Choosing a school for your child is a big decision, and with many factors to consider, the process can feel overwhelming. At The Little School, we understand that, so our goal is to make the application experience thoughtful, personal and grounded in learning—an opportunity for both your family and our team to get to know each other deeply.
The Little School application process isn’t about jumping through hoops or checking boxes. It’s a journey of discovery, one that helps us explore whether our values, hopes and approaches to learning align.
Key Insights
- The Little School application process is designed to foster mutual discovery, not one-way evaluation.
- Each step helps both families and the school understand whether their values and learning philosophies are a good fit.
- The process includes opportunities for conversation, play-based observation and thoughtful reflection.
- Decisions are guided more by relationships and community fit, rather than metrics or test results.
- Families are encouraged to see the process as a chance to learn more about their child and what they value in education.
It’s Not Just a Process—It’s a Partnership
From the first conversation to the final decision, our application process is designed to be relational. Each step offers a chance for mutual learning so families can feel comfortable that the school environment their child is stepping into will be the best for them and their learning.
As Regan Wensnahan, Director of Enrollment Management, explains, “There’s a reason why there are multiple steps to the application process because it allows you to get to know us deeper, and for us to get to know you deeper. And so it’s very much this weaving together—who are we and who are you and how do we fit together to be a good team for your child.”
This idea of partnership is at the heart of everything we do. We’re not simply selecting students—we’re building learning communities where children and families can thrive together.
What to Expect: A Values-Based Overview
A Holistic Look at Your Child
At The Little School, we believe in the value of play. That belief extends to one aspect of our application process—the student visit—where we invite children not to perform, but to be themselves.
“We’re not going to bring children in and do assessments and evaluations. We’re going to bring children in and invite them to play and just get a real holistic sense of who they are,” says Wensnahan.
On their visit, children might dig in the sandbox, build puzzles or join a circle to sing a song. Teachers observe with care, looking for curiosity, joy and connection. Each child’s temperament and pace are honored, whether they dive in or take time to warm up.
The Family Conversation
Another key part of the process is the family conversation—a 30-minute virtual meeting that’s more reflective than evaluative. Wensnahan describes it as yet another chance for both sides to learn more about each other. Families are invited to share some of their own personal experiences as well as what they want for their own child.
“I invite families to talk about what their own experience was like growing up, what was school like for them, what they want for their child and what other questions they have,” explains Wensnahan. “We’re really looking for families who are ready… to partner with us.”
It’s not about the “right answers.” It’s about honest conversation and shared curiosity.
Thoughtful Documentation
Yes, there’s an application to fill out—complete with parent statements, teacher evaluations and student progress reports—but there’s no single formula for success. “There’s not a blueprint for the kind of applicant that we’re looking for,” insists Wensnahan. “The ‘cramming’ is to be who you are.”
[Want to know more about the particulars of our application process? Visit our “How to Apply” page now.]
Behind the Scenes: How Decisions Are Made
Once applications are complete, our team takes time to thoughtfully consider each one. The goal isn’t to compare or rank but, instead, it’s to build balanced, vibrant learning groups.
“We love every child,” Wensnahan says. “Our goal is to create learning communities that can work well together.”
That means thinking about who’s already in a classroom, how different personalities and strengths might complement each other and what environment will allow every student to thrive. Every decision is made with care and respect—for each child, and for each family who takes the time to apply.
How to Know If It’s the Right Fit
Wensnahan encourages families to see the application process as a chance for discovery—not just for the school, but for themselves. “Choosing a school has three parts… It’s about knowing schools, knowing your family values and knowing your child.”
Ask Yourself These Questions
- What do I value most about how my child learns?
Think about whether your child thrives through structure, exploration, collaboration or independence. The answer helps you recognize the environments where they’ll be most joyful and engaged.
- What kind of partnership do I want with my child’s school?
Consider how you hope to collaborate with teachers and staff. Clarifying your expectations helps you identify the right match and sets the stage for strong communication.
- How does a school’s mission align with our family’s values?
Every school has a guiding purpose. Reflecting on your own values—curiosity, compassion, respect and creativity—can help you recognize where they resonate most strongly.
- What kind of community do we want to belong to?
Relationships shape a child’s experience as much as the curriculum. Think about the kind of community you hope they’ll grow in—one that feels welcoming, inclusive and connected.
- What do I hope my child will take away from these early years?
Beyond academic readiness, what qualities do you hope will take root—confidence, curiosity, kindness and a sense of wonder? Let those priorities guide your decision.
When families take the time to explore these questions, the application process becomes more than a task to complete. It becomes a meaningful opportunity to understand your child and what kind of learning community will help them flourish.
Ready to Start the Journey?
The Little School application process is open now, and we’d love to meet you.
You can begin your journey by:
- Learning more about our application process on Ravenna
- Signing up for a guided virtual tour
- Or simply reaching out to our admissions team to start a conversation
Remember, this isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about being open, curious and reflective—just like the kind of learning we foster every day.
