Frequently Asked Questions
When should I begin the admission process?
In the fall before the anticipated year of entry. You may fill out an application online beginning in October. As soon as you have submitted your application, you may schedule your student visit and parent interview online. We recommend doing this early, as appointment slots fill up quickly. The latest you may submit applications is January 6. Supporting materials for all applicants are due on January 20.
Since Keys no longer has a printed brochure, how can I learn about your school?
In an effort to reduce waste, Keys School no longer produces a large printed brochure. Our website is an excellent place to learn about the culture, philosophy, and program at Keys School. Additionally, we encourage prospective families to attend an Open House, tour, and Prospective Parent Coffee.
What factors are considered in your admission decisions?
The following factors are considered when accepting children to Keys School:
- A strong match between Keys' philosophy and the goals of the family
- Meeting the needs of the child
- Academic achievement and potential
- Developmental readiness
- Curiosity and motivation
- Social skills and emotional maturity
- Evidence of kindness and tolerance
Keys School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, sex, nationality or ethnic origin and we admit students from all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Where do Keys students go after they graduate?
Keys graduates have been accepted at the best Bay Area secondary schools and are recognized as being well prepared for the academic rigors and social challenges of high school and beyond. Students leave Keys as well-rounded, thoughtful young adults who love to learn and who continue to thrive in high school. They're active learners, and they stand up for themselves. They understand their responsibilities as members of a larger community. Students leave Keys with a strong sense of who they are. For a list of recent high school and college acceptances, see Academic Success.
What is your age cut off for Kindergarten?
We strongly recommend that Kindergarten applicants turn 5 by September 1 of the year they enter Kindergarten. Our Kindergarten classes are comprised of children who range from 5 years old to those who are already 6 years old when entering Kindergarten.
How do I know if my child is ready for Kindergarten?
Children need to be able to cope with the routines of our full day Kindergarten program, including but not limited: to listening to and following directions, waiting one's turn, and handling transitions between activities, classes, and teachers. We believe that children are ready to start Kindergarten at Keys when they can cope with the many aspects of the Kindergarten environment and learn at the same time. We look at all aspects of a child's development when assessing Kindergarten readiness, including social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.
How many openings will you have next year?
We welcome up to 36 new students into Kindergarten each year, and approximately 15 new students into 6th grade. Openings in other grades only occur when a students leaves Keys School. We welcome applicants for all grades, but cannot predict space availability in the non-typical entry points.
Do you have a wait pool? How does it work?
Yes, Keys School does have a wait pool. Every year we see more qualified applicants than openings. Qualified applicants for whom we do not have space are offered a spot in our wait pool. The Admission Office will refer to the wait pool of applicants to fill any openings that may occur between now and the start of school. The wait pool is not ranked. Whenever a place becomes available, the Admission Committee makes a choice from the pool based on the needs of the applicant and the school.
Do you have a policy for siblings?
Keys School recognizes that for many families, having all children enrolled at the same school is a priority. We value community and love that our campus becomes a home for many. However, we recognize that no school's approach to learning is a perfect match for every child. Current families go through the same admission process. Preference is given to Keys siblings if it is an appropriate match between the school and the child.
While many families do live in Palo Alto and neighboring cities, we also have families coming from as far north as South San Francisco and as far south as San Jose, as well as students who travel to Keys from the East Bay.
Keys School does have a bus program to transport students to and from CalTrain before and after school.
What time does the school day start and end? And do you offer extended care?
For grades K–4, the day starts at 8:30 a.m. Students can be dropped off on the Middlefield Campus at 7:30 a.m. and join our Before School Program. Grades K–4 are dismissed at 3:10 p.m. We offer After School options until 6:00 p.m.
For grades 5–8, the day starts at 8:40 a.m. Middle school students can arrive at the El Camino Campus at 7:30 a.m. Grades 5–8 are dismissed at 3:20 p.m. We offer After School options until 5:00 p.m. If middle school students need to stay later, they will be transported to the Middlefield Campus After School program. All students must be picked up by 6:00 p.m.
What is Keys School's commitment to diversity?
Keys School believes that a diverse student body is a vital part of educating the whole child. We actively seek and enroll children from a range of socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. When children learn among peers who bring experiences shaped by differences in race, ethnicity, family configuration, class or religion, they come to respect each other across these differences and to value the possibilities inherent in multiple perspectives.
How can I be involved as a parent?
At Keys, families come together to create a cohesive supportive community with a common goal—to create the best possible learning environment for their children. Throughout the year, we organize social activities such as Family Math Night, Book Fair, Family Ice Skating Night, welcome coffees, and school picnics, which bring our families together. We welcome parent participation in ways that best suit your family, whether it entails volunteering in the classroom, sharing of a special skill, serving on a committee, or other contributions of time and expertise.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes. Financial assistance is available to applicants through a confidential, needs-based process. Applying for aid will in no way affect our admission decisions.
Keys School - Lower Campus · 2890 Middlefield Road · Palo Alto, CA · 94306Keys School - Middle Campus · 3981 El Camino Real · Palo Alto, CA · 94306
Phone: 650-328-1711