Explore how to apply to Kirk Day School and get your questions answered
As a parent, you want the best for your child — a place where they feel nurtured, educated, and equipped. Yet, the search for the right school can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you've experienced environments where class sizes are too large, your child feels left out without strong friendships, or the academics don’t challenge or engage them. Or maybe, the school’s values don’t quite align with your own.
These concerns weigh heavily on your mind, and now you’re looking for the next step — a school where your child will be encouraged in a supportive community, and grow through academic excellence grounded in biblical truth.
Our hope is that Kirk Day School could be the next step you're looking for.
As one of the best Christian schools in St. Louis, MO, serving students from preschool to sixth grade, we invite you to learn more about how we can support your family.
Discover the admissions process at Kirk Day School.
Admissions Process Important Dates Meet the Admissions Team FAQ
Admissions Process
Our admissions process is simple, offering opportunities to visit campus or connect with our team to see how we can meet your child’s needs.
Tour Kirk Day School
We encourage parents to schedule a private tour with our Director of Admissions to explore our campus and learn more about our school. To set up your visit, simply click the button below.
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Apply Online
After you've scheduled a tour and decided to move forward, simply complete the online application, share the Records Release Form with your child's current school (if applicable), and kindly give the Teacher Referral Form to their classroom teacher.
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Applicant Visit (Grades K-6)
We’re excited to get to know your child and for them to get to know us. Visits are scheduled after you’ve completed the application.
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Academic Screening (Grades K-6)
Our academic screening is a simple way for us to confirm that each student can be well-served academically at KDS. For kindergarten applicants, screenings are scheduled on designated dates, while for grades 1-6, screenings are conveniently conducted during your child’s shadow day.
Family Interview & Meeting With Head of School
Parents are invited to meet with two school board members to share their spiritual beliefs, as KDS is a covenantal school dedicated to educating the children of believing Christians. Our bylaws require that at least one parent be a believer in Jesus Christ and share a testimony of that faith.
Additionally, families will meet with our Head of School to discuss “Community Goals and Expectations.” This meeting allows our HOS to share more about the supportive community in our private Christian school, including communication between teachers and families, healthy conflict resolution rooted in biblical principles, and the Discipleship Habits we teach each month. Paired with the family interview, this process takes about an hour, with 30 minutes for each meeting.
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Hello, World!
Important Dates
Check the list below to keep up with key admissions dates, including application deadlines, notification letters, documentation requirements, and financial aid application deadlines.
Admissions Dates:
September 3rd: 2025/2026 Application Opens
January 31st: Application Deadline for the 2025-2026 school year (New families should also submit financial aid documents by this date)
March 14th: Notification Letters Sent
April 4th: Admission Contracts Due
KDS gladly accepts applications after the January 31st deadline and will review them on a rolling basis once the first round of applicants has been considered.
Meet the Administrative Team
Our admissions team is here to make sure your journey to Kirk Day School is handled with care and attention. We’re ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process as you take the next steps.
Stacy Engel
Director of Admissions
Email: stacy.engel@kirkdayschool.org
Phone: (314) 434-4349
“Hello, I’m Stacy, the Director of Admissions at Kirk Day School. I’ve been part of the KDS community for over 13 years as a parent, with all four of my children attending and graduating from here. I also spent six years teaching at KDS, and I’m now in my second year in this role. Having lived in this area my whole life, I’m excited to help families discover the wonderful community we have!”
Suzanne Hayward
Executive Administrative Assistant
Email: suzanne.hayward@kirkdayschool.org
Phone: (314) 434-4349
“Greetings! I’m Suzanne, the Executive Administrative Assistant at Kirk Day School. This is my first year here, and I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing community. I have three grandchildren at KDS, and I’ve lived in St. Louis my whole life, raising four grown children. I look forward to supporting our families and making sure they have a great experience in our school!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KDS a covenant school?
Yes, we are a covenantal school dedicated to educating the children of believing Christians. KDS requires at least one parent to be a believer in Jesus Christ and provide a Christian testimony. As part of the admissions process, we conduct parent interviews, and a pastoral reference is required (submitted via email by completing a provided form).
Is financial aid available?
Yes! We’re committed to making private Christian education accessible for families. Financial aid is available based on eligibility. To learn more about the process, visit our tuition page and see how Kirk Day School can be a great fit for your family.
Are there testing requirements for students?
Yes, we do include a simple academic screening as part of our admissions process. For kindergarten, we use the Brigance screening, which takes place on a scheduled screening day. For students in higher grades, we conduct a WRAT-5 screening during their shadow visit. This screening is not a pass-or-fail exam but helps us understand if a student might need additional support or if we can provide the right environment for their needs. Our approach is designed to be supportive, not strenuous, and to give us a well-rounded picture of each child.
Thank you for your interest! We invite you to get our Parent Guide for detailed information about Kirk Day School, and be sure to browse our website to find the resources that matter most to your family.