We currently have openings in several grades for the 2024-2025 school year. Apply now!
2024-2025 Enrollment Information
*Please read this page, and our website, carefully prior to completing an application.*
Information Night:
Read the FAQs from Information Night
Read the Information Night Packet
Open House:
Stay tuned for our next Open House.
Apply now for the 2024-2025 school year waitlist
The first step is to decide if The Emerson School is a good choice for your child. Read about our program, review the Frequently Asked Questions, and if you want more information please attend the Information Night and Open House. (*Please note: Attending Info Night and Open House are completely optional and not required to apply to The Emerson School. Info Night and Open House do not require an RSVP and are geared towards adults.)
If The Emerson School looks like a good educational option for your family, the next step is to submit an application.
There is no preference given to those who apply early, but you must submit the application by the deadline in March. Our lottery will be conducted in early April and results will be emailed to families.
Siblings of currently enrolled students bypass the lottery process and are offered an automatic spot (when there is a spot to offer) or move to the top of the waitlist if there is not a spot to offer. Applicants that live within the Portland Public School (PPS) district boundaries have preference over out of district applicants. Out of district applicants will only be considered after we have gone through our entire waitlist (by grade) of in district applicants.
Application Process
You are invited to attend the Information Night and the Open House to meet some of the school staff and hear more about our program. There is a brief question and answer time at the Information Night, and you will see classrooms and meet teachers at the Open House. It is fine to wait until after these events to turn in your application.
Once you have submitted your application and attended the events, wait for the results of the lottery to be emailed to you. If you are selected for the incoming kindergarten class, there will be a Kindergarten Extravaganza in May or June for those who will be in the incoming class (and the first 5 children on the waiting list).
If you have applied for grades 1-5, you will be automatically placed on the waiting list until we know of an opening. Often this isn’t until well into summer, so be aware there may be no further opportunity to visit the school, meet teachers or ask questions if you don’t attend the Open House.
If you are placed on the waiting list, you will be notified of your position on the list and we will call you if there is an opening for your child. While we are happy to answer any further questions, you have at that time, you will need to be prepared to make a quick decision regarding enrolling at The Emerson School. Due to staff constraints, we will not offer additional tours if you missed the Open House or Information Night.
Thank you for considering The Emerson School, we are looking forward to receiving your child’s application!
Applications for our 2024-2025 wait list are open.
Information about enrollment for the 2025-2026 schoo year will be announced in January.