Bennett Day School

Bennett Day School describes its teaching philosophy as a progressive, student-centered approach inspired by Reggio Emilia, where teachers observe students’ interests and guide learning through inquiry, collaboration, and documentation. Across PreK–12, the school emphasizes project-based, real-world learning, strong relationships, growth mindset, and the development of skills like creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Bennett Day says families apply one school year before enrollment through Ravenna by creating an account, searching for Bennett Day School, and starting the application; it also states that attending an admissions event or private tour is a required part of the process. (bennettday.org) Key dates posted for the 2026-27 cycle are December 15, 2025 for priority-consideration applications, January 12, 2026 for supplemental forms and flexible-tuition applications, February 13, 2026 for PreK decisions, and February 27, 2026 for JK-12 decisions. (bennettday.org) Requirements vary by grade, but the website lists items such as a birth certificate, teacher recommendations, school records (if applicable), a parent/guardian family conversation, and a student visit; PreK-SK applicants attend a playdate/school visit, grades 1-8 complete a shadow day, and grades 9-12 also submit creative work, short answers, and complete an interview. (bennettday.org) The site also gives grade-entry criteria: children must be age 3, 4, or 5 by September 1, 2026 for PreK, JK, and SK respectively; applicants for grades 1-10 must have completed the previous year of study; and families interested in grades 11-12 are told to email admissions directly. (bennettday.org) I did not find a public description on Bennett Day's website of how the waitlist works or any named admissions priority categories beyond the posted "Priority Consideration" deadline. (bennettday.org)