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.
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.
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 ext. 113.
Virtual Tour
View our virtual tours and contact Director of Admissions Stephanie Katzman at 716-877-5035 ext. 113 or admissions@elmwoodfranklin.org with any questions.
Parent Visit
We invite you to join us—walk our halls, step inside our classrooms, browse our students’ work, and say hello to our teachers and students. Contact Director of Admissions Stephanie Katzman at 716-877-5035 ext. 113 or admissions@elmwoodfranklin.org to schedule your tour at a time that is convenient for you.
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
Each child is scheduled for an Admissions Screening Assessment. For children in grades 1-8, the child will spend the day at Elmwood Franklin School and will be assigned to “shadow” in a class at his/her current grade level. This shadowing opportunity gives the child a chance to assess the school and his or her potential future classmates and enables the school to space out the assessment for a more enjoyable experience. Prospective Prep children are assessed during a play date and will spend approximately one to two hours at the school. Families will be notified of the results by the Admissions Office.
For children applying to Grades 1-8, we require a teacher evaluation, transcripts, and any standardized testing results and/or IEPs.
If accepted, an Enrollment Contract will be issued along with the letter of acceptance. This contract must be completed by the parent(s)/guardian responsible for tuition and submitted to the school with a non-refundable deposit to secure a child's place in his or her class.
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 ext. 113.
Virtual Tour
View our virtual tours and contact Director of Admissions Stephanie Katzman at 716-877-5035 ext. 113 or admissions@elmwoodfranklin.org with any questions.
Parent Visit
We invite you to join us—walk our halls, step inside our classrooms, browse our students’ work, and say hello to our teachers and students. Contact Director of Admissions Stephanie Katzman at 716-877-5035 ext. 113 or admissions@elmwoodfranklin.org to schedule your tour at a time that is convenient for you.
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
Each child is scheduled for an Admissions Screening Assessment. For children in grades 1-8, the child will spend the day at Elmwood Franklin School and will be assigned to “shadow” in a class at his/her current grade level. This shadowing opportunity gives the child a chance to assess the school and his or her potential future classmates and enables the school to space out the assessment for a more enjoyable experience. Prospective Prep children are assessed during a play date and will spend approximately one to two hours at the school. Families will be notified of the results by the Admissions Office.
For children applying to Grades 1-8, we require a teacher evaluation, transcripts, and any standardized testing results and/or IEPs.
If accepted, an Enrollment Contract will be issued along with the letter of acceptance. This contract must be completed by the parent(s)/guardian responsible for tuition and submitted to the school with a non-refundable deposit to secure a child's place in his or her class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come visit the school?
Parents and guardians are welcome to tour the school! Interested families can schedule a visit with Admissions Director Stephanie Katzman by calling 716-877-5035 or emailing skatzman@elmwoodfranklin.org.
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, about 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.
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, 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.