FAQ

List of 14 frequently asked questions.

• How can families visit the school?

  We encourage prospective parents/guardians and their students applying for the 2024-25 academic year to tour campus during the school day or after hours throughout the admissions season. Individual and group tours are scheduled by appointment: 
  School Day Tours
  Group Tours
  
  We also host admissions Open House events for all prospective families on the following dates:
  Middle School Open House- Sunday, October 22, 2023, 1:00pm
  Upper School Open House- Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 7:00pm

• How can a family enroll a new student at Emery/Weiner?

  Emery/Weiner’s admissions process is designed to be comprehensive in nature, yet tailored to each individual applicant. The Admissions Team works closely with families to develop personal relationships, get to know students as unique individuals, and provide families with important information so they can make informed decisions. The admissions process includes an application, student and parent interviews, academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, and the Independent Student Entrance Exam (ISEE), or PSAT as an option for prospective 11th graders. 

• When are families notified of admissions decisions?

  Families of students who have met admissions deadlines and have a complete file will be notified of decisions on March 8, 2024.

• Where do EWS students come from?

  Our students come from a wide variety of schools – more than 50 public and private schools in the Houston area alone in 2022. Additionally, several students who relocate to Houston from the US and abroad are admitted to EWS for Middle and Upper School (see International Students FAQ below). The result is an engaging and diverse learning environment, one that promotes friendship and teamwork by emphasizing our similarities, while appreciating our differences.

• What is your approach to religious and spiritual instruction?

  Our approach to religious and spiritual instruction exemplifies vigorous pluralism and embraces respectful disagreement in the classroom. Students are admitted regardless of their religious beliefs or practices.

• What if my family is not Jewish?

  We believe a diverse student population enhances student learning, and we welcome families from many different backgrounds and faiths.

• What is the deadline to apply?

  The priority deadline to submit an online application is December 13, 2023. Applications received by that date will be among the first to be considered for admission. Supplemental materials must be received in January 2024.

• How are Admissions Decisions Made?

  Division-based Admissions Committees carefully and thoughtfully review all completed applicant files beginning in late January and continuing throughout the month of February. Our holistic admissions process considers a broad range of factors that speak to the student’s intellect, talent, character, and potential for success. The Committees also work to achieve balance in order to create an environment that is most conducive to student learning and social development.

• What does it mean to be placed in the wait pool?

  It has become common that we receive applications from more qualified candidates than we have space available in our classes. As such, we maintain an active wait pool. The wait pool is not in ranked order, but rather a group of qualified applicants with continued interest in enrolling at EWS. Should an opening in one of our grades occur, the Admissions Committee will evaluate the current characteristics of the class to select the most suitable applicant to advance from the wait pool. The likelihood of movement from the wait pool depends on a host of factors and is better known after the initial enrollment deadline. The wait pool stays active until the first day of the new school year.

• Do you offer financial aid?

  EWS is committed to the principle that tuition expenses not be a barrier to enrollment, and students are accepted on a need-blind basis. Currently, EWS provides about 1.5 million dollars in tuition assistance to more than 35 percent of our student body. To determine need, EWS uses the services of SmartAid.

• Are there expenses other than tuition?

  Tuition includes a healthy, daily lunch and snack, activities, retreats, field trips, clubs, community service projects, school publications, art, yearbook, Parent Association dues, campus security, participation in theatre and some athletics, and all spring trips for 6th-11th grades. In addition, EWS invests over $150,000 annually in technology to maintain a state-of-the-art wireless campus. Separate expenses include supplies, parking, books and uniforms, and the senior trip to Israel and Poland.

• Does EWS accept international students?

  Yes, but Emery/Weiner does not offer a program for international students, nor do we issue I-20 visas.

• What is your vaccination policy?

  The Emery/Weiner School requires that all students be fully immunized per the Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements, unless there is a specific medical reason that excludes them from being vaccinated.  All students claiming a medical exemption must produce a letter from their physician each academic year, stating that the required vaccines would be medically harmful or injurious to the health and well-being of the child. All medical exemption requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The school does not accept exemptions based on conscientious objections. Students must submit immunization records prior to the first day of school.

• How do I request additional information?

  You are welcome to fill out an online inquiry form or contact the Admissions Office directly at 832.204.5900 or admissions@emeryweiner.org.