Admissions Process

Elmwood Franklin School is comprised of three divisions: a Prep Department (Beginners three-year-old program, Prep I, and Prep II), a Lower School (grades 1-4), and an Upper School (grades 5-8). 

Elmwood Franklin School is an inclusive community that values diversity. Elmwood Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or economic status. Applicants are accepted on the basis of academic achievement, aptitude and behavioral development.
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Due to the global pandemic, Elmwood Franklin School is reformatting its admissions process this year. To ensure the health and well-being of both our current school community and our applicant families, we are conducting an online admissions process.

We encourage you to take a virtual tour of our school to get a sense of all that EFS has to offer!

​Inquire
Let us know that you are interested in applying to Elmwood Franklin School by completing our online Inquiry Form or calling the Admissions Office at 716-877-5035.

Virtual Visit
As we navigate through the global pandemic, Elmwood Franklin School is not conducting in-person tours. Instead, we encourage you to view our virtual tours and to contact Director of Admissions Stephanie Katzman at 716-877-5035 ext. 113 or admissions@elmwoodfranklin.org with any questions and to learn more about Elmwood Franklin.

Apply
Complete the Online Admissions Application for each child and submit it along with a $50 nonrefundable processing fee during the school year prior to your desired entrance. For students entering Prep I through eighth grade, a completed application includes a teacher evaluation form and transcripts from the applicant’s prior school.

Admissions Screening Assessment/Student Visit
Given the changing set of circumstances, we will not be offering in-person meetings/shadow days or tours this school year. For the time being, we are going to host Zoom calls that allow us to get to know you and your child. This will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. 

​Our developmentally appropriate, brief virtual meeting with you and your child is to gauge school readiness. For younger children, this will be a brief Zoom call that is play/conversation based. For older grades, it will be more of an interview setting with our staff.

For this school year, there will be no prior testing required.  We ask that children applying Prep I-8th grade submit a teacher evaluation. For children applying to Grades 1-8, we also require transcripts along with any standardized testing and/or IEPs.  
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If accepted, an Enrollment Contract will be mailed along with the letter of acceptance. This contract must be signed by the parent(s)/guardian and returned to the school along with the deposit to secure a child's place in his or her class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come visit the school?

As we navigate through the global pandemic, Elmwood Franklin School is not conducting in-person tours. Instead, we encourage you to view our virtual tours and to contact Director of Admissions Stephanie Katzman at 716-877-5035 ext. 113 or admissions@elmwoodfranklin.org with any questions and to learn more about Elmwood Franklin.

What is the age cut-off for entering the Prep program?

Students entering the Beginners program must be three by September 1 of the year they wish to enter. Students entering Prep I must be four by September 1. Students entering our Prep II program must be five by September 1.

What is the application deadline?

Completed applications and a $50 application fee must be submitted the school year prior to your child's entrance. For students entering Prep I through eighth grade, a completed application includes a teacher evaluation form and transcripts from the applicant’s prior school. Testing days are scheduled throughout February and March and admissions decisions are made by the end of March.

Does it matter how early I apply?

No, as long as you apply the school year prior to your entrance. Please note, all students must be assessed before an admissions decision is made.

Does the school provide Financial Aid?

Elmwood Franklin is committed to helping families afford an education at our school. In fact, 50% of our families receive aid of some kind. We use an independent organization to evaluate financial information. You may begin to apply for financial aid starting on October 1. To be eligible for consideration for financial aid at Elmwood Franklin School, you must complete your application by the end of January. We will communicate decisions about financial aid at the end of March when we send out our acceptance contracts.

How do I know if I qualify for Financial Aid?

If you are uncertain if you will qualify, yet feel that paying the tuition will be a financial hardship, we encourage you to apply for aid. The process is confidential and will have no bearing on admissions decisions.

Are there any additional fees above the cost of tuition?

The Elmwood Franklin tuition is a graduated fee structure that is "all inclusive." This means there are no additional charges for books and supplies, computers and science labs, technology, outdoor education, local special events and field trips, individual and class pictures, and professional-quality yearbooks. Nutritious lunches and snacks are also included in the tuition. These expenses, at some schools, could total as much as $3,500 per year.

Where do your students come from?

About half of our students come from the city of Buffalo and half come from surrounding suburbs in the Western New York region. We currently enroll students from Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Corfu, Derby, East Aurora, Grand Island, Hamburg, Lancaster, Lewiston, Lockport, Orchard Park, Tonawanda, Youngstown, and Wheatfield.

What are your looking for in a PROSPECTIVE student?

We are looking for children ready for an academic challenge and for parents who are committed to supporting their children academically. Most of our children will be working at least one year above grade level by the time they graduate, and many are working several years above grade level. We also seek to enroll children who will be responsible and committed members of the community, dedicated to being kind, playing fair, getting involved, and working hard.

Do you provide an after-school program?

Yes, we have an afternoon program called Horizons. Students may stay at school until as late as 5:45 p.m. Students may also arrive at school as early as 7:30 a.m.

Does the school provide transportation?

Elmwood Franklin does not provide transportation. However, families living within a 15 mile radius of the school can arrange bus transportation through the school system in which they pay taxes. Students living within the city limits are entitled to free Metro bus passes.