How to Get Into Villa Academy: Ace The Admissions Process

Why Choose Villa Academy? Benefits of a Catholic Education

Villa Academy, located in Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood, is a Catholic independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school was founded by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, America’s first canonized saint, who established a mission in Seattle in the early 20th century to serve Italian immigrants.

The campus features orchards, gardens, multiple playgrounds, and an athletic field. Facilities include dedicated art and music spaces, science laboratories, a performance theater, a full-size gymnasium, a Lower School computer lab, and a historic chapel. The chapel, constructed in the mid-1920s, underwent extensive restoration in 1991 and is currently used by students and rented for events. 

Villa Academy emphasizes a “whole child” educational philosophy, aiming to nurture students’ academic, social, and emotional development. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum complemented by community service initiatives, fostering a nurturing environment for growth and learning.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, Villa Academy is celebrating its centennial at the Laurelhurst campus, reflecting on a century of educational excellence and community service.

How hard is it to get into Villa Academy?

Gaining admission to Villa Academy is competitive. The school maintains an average class size of about 16 to 20 students, resulting in a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1.

The admission process involves several steps, including submitting an application form, paying an application fee, providing supplemental materials, scheduling student visits and parent/guardian conversations, and obtaining teacher recommendations and transcripts for applicable grade levels.

Villa Academy primarily admits new students at multiple entry points, including preschool, kindergarten, and sixth grade. While these are the primary grades for new admissions, the school also considers applications for other grades based on available space. The application deadline is typically in mid-January, and admissions decisions are released in mid to late March. For the 2025-2026 school year, the deadline is January 16, 2025, with decisions announced on March 21, 2025.

Villa Academy follows a “Test Flexible” policy, meaning it does not require specific standardized tests like the SSAT or ISEE but considers them along with other assessments. The admissions process takes a holistic approach, evaluating components such as the Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, Student Questionnaire (for applicable grades), teacher recommendations, and transcripts, rather than relying solely on standardized test scores.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Villa Academy admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

The Villa Academy Admissions Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an account on Ravenna is the first step in the Villa Academy application process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from Villa Academy, and monitor your application progress. The steps you should take are as follows:

1. Create an Account on Ravenna Hub
2. Submit an Inquiry Form
3. Attend Admissions Events (Optional but Recommended)
4. Submit Required Documents and Complete the Application
5. Schedule and Complete an Interview
6. Submit Supplemental Materials
7. Enrollment Confirmation

For more details and to begin your application, visit Villa Academy Admissions.

Villa Academy Application Requirements: What You Need to Apply

Villa Academy Parent Statement: Sharing Insights

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Ravenna. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information.

Tips for Writing a Strong Parent Statement for Villa Academy

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at Villa Academy. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

Villa Academy Teacher Recommendations: Guidelines

Applicants must submit recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor. The forms can be found on Ravenna and must be submitted online via the same platform.

Securing Powerful Teacher Recommendations for Villa Academy

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

Villa Academy Transcript Requirements: What to Submit

Applicants must submit transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one. Once submitted, the school will handle the process directly through Ravenna.

Improving Grades for Villa Academy Admission 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Villa Academy’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy. 

Crafting Your Villa Academy Personal Statement

There are questions on Ravenna that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of Villa Academy. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at Villa Academy. 

Expert Advice for Your Villa Academy Personal Statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to Villa Academy have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

ISEE/SSAT for Villa Academy

Applications from Grades 5-8 must include ISEE or SSAT results. Admissions personnel can better assess each applicant’s academic preparedness and likelihood of succeeding in the school’s demanding environment with the use of these exams.

How to Prepare for Standardized Tests for Villa Academy Admission

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child through customized test preparation strategies based on our years of expertise working with families applying to Villa Academy. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure that your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. We offer individualized SSAT practice tests and ISEE practice tests to make sure your child submits impressive scores. 

Ace Your Villa Academy Interview: Preparation

At Villa Academy, the admissions interview is highly valued. It allows the admissions team to learn more about the applicant’s personality, hobbies, and potential fit with the school community. The interview is scheduled after submitting the preliminary application through Ravenna.

How to Prepare for Interviews for Villa Academy Admission

Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they conduct themselves on those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The Villa Academy, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and teach them how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Villa Academy Campus Tours, Open Houses, and Virtual Information Sessions

Villa Academy offers several opportunities for prospective families to explore its campus and learn about its programs:

Villa Academy Campus Tours: Schedule Your Visit

Prospective families are encouraged to schedule personalized campus tours to experience Villa Academy’s 31-acre lakefront campus firsthand. To arrange a visit, please create a Ravenna account, which the school uses to connect with prospective families and manage admissions events. 

Villa Academy Open Houses: Meet Faculty & Students

Villa Academy hosts Open House events, providing opportunities to tour the school, meet teachers, students, and current parents, and attend breakout sessions with faculty members. For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Open Houses are scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024, and Sunday, November 17, 2024.

Virtual Information Sessions: Learn About Villa Academy Online

While specific virtual information sessions are not detailed on the school’s website, Villa Academy emphasizes the use of the Ravenna platform to stay informed about admissions events. Prospective families are encouraged to create a Ravenna account to receive updates on any upcoming virtual sessions or other admissions-related events.

What is Student Life Like at Villa Academy?

Student life at Villa Academy is vibrant and well-rounded, emphasizing academic excellence, arts, athletics, and community engagement. The school fosters an inquiry-based learning environment, where students build foundational skills in the Lower School and develop strong critical thinking and organizational abilities in Middle School. The arts are a key part of the curriculum, offering students opportunities in visual arts and music, including participation in band starting in 4th grade. Athletics also play a significant role, with around 70% of students participating in at least one sport, promoting teamwork and school spirit.

Beyond academics and extracurriculars, Villa Academy prioritizes social-emotional learning and leadership development. Programs like the Buddy Program and Student Council encourage collaboration and community-building. The Extended Day program provides additional enrichment activities, creating a supportive “home away from home” for students. The Reinemund Counseling & Wellness Center reinforces Villa’s commitment to student well-being, ensuring students grow in confidence, empathy, and social responsibility. Through these initiatives, Villa Academy nurtures well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.

Villa Academy Curriculum: Preschool to Middle School Programs

Villa Academy’s curriculum is designed to nurture the holistic development of students, focusing on academic excellence, character formation, and social-emotional growth. The school offers distinct programs tailored to different educational stages:

Preschool (Ages 3-5): Villa’s Preschool program emphasizes joyful, engaged learning, fostering foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, and social interaction. Through play-based and inquiry-driven activities, young learners develop curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. 

Lower School (Grades K-4): In these formative years, students build strong foundations in reading, writing, and mathematics. The curriculum integrates core subjects with art, music, physical education, technology, library, and Spanish, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Social-emotional learning is interwoven throughout, helping students develop emotional regulation and interpersonal skills within a supportive community. 

5th Grade & Middle School (Grades 5-8): As students transition to higher grades, the curriculum becomes more sophisticated, promoting critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Core subjects include humanities (literature, language arts, social studies, religion), mathematics, science, and international languages (Spanish or French). Experiential learning opportunities, such as outdoor education and service projects, enhance real-world connections. Leadership development is emphasized through student-led organizations like the Student Council and the cross-divisional Buddy Program. 

Across all levels, Villa Academy’s inquiry-based approach balances theory with experience, pairing student-centered academic excellence with whole-child wellness. The school values growth, justice, and student agency, preparing students to lead purposeful lives in service to the world around them.

Athletics at Villa Academy: CYO Sports & Opportunities

Villa Academy offers a diverse athletics program through its participation in the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Students have the opportunity to engage in various interscholastic sports, including:

• Cross Country: Encourages endurance and teamwork as students compete in long-distance running events.
• Basketball: Develops skills in strategy, coordination, and collaboration on the court.
• Volleyball: Enhances agility and team dynamics through structured matches.
• Soccer: Fosters physical fitness and strategic play in a team setting.
• Track and Field: Offers a variety of events focusing on speed, strength, and versatility.

These programs are designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and personal growth among students. Additionally, Villa Academy’s campus includes a full-size gymnasium and an athletic field, providing ample facilities for sports and physical education activities.

Beyond the regular school year, Villa Academy extends athletic opportunities through its Villa Ventures Summer Camps. These camps feature high-quality, engaging outdoor and indoor experiences, including various sports activities, designed for curious and creative minds aged 4 to 17. 

Through these offerings, Villa Academy emphasizes the importance of athletics in fostering a well-rounded education, encouraging students to develop skills that benefit both their physical health and personal development.

Villa Academy Arts and Music Programs: Fostering Creativity

Villa Academy offers a comprehensive arts and music program that fosters creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation among its students. The school’s curriculum integrates visual arts and music education across all grade levels, providing students with diverse opportunities to explore and develop their artistic talents.

Visual Arts at Villa Academy

Students engage with various media and techniques, learning elements of art and design. The program emphasizes art techniques, history, collaboration, and cultural awareness, encouraging students to express their emotions and opinions while taking creative risks. 

Music at Villa Academy

Music education is integral to Villa Academy’s curriculum. Starting in 4th grade, students have the option to join the band, allowing them to explore instrumental music and performance. The school also participates in community initiatives, such as collaborations with the University of Washington’s School of Music, where students attend rehearsals and performances, enriching their musical experiences.

Through these comprehensive arts and music programs, Villa Academy nurtures students’ creative potential, contributing to their overall personal growth and development.

Extracurricular Clubs & Activities at Villa Academy

Villa Academy offers a variety of clubs and organizations designed to enrich student life and foster personal growth beyond the classroom. These extracurricular activities provide students with opportunities to explore diverse interests, develop leadership skills, and build a strong sense of community.

Villa Academy Student Council: Villa Academy encourages leadership development through its Student Council, a student-led organization that allows participants to represent their peers, organize events, and contribute to school initiatives. This experience cultivates responsibility, teamwork, and civic engagement. 

Villa Academy Extended Day Enrichment: The school’s Extended Day program offers a wealth of enrichment opportunities for Kindergarten through 8th-grade students. Each season—fall, winter, and spring—features 15 to 20 classes covering a wide range of interests, including math, drama, art, science, karate, technology, parkour, cooking, survival skills, forest games, yoga, and chess. These activities are led by in-house instructors and external specialists, ensuring age-appropriate and engaging experiences. 

Villa Academy Athletics: Villa Academy’s athletics program includes both interscholastic team sports and non-competitive club sports, providing every student with the opportunity to develop leadership skills while practicing teamwork and good sportsmanship. Sports offerings include soccer, cross country, basketball, volleyball, track and field, and ultimate frisbee. 

Villa Parent Association (VPA): While not a student club, the VPA plays a crucial role in fostering community engagement. All Villa families are automatically members and are encouraged to participate in various volunteer opportunities. The VPA coordinates special event committees for annual celebrations like the Auction, Mother Cabrini Italian Dinner, International Night Market, Grands Day, and Illuminata. Additionally, the Parent Ambassador program involves parents in welcoming prospective and new families, leading tours, and participating in recruitment events. 

Villa Ventures Summer Camps: During the summer, Villa Academy offers Villa Ventures, a robust camp experience for children aged four to 14. These camps feature high-quality, engaging outdoor and indoor activities designed for curious and creative minds. Campers can explore the 31-acre campus, including forests and gardens, and participate in a variety of programs such as carpentry, coding, forest games, and more.

Through these diverse clubs and organizations, Villa Academy ensures that students have ample opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and become active, engaged members of their community.

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