Frequently Asked Questions

How many students are admitted at each grade level?
How do you select students for admission?
How important are test scores?
Do you accept international students?
Does Chadwick provide transportation?
What is the class size at Chadwick?
Does Chadwick have uniforms?
How can parents get involved?
Is there voluntary giving at Chadwick?
How much is tuition and what does it cover?

How many students are admitted to each grade level?
There are four major entry points for admission to Chadwick School: Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 9.

We enroll 40 new students in our kindergarten each year. Please note that a student should have already passed his/her birthday by the September 1 immediately preceding his/her first day of kindergarten.

We add 32 new students in sixth grade, approximately 10 new students in seventh grade, and 25 to 30 new students in ninth grade. In Grades 1-5 and Grade 8, we do take applications so that we might fill any unexpected spaces at those grade levels. Under unusual circumstances, we might admit new students in Grades 10-12.
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How do you select students for admission?
Admission is competitive. We strive to make the best match between a student and Chadwick School. We believe it is important that a young person make the most of his/her academic potential as well as enjoy the many opportunities available outside the classroom. Above all, we want to enroll students who have the potential to be successful and happy at Chadwick. Thus, finding the right “fit” between student and school is very important. The Admission Committee considers a student’s school record, teacher recommendations, test scores and academic potential. A student’s character and integrity are significant in our decision-making. We get to know the student and parents in interviews. Leadership, commitment and talent are also considered. We look at each student in the context of the total applicant pool. Each year, the Admission Committees bring together a balanced and diverse group of new students, all of whom have the ability to thrive in our community-academically and personally.
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How important are test scores?
Test scores are one piece of the student profile. They provide us with a standardized measure that is used in conjunction with all of the information gathered about a student. We neither admit nor deny a student solely on the basis of test scores. However, given that our students come from varied educational backgrounds, these scores are one way that we can objectively assess our applicants.
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Do you accept international students?
Yes. Chadwick School does issue the I-20 permit once a student is enrolled. We do not offer an ESL (English as a Second Language) program. It is absolutely necessary for all international students enrolled at Chadwick to be completely fluent and literate in English. Full English proficiency is required for all course material.
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Does Chadwick provide transportation?
Yes. Because of Chadwick’s beautiful hilltop location above a residential neighborhood, the school has made every effort to be considerate of its neighbors. To that end, we have instituted a transportation policy that requires carpooling or busing for all families. This policy requires that each vehicle bring at least two students to campus. In addition, in order to secure a parking place at school, student drivers (juniors and seniors) must also transport other students. We have found that carpooling has contributed to Chadwick’s community spirit, enabling neighbors to become better acquainted and to cooperate for the common good. The school staff will assist new families in securing appropriate carpool arrangements. In order to further reduce traffic and for the convenience of our families, bus service is available. Service is provided from Carson, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, Lomita, Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance. Morning, afternoon and round-trip fare options are available for each location. The fares vary according to location and incurred costs. Actual cost and location schedules are available to students and their families each spring, as locations are subject to slight change each year.
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What is the class size at Chadwick?

VILLAGE SCHOOL

Smaller groups are created when students spend time with specialist teachers, such as art, music, science, physical education and foreign languages.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Average class size is 20 students.

UPPER SCHOOL
Average class size is 17 students.
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Does Chadwick have uniforms?
Margaret Lee Chadwick, the founder of Chadwick School, believed that choice of dress was a means of self-expression for students, so we do not have uniforms. However, we do have a dress code that requires students to follow certain guidelines in making their choices about what to wear.
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How can parents get involved?
We welcome parent involvement in the school. This spirit of participation enhances our community and the experience of all concerned, especially the students. We are a dynamic community made up of students, faculty, parents, alumni and supportive friends. All parents are members of the Chadwick Parents’ Association (CPA), which provides a myriad of opportunities to participate and to support the school’s mission. The CPA was formed for the purpose of “giving assistance to the faculty and administration of the school, and carrying on activities generally intended to promote and support the school.” Chadwick’s Friends of the Library supports the library and reading at Chadwick and sponsors an exceptional book fair every fall. The Dolphin Booster Club supports Chadwick’s extensive athletics program. The Annual Fund relies on a network of parents who spend volunteer time contacting fellow parents to encourage their support of Chadwick’s programs through charitable giving. Other opportunities include the VISA program for volunteering in the Admission Office and driving for the community service program. We rely on the richness and diversity of talent in our parent body-there is something for everyone.
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Is there voluntary giving at Chadwick?
Tuition and fees cover about 80 percent of the cost of a Chadwick education. Thus, the school depends on tax-deductible gifts to the Annual Fund to fully finance the school’s annual operating budget. Each fall, Chadwick parents are asked to contribute to the Annual Fund, and a high participation is critical to the school’s success. Currently the Annual Fund provides more than $1.4 million in additional support through gifts ranging from $10 to $15,000 or more. Periodically, Chadwick also raises funds for major capital projects, such as construction and renovation of buildings, extensive equipment purchases or growth of the school’s endowment. Recently completed capital projects include the Leavenworth Library Expansion and the Geoffrey Alan Laverty Center for the Performing Arts. During a capital campaign, donors are asked to support both the Annual Fund and the capital project. This ensures that the school’s operating budget is not compromised and that the school can continue to grow.
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How much is tuition and what does it cover?
For current tuition and fee information, click here.

If you have additional questions, call (310) 377-1543, ext. 4025 or e-mail to admissions@chadwickschool.org.