Frequently Asked Questions

An independent school is a pre-collegiate, non-profit learning institution governed by a board of trustees and supported by tuition revenue, charitable contributions, and endowment income. Accreditation standards for independent schools are rigorous and are validated by a national commission.

Laguna seeks curious, engaging, and motivated candidates of good character who possess imagination, initiative, a concern for others, strength in extracurricular activities, a commitment to academic and personal growth, and who are ready to gain from and contribute to our dynamic learning experience. We believe it is important that a young person make the most of his or her academic potential as well as enjoy the many opportunities available outside the classroom. Above all, we want to enroll students who have the potential to be successful and happy at Laguna.

Laguna accepts applications at all grade levels. Our major entry points are Early Kindergarten/Kindergarten and Grades 6, 7, and 9. Students must be 4 years old by September 1 to attend Early Kindergarten (EK) and 5 years old by September 1 to start Kindergarten. Following Kindergarten, Laguna considers the next grade progression based on the prior grade of attendance.

Test scores are just one piece of a student’s profile. We realize there are limitations inherent to any exam of this kind as standardized tests fail to measure a student’s motivation, work ethic, creativity, and character. Testing such as the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) provides a means for objectively assessing our applicants, especially as students come from a variety of schools and educational backgrounds.

Please Note: Testing for Grades 5-12 is optional for 2024-25. If your child does test, submitting scores is at your discretion.

The progression from grade to grade and division to division is contingent upon similar criteria—reasonable mastery of the academic requirements and fulfillment of the community’s expectations regarding citizenship. As long as these criteria are met, no further application is required.

Laguna’s faculty challenges students to ask questions and to strive for understanding, not just of the what, but the why. Dedicated teachers inspire students to their own intellectual passions. They instill confidence, challenge thinking, and frequently inspire career choices. These lessons come from the faculty’s personal investment in knowing students well. Students benefit immensely from the close interpersonal relationships that Laguna fosters.

Students in grades EK-5 learn Spanish; French is taught in Grade 6; Latin is required of all seventh graders; and students in Grades 8-12 continue in one or more of three languages: French, Latin, or Spanish.

Laguna’s college counseling program encompasses all four years of a student’s high school experience. The program includes individually tailored course planning; advice on co-curricular electives, extracurricular activities, and summer enrichment programs; and strategic standardized test guidance. College Matriculation

The school believes that a raised consciousness regarding service to others is beneficial to all students in our community. Service learning begins in Early Kindergarten and carries throughout a student’s career at Laguna. Students participate in a variety of lessons and activities that cultivate an increased awareness of the world beyond.

Our Lower School students wear uniforms. In the Middle and Upper Schools (5-12) no uniform is required, but students are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate to and will not detract from the tone of the learning environment.

We offer a shuttle service for a fee between the Lower and Middle/Upper campuses in the morning and afternoon. Laguna does not offer door-to-door or regional stops.

At the Lower School, morning care is available from 7:30AM at no additional cost. An Extended Day Program for Lower School students is available for a fee from 3:00-4:30PM each day. For Middle/Upper School, the library on the Hope Ranch campus is open from 7:30AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday.

Laguna believes that a student’s education is best served when the school and family work in partnership. Parents are encouraged to become active members of the Laguna community by participating in school and Laguna Blanca Family Association sponsored events such as Spirit of Laguna: Jogathon & Family Festival, Homecoming, the Spring Benefit Gala, and more.

As with most independent schools, tuition covers approximately 80 percent of the cost of educating a child at Laguna. The Laguna Blanca Annual Fund constitutes the most important source of funds outside of tuition and augments faculty salaries, classroom materials, financial aid, new equipment, facilities maintenance, and the athletic and art programs. Periodically the school undertakes capital campaigns to enhance programs and facilities as well as to augment endowment funds. All families are encouraged to contribute appropriate to their resources to the Annual Fund each year and to capital initiatives as they occur. Every gift is important and makes a difference.

Laguna does not offer ESL classes and will not accept them for credit towards graduation if taken at another school.

Laguna has a relatively small international population. They represent five percent of the student body, with the majority enrolling in the Middle (5-8) and Upper (9-12) grades.

It is highly recommended that families purchase international medical insurance so the student has coverage for any health care incident. Laguna does not provide medical or dental insurance for its students.

Laguna is a day school and does not have a boarding option on campus. Laguna asks families or their agents to secure homestay families when needed. These arrangements are between the family and the agency.

Laguna does not offer tuition assistance/financial aid or scholarships to international students.