Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that the following answers some of the questions you have about Milton Academy’s Lower and Middle School admission process. Please call our office at 617-898-2509 if you have additional questions. We welcome your inquiries, and we thank you for your interest in Milton Academy.
Do you accept applications for all grade levels, Kindergarten through Grade 8?
We accept applications for Kindergarten through Grade 8. Our planned entry points are Kindergarten (approximately 24 new students), Grade 4 (approximately 8 new students), Grade 6 (approximately 13 new students), and Grade 7 (approximately 10 new students) but spaces in other grades may become available.
How often do spaces become available in Grades 1, 2, 3 and 5, the non-entry point years?
We do not know from year to year what spaces may become available in these grades. While we ask our families to complete the re-enrollment process by February of the current school year, parents sometimes find out later that their child will not be returning to Milton Academy for a variety of reasons. In an increasingly mobile society, it more frequently happens that one or two spaces become available in non-entry point grades; in order for a candidate to be considered for any opening, he or she needs to have completed the application process by the January 15 deadline.
What are the age requirements for applicants?
The age requirements for students applying for admission to the 2022–2023 academic year are as follows:
Kindergarten – born by 9/1/17
Grade 1 – born by 9/1/16
Grade 2 – born by 9/1/15
Grade 3 – born by 9/1/14
Grade 4 – born by 9/1/13
Grade 5 – born by 9/1/12
Grade 6 – born by 9/1/11
Grade 7 – born by 9/1/10
We know that different schools have different age requirements or ways of organizing grade levels. Therefore, some applicants may be in a grade level other than their age requires at Milton Academy. If you have specific questions, the admission office will be happy to discuss your situation with you. Based on developmental considerations, however, we have a strong preference for keeping students with their chronological peer group.
What qualities does Milton Academy look for in a student?
- Curious, enthusiastic, and eager to learn
- Willing to take risks
- Accepting and appreciative of differences
- Resilient
- Focused and motivated
- Increasingly self-reliant and independent while also being able to work collaboratively and share ideas, strategies and information
- Thoughtful, kind, respectful of others
We also strive to build a class of students that is cooperative, collegial and rich in variations: balanced in terms of gender, socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, culture and geography.
How do you evaluate applicants?
We get to know each child in a variety of ways, and as thoroughly as possible, during the admission process. No one piece of information is determinative: each part contributes to our overall understanding of your child. The admission process consists of a parent interview, student interview and questionnaire for grades 6–7, review of prior school records and any standardized test results (depending on age), evaluations from current teachers, a family history form submitted by parents, and a virtual group visit by the applicant (Grade 4 only). We also consider each candidate’s social and emotional readiness for our program at all grade levels. In some cases, the admission office may request additional information if we feel more information is necessary to make an informed decision.
What happens during the parent interview?
As we plan this school year in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is paramount. To learn more about Milton’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.milton.edu/2021-2022
What happens during the student interview?
As we plan this school year in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is paramount. To learn more about Milton’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.milton.edu/2021-2022
An admission officer will meet first with your child via Zoom. This gives us a chance to get to know him or her. This also gives your child an opportunity to reflect on Milton Academy and ask any remaining questions. After we finish talking to the student, we will invite the parents on camera for their interview.
What will my child’s group visit be like?
Please note that this year, only Grade 4 applicants will participate in a group visit, and it will be hosted on Zoom. Please contact the Lower and Middle School Admission Office for more information.
What if I live out of the state or country?
Milton welcomes applications from families who are considering relocating. Please be aware that we do not offer boarding in Grades K–8. Please contact us at 617-898-2509 if you need to schedule a Zoom interview.
Are applicants required to attend the group visits?
Yes. The group visits are an essential part of the admission process for all applicants applying to Grade 4. Please reach out to our main office for more information about the Grade 4 Zoom group visit.
What feedback will I receive about my child during the admission process?
Is Milton Academy a diverse community?
What is your policy concerning admission for siblings of current students?
What is the cost for the 2021–2022 school year?
The tuition rates for the 2021–2022 school year are as follows:
Grades 6–8 – $54,250
Grades 4–5 – $42,750
Grades 1–3 – $37,500
Kindergarten – $35,250
In addition to tuition charges, other moderate fees may apply in certain grades. Additional costs include fees for field trips, and optional programs such as the After School Program.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid information is included with all admission information packets. Any questions concerning financial aid should be directed to Chris Kane in the Office of Financial Aid at 617-898-2239 or by email at Chris_Kane@milton.edu. The Academy subscribes to the general principles and needs analysis of the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). Click here to learn more about financial aid.
Do students come from towns other than Milton?
Does the school provide transportation?
For students in Kindergarten through Grade 5, the primary means of transportation is carpools organized by parents. Additionally, The Academy has contracted with Local Motion to meet our day student transportation needs via various bus routes. For more information on transportation, please visit www.milton.edu/bus
Is parent involvement required, and what are the opportunities for such involvement?
Do Lower and Middle School students need to reapply for admittance to the Upper School?
When will I know my child’s admission decision?
What does it mean if my child is not offered a place at Milton?
What does it mean if my child is on the waiting list?
What are the school hours?
8 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Monday and Friday
Grades 6–8
8 a.m.–3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday
What are the after school opportunities?
Click here to learn about programs for our Middle School students in Grade 6 through Grade 8.
Is there a dress code?
All students should wear neat, clean, comfortable and appropriate clothing.
Does the School provide lunch?
