodland School Early Childhood (Preschool & Pre-K)

Welcome to a world where curiosity leads the way. In Woodland’s Early Childhood program, learning feels like play, and play is packed with learning. These little ones spend their days building block towers, exploring nature, and discovering just how exciting it is to ask questions. Teachers know exactly how to nurture those first sparks of independence, guiding kids with warmth, patience, and a whole lot of fun. It’s a joyful, messy, magical beginning to the school journey.

Woodland School Lower School (K–4)

Lower School is where big ideas start taking shape. Kids begin diving into reading, writing, math, and science with wide eyes and eager minds. Classrooms buzz with projects, questions, and the occasional burst of giggles. Students are encouraged to think creatively, work collaboratively, and grow socially and emotionally alongside their academic skills. It’s structured, but still full of play, curiosity, and those lightbulb moments that make school feel like an adventure.

Woodland School Middle School (5–8)

Middle School at Woodland is where students start to find their voice. They take on deeper challenges, explore new subjects, and develop the kind of independence that sets the stage for high school and life beyond. The learning is rigorous but meaningful, and the atmosphere is one of mutual respect and big ideas. There’s room to explore everything from science labs to social justice projects, and plenty of support along the way. It’s a space where students grow into thoughtful, capable, and confident young people.

Woodland School 8th Grade Capstone Projects

At Woodland School, the eighth-grade capstone is where curiosity meets creativity. It’s a chance for students to take something they’re genuinely interested in, dig into it with purpose, and turn it into a final project that reflects who they are and how far they’ve come.

The process lets students pick a topic that excites them, whether it’s a global issue, a creative pursuit, or something totally off the beaten path. They learn how to ask good questions, find solid sources, make sense of complex ideas, and present it all in a way that’s clear and meaningful. Along the way, they gain independence, confidence, and maybe even a few presentation jitters they’ll learn how to conquer.

By the time the capstone wraps up, students walk away with a serious sense of pride. It’s a milestone moment that ties together everything they’ve learned at Woodland. More than that, it’s proof that they’re ready to take on high school with their voice, vision, and curiosity fully in gear.

Woodland’s House System

At Woodland School, the House System is a whole lot more than just a cute tradition. It’s how strangers become teammates, lunch buddies, and cheerleaders for each other’s victories. Every student gets placed into one of four Houses—Oak, Pine, Maple, or Cypress—usually starting in kindergarten. There’s no sorting hat, but there is plenty of pride, camaraderie, and just the right splash of healthy competition.

Once you’re part of a House at Woodland, you’re in it for the long run, and that’s a good thing. You’ll join in on House Cup games, share laughs during Buddy Lunches, and team up with students from other grades through the Buddy Program. It’s kind of like having your own built-in fan club all over campus. Whether you’re just learning to tie your shoes or tackling middle school projects, there’s always someone in your House cheering you on.

The best part? It brings students together in ways the regular school day just can’t. There’s just enough competition to keep things fun, plus plenty of teamwork, collaboration, and laughter along the way. It’s the kind of experience kids talk about long after they’ve moved on, House chants, inside jokes, and all. The pride sticks around, and so do the memories.

What sports does Woodland School offer?

Woodland School is all about curious minds and active bodies. Athletics are a lively part of campus life, giving students the chance to play, compete, and connect. Whether they’re trying a new sport or joining a team, there’s something for every kind of athlete to enjoy.

Fall (September – October) Early Winter (November – December) Late Winter (January – February) Spring (March – May)
Flag Football Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Track and Field
Girls Softball Girls Soccer Boys Soccer Girls Volleyball (5th–8th grade)
Girls Lacrosse (7th–8th grade)     Baseball
Co-Ed Cross-country     Golf (5th–8th grade)
Co-Ed Swimming     Tennis (7th and 8th grade)

Related Articles

Big Ideas, Young Minds: Inside Woodland School’s Capstone Projects
Where Confidence Grows: Woodland School’s Empower Her Program
Woodland School’s Exciting Summer Adventures!

Did You Know?

Woodland sits on a beautiful 10-acre campus just off Alpine Road near 280. There’s plenty of room for kids to breathe, run, climb, and explore.

Client Testimonial

“Thanks to Cardinal Education, we felt totally prepared for the Woodland School admissions process. They understood our child and the school perfectly. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Parent of a 5th-grade applicant

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