FAQ and Resources - The Episcopal School of Dallas

General Admission

Where do I find the Admission Office?
The Office of Admission and Tuition Assistance is located at 4100 Merrell Road, Dallas, TX 75229. All visitors should enter at Gate 3 near the security booth (Gate 4 if blocked for carpool) and can park anywhere in the main front parking lot or on the street. Once you enter the main doors, our office is located directly across from the Receptionist on your right. All visitors should enter the main entrance on Merrell unless notified otherwise (i.e. Lower School Admission events may request entrance on Eagle Family Way, the south side of campus). If you need to speak with a member of the Office of Admission and Tuition Assistance, please give us a call.
At what age can my child start at ESD?
Our entry level year (youngest age group) is our Beginner Program. This is a three-year-old program. Children must turn three by June 1 of the year they would start school in late August. All applicants should start the application process one year in advance of anticipated school start date.
How old does my child have to be to start Beginner, Pre-K, and Kindergarten?
Birthday Policy for the 2025-26 Academic Year: Students must apply to grades based on their chronological age. Beginner: September 1, 2021 - May 31, 2022 Pre-K: September 1, 2020 - August 31, 2021 Kindergarten: September 1, 2019 - August 31, 2020 Prerequisite completion of Pre-K is necessary for Kindergaten admission , and completion of Kindergarten is required for first grade admission.
What are the best years to apply?
Based on averages from the last three years, our anticipated openings for the 2025-26 school year are as follows: Beginners: 16 Pre-K: 32-34 Kinder: 12-14 Primer: 0-2 First: 4-6 Second: 0-2 Third: 4-6 Fourth: 0-2 Fifth: 16-20 Sixth: 0-3 Seventh: 6-8 Eighth: 0-2 Ninth: 25-30 Tenth: 0-3 Eleventh: Based on attrition. Please send your child's high school transcript to admission@esdallas.org to see if eligible to apply.
What is the tuition, and what tuition assistance and scholarships are available?
Information regarding financials can be found here. The majority of ESD’s tuition assistance awards and scholarships are based solely on a family’s demonstrated financial need. ESD does not offer athletic scholarships of any kind. More information about our tuition assistance process can be found here.
Do you offer transportation or boarding?
We do not offer transportation or boarding.
Do you accept international applicants?
We do not currently issue I-20s or visas. If you don’t require any governmental paperwork, please call or email our office for instructions on how to proceed with an application.
Are siblings and children of alumni guaranteed admission?
In the ESD admission process, every effort is made to accommodate qualified applicants who are siblings of currently enrolled students, children of alumni, children of graduates of the former Saint Michael School, or children of full-time faculty and staff. Admission decisions are based primarily upon the composite qualifications of the individual candidate, the space available, class composition, and gender balancing. Admission preference is given to community applicants if all other qualifications are equal.
If my child was in the wait pool last year, do I need to reapply?
Yes. Applications and event registration for the 2025-26 school year are now closed. Please reach out if you have any questions. Applications for the 2026-27 schoo year will be available in September of 2025.
Do you accept new students during the middle of the year?
No. We are unable to accommodate new students once the school year begins.
Late Applicant Policy
Applications received after the deadline will be allowed on a space-availability basis. We understand there are family circumstances that may be unforeseen and will accommodate families as space allows. Admission decisions are released the Friday before Spring Break and enrollment is finalized two weeks later. Once a late application is complete, we will work to get it to the Admission Committee for an admission decision with best-case scenario being Wait Pool. If we are able to move to the Wait Pool, then we are able to consider anyone who has received that admission decision, regardless of if they are a late applicant or not. Our Wait Pool remains open until the first day of school. Please email if you have any questions.
What is the immunization policy at ESD?
The Episcopal School of Dallas follows the most current immunization schedules adopted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. While COVID-19 vaccinations are encouraged, they are not required. We do not accept ROC affidavits for exemptions from immunizations. Please click here for our complete immunization policy.

Applying to ESD

What do you look for in an applicant?
The Office of Admission works to identify, attract, and retain a diverse group of students who possess the following characteristics: intellectual curiosity, willingness to serve others and community, self-motivation and a solid work ethic, admirable character, special talents, and an enthusiasm for involvement in the school’s extracurricular activities.
What is the Admission Portal?
The Episcopal School of Dallas uses a web-based application called Veracross for the submission of online applications and registrations to visit our school. Through your portal, you will be able to manage your applications online. *Please note, if you have applied to The Episcopal School of Dallas before the fall of 2022, we are no longer using Ravenna for applications. You will need to create a new account to apply.
When do we begin the admission process?
The admission process begins the year prior to entry. Applications for the 2025-26 school year are now closed. Please reach out if you have any questions.
When do we submit the application?
The application deadlines for the 2025-2026 school year have passed (December 13 for Early Childhood (age 3 - Kindergarten) and January 13, 2025 for Grades 1 - 11). Applications must be completed by all deadlines in order to receive an admission decision on March 14, 2025. We encourage you to start the application process as soon as possible so that you can be notified of events, deadlines, testing, interviews, etc.
When will we know if our child has been accepted?
Admission decisions have been released online via your admission portal as off March 14, 2025.
What can I do to prepare my child for the admission process?
The admission process is designed to give the Admission Committee an overall picture of your child so that we can best determine mission-appropriate students and families. We do not encourage any form of test prep; this only skews the picture of your child and makes the assessment process more difficult. Sample questions for the ISEE test (required for Grades 5 - 11) can be found on their website to help give an idea on what to expect. The best thing you can do is to follow the process and be mindful of dates and deadlines. We encourage you to talk to your child about the process and procedures and ask for their feedback on ESD as well. Please feel free to contact our office if you have additional questions.
Do you require parent interviews as part of the admission process?
Although a formal parent interview is not part of the Lower or Middle School application, we look forward to getting to know you and your family through the process. Please know we welcome conversations and questions at any time and can be reached via phone or email. Upper School Applicants and their parents/guardians will complete a Family Conversation with an ESD Faculty or Staff Member as a part of the application. These will take place in February and will be scheduled when your application is complete.
Trouble accessing the Admission Portal?
If you are having trouble accessing the Admission Portal or logging into your account, please email with 'Veracross Tech Support' in the subject line.

Admission Process

What do the different application deadlines mean?
December 13, 2024 - Application deadline for Early Childhood grades (Beginner, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten). The application fee, all biographical information, parent statement, and scheduling of the group observation and testing is due on this date. January 13, 2025 - Application deadline for grades 1 - 11. The application fee, all biographical information, parent statement, scheduling or completion of the student visit, and testing is due on this date. February 1, 2025 - Testing, teacher evaluation, and school record deadline. All testing should be taken on or before February 1, and we should receive school records by this date in order to ensure you will receive an admission decision on March 14, 2025. February 15, 2025 - Tuition Assistance application deadline.
What kind of test scores does my child need to have to be admitted?
There is no specific test score minimum; however, our applicant pool is competitive. ESD’s admission process is designed to admit qualified students who are capable of benefiting from the school’s college preparatory program and making a positive contribution to the school community. The test scores serve as a piece of the puzzle in determining "academic readiness and fit."
What is ESD's school code for the ISEE test?
ESD’s school code is 447503. You may reach ISEE directly: 800-446-0320 or www.iseetest.org How to register: Visit ISEE webpage Create a parent account and add your student Select 'Search and Register for Available Tests' under Next Steps and follow prompts under Registration Settings. Enter desired date range (testing must be completed by February 1) and select 'Dallas Consortium' in consortium dropdown. Test must be taken on or before February 1, 2025 in order to meet application deadlines. You will need to provide ESD's school code 447503 for the scores to be released. This step will be marked as complete once test scores have been received.
Will ESD be administering the ISEE test?
ESD will be offering an in-person ISEE testing option this year on January 11, 2025. The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is a shared evaluation with other Dallas consortium independent schools. However, your child may register with any of the schools offering this testing option or the test can be taken at home online.
What is the last possible ISEE test date in order to meet the admission deadline?
The ISEE test must be taken and ESD designated to receive scores (our school code is 447503) on or before February 1, 2025. We encourage you to register as soon as possible.
Who is required to sign the Enrollment and Tuition Agreement should my child be offered admission to ESD?
The Enrollment and Tuition Agreement establishes the legal relationship between ESD and its families. This agreement includes, among other things, provisions regarding indemnification and legal action. Every parent, without regard to marital status, custody, guardianship, conservatorship, or financial responsibility, must execute the agreement on behalf of themselves and each ESD student. If you have questions regarding our policy, please contact Shelle Montgomery.
What is ESD's non-discrimination policy?
ESD admits qualified students without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin. We are an inclusive community.

About ESD

Is ESD a Christian school, an Episcopal school, or an independent day school?
Yes. We are a Christian school as we are founded on and committed to living out the teachings of Jesus Christ as interpreted through the Anglican tradition with its emphasis on scripture, tradition, and reason. We are an Episcopal school in our worship practices, use of the Book of Common Prayer and hymnals, student servant leaders, and participation in Holy Eucharist weekly and/or monthly by division. We are a tradition that helps confirm faith but not one that requires conversion to Christian doctrine. We are an independent day school in our accreditation by the National Association of Independent Schools and our institutional practices.
What does Episcopal Identity mean at ESD?
The Episcopal School of Dallas values the dignity of every human being as a child of God. We strive to live with honor, integrity, and respect for all as expressed in our Code of Conduct. We are committed to creating, maintaining, and nurturing a diverse, safe and inclusive environment as we prepare young women and men for lives of service, intellectual discovery, integrity, morality, and purpose. We worship daily to grow spiritually. We gather in Chapel for prayer and thanksgiving for God’s blessings in our lives. We welcome people of all faith traditions. Together, we wonder about how we can love God and our neighbor as we discern our spiritual gifts and bear God’s image to the world. We embrace diversity in our school community. Diversity enhances the quality of the education that ESD provides and is essential to the development of well-rounded people. The Episcopal School of Dallas values diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to socioeconomic background, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. We explore Christianity and religions of the world to develop an understanding and respect of people and cultures. Through community service, our students are instilled with a sense of lifelong responsibility for the world God has entrusted to our care. Serving others raises social awareness in our global context and develops compassion, empathy, and a heart open to others. Read more. ESD is approximately 28% Episcopalian.
Does ESD welcome students of all faith traditions?
Yes. We welcome children and families of all faith traditions. Religious diversity enhances the quality of the education that ESD provides and is essential to the development of well-rounded people. We do expect that as part of our community, your child participates to the fullest level in all aspects of our life on campus.
How diverse is ESD?
We believe that diversity in our school community enhances the quality of the education that ESD provides and is essential to the development of well-rounded people. The Episcopal School of Dallas values diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. A variety of campus organizations, affinity groups and initiatives help to encourage and support cultural diversity and academic structures at ESD. You can read more here. ESD is approximately 24% racially and ethnically diverse as self-reported by families, specifically defined as students of color defined as Asian, Black/African American, Native American, Native Hawaiin, Latino/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and other. Speak with a family of diversity.
What are the school day hours?
Early Childhood (Beginner - Kindergarten): 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lower School (1st - 4th Grade): 8:00 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. Middle School (5th Grade - 8th Grade): 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Upper School (9th Grade - 12th Grade): 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Upper School athletics take place after school.
Does ESD offer AP programs or IB tests?
We offer 34 Advanced Placement courses in the Upper School. Please visit the Curriculum Overview section on our website for a complete listing of course offerings in the Upper School. ESD does not offer the IB program.
Does ESD focus solely on academics?
The Episcopal School of Dallas is an academic community where excellence is the standard. Our college preparatory curriculum, led by a nationally-recognized faculty, is complemented by a full array of artistic and athletic programs, daily chapel, experiences in the outdoors, and a myriad of opportunities to lead and serve others. ESD’s unparalleled balance of rigor and nurture inspires students to maximize their potential and live a life of purpose.
Does ESD have a competitive sports program?
The philosophy of the Athletic Department follows the basic Mission and Founding Tenets of the School. It is our goal that through participation, with an emphasis on teamwork, unity, and commitment, we will prepare our students for a lifetime of service to others, which is the highest manifestation of God’s presence in our lives. ESD fields more than 70 athletic teams for grades seven through twelve. Approximately 90 percent of Upper School Students play on at least one athletic team, more than 50 percent are active on two or more teams. Participation is the key -- all students have the opportunity to be on an athletic team. In order to enhance and support these basic principles, the Athletic Department will develop programs which will teach positive lessons of sportsmanship, respect for one’s opponent, respect for the rules, and the ability to win and lose with grace. We will instill perseverance, self-discipline and self-denial, self-reliance and self- confidence in our student athletes. Each student athlete will learn the importance of teamwork, team discipline, competing and the joy of competition for its own sake. Our coaches teach, encourage, and propel ESD teams and individual student-athletes to great accomplishments. In the last few years, ESD teams have won numerous championships in basketball, crew, field hockey, football, lacrosse, volleyball, and soccer. FALL: Football, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Cheer, Crew WINTER: Basketball, Cheer, Soccer, Swim, Wrestling SPRING: Baseball/Softball, Lacrosse, Track & Field, Tennis, Golf, Crew ESD competes in SPC, Southwest Preparatory Conference, which consists of 18 of the finest college preparatory schools located in Texas and Oklahoma.
How can parents get involved in community life?
The ESD community benefits from the generosity of our parents. Volunteering is a great way to plug in to the community and get to know other families. To better understand how parents can be involved, please visit our Parents' Association page. ESD Parents Association
How can students get involved in community life?
Student-life at ESD is vibrant. All grade-levels enjoy opportunities to connect both in and out of the classroom through various clubs, extracurriculars, affinity and alliance groups, sports, councils, and community service offerings. To learn more, visit our student life page. Student Life

Resources & eBooks

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Recursos en Español

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AMILIAS DIVERSAS

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The 2024-25 Viewbook

Wonder what it's like to be a student or family at ESD? Ask a current family.

Parent Ambassador:

To speak with a current ESD family about their experience at ESD, please please submit a form.

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Parent Ambassador, Families of Diversity:

To speak with a current ESD family of diversity about their experience at ESD, please submit a form. Para comunicarse con alguien que habla español por favor haga click en este enlace.

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