Admission FAQ

Admission FAQ


student studying

Does CDS Require a standardized test score for admission?

No, we recognize that a standardized test is not always the best way to measure a child’s success in school. We get to know you and your child through a personalized private tour and by observing your child’s interaction with peers and teachers during his/her school visit.

Does CDS offer financial aid or scholarships?

Chatham Day School allots a yearly budget for need-based tuition assistance. We encourage eligible families to apply online through Clarity prior to February 15. Financial aid decisions are sent to families at the same time admission decisions and contracts are released on March 1.

How quickly will I be notified of an admission decision?

Admission decisions are released on March 1 for all applications received prior to the January 31st deadline. If you have applied after January 31st or are seeking mid-year enrollment, admission decisions are released on a rolling basis, and we will typically notify you within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

Do you accept mid-year enrollment?

We frequently admit students mid-year and are happy to consider mid-year enrollment if space permits. Please contact the Office of Admission to see if there are any openings in your child’s grade.

Where do CDS students live?

Our students come from 34 communities in New Jersey. Over 50% of our students come from Madison, Chatham, Harding, and Morristown combined.

What is the birthday cut-off for students entering kindergarten?

We look at each child as an individual and understand that children grow and mature at different paces. However, as a general rule we prefer for children to turn five years old prior to November 1st.

Where do CDS graduates attend high school?

Chatham Day School graduates attend leading independent, public, boarding, and parochial schools. Our excellent secondary school placement program aids eighth grade families with the entire application process including assembling a list of potential schools, application workshops, SSAT prep class during school, and hosting a mock interview day. The goal of this process is to match each child with the ‘best fit’ school and we are proud of the breadth of schools to which our graduates matriculate. The majority of our graduates attend local independent high schools. Some students prefer to go to public high schools. Small percentages go to boarding schools. Click here to see a list of schools our graduates have attended.

Where can I find the school calendar?

Click here to view our school calendar!