For the Fall 2027 entry, Seattle Country Day School requires a parent visit (tour or Open House) in fall 2026, followed by a complete application, including the Wechsler intelligence test results, teacher evaluations, and (for older applicants) transcripts and essays, by January 14, 2027. Student Visit Days are then assigned individually, running from late January through early March, with admission decisions released by early March.
The Core Deadline: January 14
Every SCDS application component—the online application itself, the $70 non-refundable fee, and all supporting documents—is due by January 14, 2027, regardless of the grade a family is applying to. Unlike schools with staggered deadlines by grade, SCDS keeps this single date consistent across kindergarten through grade 8, which simplifies planning for families with children applying to different grades in the same cycle.
Why One Deadline for Every Grade?
A single, grade-independent deadline means SCDS can review its entire applicant pool together each cycle, rather than running separate review timelines for each grade, which likely supports more consistent, comparable evaluation across the pool.
Building Your SCDS Application Timeline?
Cardinal Education helps families plan backward from SCDS’s January deadline to ensure testing and documents are ready in time.
Speak with an Admissions Expert
Testing and Visit Days Come Before the Deadline
The Wechsler intelligence test (WPPSI-IV or WISC-V) must be scheduled and completed with results sent directly from the examiner, so families should book this well ahead of January. A parent visit, either a campus tour or the fall 2026 Open House, is also required before applying. Only after the full application file is complete does SCDS assign a Student Visit Day, which can fall anywhere from late January through early March depending on when the file was completed.
| Step | Timing |
| Wechsler Intelligence Test | Scheduled by family; complete before January 14 |
| Parent Visit (Tour/Open House) | Fall 2026, before applying |
| Application, Fee & Documents Due | January 14, 2027 |
| Student Visit Day | Late January-early March (assigned individually) |
| Admission Decision | Early March, via email |
What Happens After You Apply
Once SCDS confirms a complete file, the Office of Admissions assigns a Student Visit Day, giving the applicant a chance to spend time on campus while teachers and staff observe their engagement and fit. Kindergarten and 1st grade applicants also complete a 20-minute virtual Family Meeting with the admissions team once their application and IQ results are in. Admission decisions are then released by early March via email.
A Faster Turnaround Than Many Schools
Because the application deadline, visit days, and decisions all fall within roughly a seven-week window (mid-January to early March), SCDS’s process moves faster once a complete file is submitted than some private schools with longer, multi-stage review timelines.
Mastering the SCDS Admissions Timeline: Strategic Early Planning
The SCDS admissions calendar specifically rewards families who prioritize the early completion of time-intensive requirements, most notably the Wechsler intelligence test, well before the January 14 deadline. Because subsequent phases like student visit days and final decisions occur on a highly compressed schedule, front-loading these critical tasks is essential for a smooth process.
Cardinal Education supports families by providing expert guidance to navigate this compressed timeline and ensuring all requirements are met on time.
Speak with an Admissions Expert
Related Articles
How to Get Into Seattle Country Day School: Tips From The Experts
Seattle Country Day School Alumni: Where Are They Now?