Pre-kindergarten

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Apply

Thank you for your interest in Nueva! Through Ravenna, our online admissions system, you can sign up for events, fill out and submit application components, and monitor your application status. Don’t worry–by creating a profile for your student, you are not yet committing to apply; you will simply gain access to explore all of our events.

To begin the application process, click the button below.

Age Requirements to Apply for Pre-Kindergarten at Nueva (enrolling Fall 2026):

  • Our pre-kindergarten admissions process is split into two rounds. A portion of the pre-kindergarten class is offered enrollment in March (Round I), with the remainder notified in early April (Round II). Students who receive waitpool letters in March will be reconsidered during Round II of the pre-kindergarten admissions process. 
     
  • 4 years old by January 8, 2026: Children who meet this age requirement are eligible to apply during Round I of the pre-kindergarten admissions process. All application materials must be submitted by January 8, 2026.
     
  • 4 years old between January 8, 2026–March 8, 2026*: While it is preferred that children be 4 years old when assessed when possible, the minimum age for a child to sit for the WPPSI-IV (IQ assessment) is 3 years and 10 months. If your child takes the IQ assessment by January 8, 2026 and before they are 4 years old, we will consider them during Round I of the pre-kindergarten admissions process. Assessment results and all admissions materials are due January 8, 2026.
    • Alternatively, you can choose to wait until your child turns 4 to have them take the IQ assessment to be considered during Round II of the pre-kindergarten admissions process. IQ assessments are due no later than March 24, 2026, while all other application materials must be submitted by January 8, 2026.
       
  • 4 years old between March 9–May 24, 2026*: Children falling in this age range may apply in Round II of the pre-kindergarten admissions process. IQ assessment results are due no later than March 24, 2026, while all other application materials must be submitted by January 8, 2026. 

Students who receive waitpool letters in Round I will be reconsidered during Round II of the pre-kindergarten admissions process.

*Please keep in mind that if your child takes the IQ assessment after January 8 and their scores are not determined by Nueva to be in range, they will need to wait for a full 12 months before they can retake the assessment. As a result, they would not be eligible to apply for kindergarten admission at Nueva in the following year. 

Visit our FAQ page for more details about age eligibility for all grade levels (PreK-10). 

How to Explore and Visit Nueva

  • Virtual Program Preview

    • The optional virtual Program Preview is for families interested in applying for the 2026–27 school year. This event provides prospective parents/guardians a glimpse into life at Nueva through presentations by our faculty and leadership team.
    • The Virtual Program Preview is held in October.
    • RSVP is required; please login to Ravenna to register.
       
  • Campus Tours 

    • We are excited for families to see our community in action! Come join us in Hillsborough for a tour of our Lower School campus given by a community member. These optional tours are offered from September through November.
       
  • Virtual Office Hours

    • We know applying to an independent school can get a little overwhelming with many events, steps, and chances to learn more about the community. This is a chance for parents and guardians to ask any general admissions questions you may have in regard to the application process.
    • The Admission Team hosts virtual office hours from September to December.
    • Open to parents/guardians; we kindly ask that your child not miss school to attend this session.
       
  • Additional Optional Events

    • We invite prospective families to register for optional admissions events to learn about the Nueva community. We offer workshops and panels covering topics such as student life, giftedness, equity & inclusion, and financial assistance. Check your Ravenna dashboard for updates and more information.

Application Process

 
Application and Supplemental Materials Deadline: January 8, 2026

Click on each step for more details.

 

The Admissions Office appreciates and is always delighted to receive applications well in advance of the deadline! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 650-235-7119, or email admissions@nuevaschool.org

Si necesita ayuda en español, comuníquese con Melanie León, directora de admisiones, mleon@nuevaschool.org o llame al 650-235-7111.

 

Apply for Financial Assistance

Nueva uses the Clarity platform to process all applications for tuition financial assistance. The financial assistance application and supplemental documents are due February 3, 2026.

Lower School Admissions Contacts

Melanie León
Director of Admissions
650-235-7111
Email Melanie
 

Melanie Abella
Admissions Assistant
650-235-7119
Email Melanie

Andrea Hart
Associate Director of Admissions
650-350-4526
Email Andrea

Ariana Bickham
Assistant Director of Admissions
650-350-4594
Email Ariana

Lupe Ruiz
Admissions Associate
650-350-4524
Email Lupe