APPLICATION PROCESS

How to apply to Wilberforce

The Wilberforce School admissions process is designed with great care, to help the Admissions Committee understand the ability, motivation, and character of each candidate. The goal is to help your child and all the students at Wilberforce to thrive.

Our passion is to nurture young people who have a genuine love of learning, who are equipped to live as vibrant Christians in their various callings, and who can articulate the Christian message with clarity and conviction. We are so glad you have decided to apply.

Below you will find an overview of the process, but feel free to contact us via email or phone if you have any questions.

The Wilberforce Application Process

Step 1: Visit Wilberforce

The best way to find out what makes Wilberforce unique is to visit us. See how our commitment to academic excellence, rigorous curriculum, small class sizes, and the integration of Christian faith and learning have yielded remarkable results.

Come explore our program and find out how The Wilberforce School stands out as exceptional in the Princeton area.
Step 2: Complete an Online Application

The first step is to complete an online application (linked below) which includes:

  • Academic Records (sign the Release of Records form included in the application and submit to your current school).
  • Academic References (submit teacher names and emails in the application).
Step 3: Apply for Tuition Assistance if Desired

We know that affording tuition is a sacrifice for most families. At Wilberforce, we work hard to bring this unique form of education within reach. Many families at Wilberforce receive need-based tuition assistance ranging, from 10%-90% tuition, depending on demonstrated need.

Many of our families are new to the world of independent schools and never considered a "private school" until they discovered Wilberforce. Sometimes when parents hear the term "tuition assistance" or "financial aid", they think "I make too much money to apply for financial aid" or "I don't want to take money away from those who need it more."

We invite you to learn more about how to bring a Wilberforce education within reach. Please email or call our Admissions Department at (609) 924-6117 to talk about beginning this process. If you are ready to apply, click the link to our financial aid application.

If your family is considering applying for tuition assistance please complete the application at the same time as you submit the admissions application. All funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis according to need.
We are not able to offer an estimate of financial aid prior to completion of the admissions and financial aid application process.

Please note: due to limited availability of funds, we are not able to provide financial aid to Explorers 1 students.
Step 4: Schedule Your Student Visit and Assessments

Once the Admissions Office receives your application we will contact you to schedule your child for a Student Visit Day. During a Student Visit Day, visitors are paired with a Wilberforce Ambassador or Lower School Buddy. Visitors will participate in classes as well as recess and lunch. We also include time for students to complete admissions assessments and student interviews (Middle and Upper School only) during their visit.

When your student visits:

  • Please bring a water bottle, snack, and/or lunch.
  • Wear comfortable attire that is not distracting.
  • Complete visitor health forms.
Step 5: Attend an Interview

Our admissions process is designed to help you as a family make the best decision for the education of your children. The interview is approximately 40 minutes. This is an opportunity to discuss your child's application, to answer any questions you may have, and for us to get to know your family.

Middle and Upper School students will also complete a brief student interview. This is intentional time to get to know the applicant and to answer any questions he or she may have about The Wilberforce School.

The Admissions Office will schedule parent and student interviews once all application materials are completed. Both parents are required to attend the interview.

The nurturing that happens, the support that our students have, the teachers, they’re wonderful; it’s really a parents’ dream.

Wilberforce parent


Admissions Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8am-3pm (by appointment only)

To schedule an appointment, email our Admissions Director or call 609.924.6111.

Please Note: We continue to accept applications on a rolling basis until all classes are full.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Wilberforce School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to students at the school. The Wilberforce School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship programs, or athletic and other school administered programs.

Key Dates

New Applicants: 2025-2026 School Year Dates
Admissions applications due Fri., Jan. 24
Financial aid applications due Fri., Jan. 24
Financial aid supporting documents due Fri., Feb. 7
Explorers Readiness Day (Explorers 1 and 2) Sat., Feb. 10
Parent Interviews and Student Assessments Scheduled by the Admissions Office
Admissions decisions sent Fri., Mar. 7
Financial aid decisions sent Fri., Mar. 7
Signed contracts due Fri., Apr. 4