FAQ

What does Windward look for in a student?

How many applications does Windward receive, and how many students are admitted to each grade?

How will I see the campus and are applicants allowed to visit for the day?

Families are invited to attend our Prospective Student Shadow Days and Prospective Parent Open House events. In addition to the Open House events, families will be offered a student-led tour the day of their interview. For families that are not local or cannot attend any of our Open House events, we encourage you to view our virtual Parent Open House program by clicking on this link.

Is financial aid available to my family?

Families may apply for financial aid by indicating their intent on the admissions application. A financial aid packet will be sent electronically, and all required forms must be returned to the business office by February 1, 2026. Financial aid at Windward is need-based; merit and athletic scholarships are not offered. Windward provides support for students beyond tuition and fees. Families who receive financial aid are also eligible to receive assistance with school activities, such as prom, foreign language exchanges, and for the purchase of textbooks. Financial aid decisions are made independently of admissions.

Are sibling and legacy applicants given special consideration?

As a school committed to sustaining a strong sense of community, Windward realizes the benefits of family members attending the School. However, what is right for one child may not be correct placement for his or her sibling. Siblings will only be admitted if they have demonstrated qualities likely to lead to their success at Windward.

Siblings of current students and children of alumni and legacy families who have sustained a supportive relationship with the School will be given preference when all other factors are equal, although admission to Windward is not guaranteed. In addition to applying to Windward, it is strongly recommended that all families apply to other schools.

Sibling and legacy applicants need to apply by September 22, 2025.

Transcripts and recommendation forms are submitted with all other applicants, after November 1, 2025 but no later than January 9, 2026.

If I have a child in public school who is new to the school, what should I do about recommendation forms?

If you are able to obtain recommendations, we would like current year teachers to fill out the forms after they have had the student in class for several months. The forms should not be filled out before November 1, and are not due until January 9, 2026. We believe current teachers can give us a sense of your child's academic progress. We would also welcome supplemental recommendations from last year's teachers, who might know your child well.

If you are not able to obtain teacher recommendations, please feel free to supplement your child's file with our optional arts and/or athletics recommendation forms.

How will I know when the required materials have been received and the admissions file is complete?

What activities can I become involved in outside of class?

Every student at Windward can find their niche and passion, whether it is through the traditional college preparatory courses offered, the various athletic opportunities, visual and performing arts events, or co-curricular activities. Students have a chance to get involved in the community and develop skills that help them to develop as strong, independent young adults. From debate to student leadership to robotics, there are so many ways for students to become active members of the community.

Is bus service available?

Like many other schools, Windward School operates in a residential neighborhood, and as such, we are required by the City of LA to follow the guidelines set out by our Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) annually verifies our compliance through a traffic study. Failure to comply can result in financial penalties, increased enforcement of busing mandates, and reduced enrollment numbers.

With this in mind, all 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders are required to ride the bus to school unless an exception has been approved by the School.

The following bus routes are currently offered:
Palisades Route
Bel-Air/San Fernando Valley Route
Rancho Park/Larchmont Route
Brentwood/Santa Monica Route
South Bay/Marina/Playa
Shuttle Bus from National/Sawtelle

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