FAQ & Contact Us

List of 24 frequently asked questions.

• Q What does Lick-Wilmerding High School look for in a student?

  We look for students who are active and dedicated learners, intellectually curious, and will thrive in a community that celebrates multiple perspectives and varied interests. LWHS students have a well-deserved reputation for being very friendly, altruistic, compassionate, and willing to try new things.

• Q How many students are enrolled in the 9th grade?

  Each year, LWHS seeks to enroll approximately 140 students to the 9th grade. Total school enrollment is 550 students.

• Q When do I start the application process?

  The LWHS Application will be available to begin on Ravenna-Hub beginning August 31, 2022. The first step in our process is to fill out an inquiry form. For a step-by-step tutorial, click here.

• Q Is there a waiver code available for the application fee?

  We have waiver codes available for families for whom the application fee provides a hardship. Please click here to fill out the LWHS Fee Waiver form.

• Q Is there an advantage to submitting my application early?

  If your parent/guardian submits their Part I - Parent/Guardian Application by the Courtesy Submission date of December 2, 2022, you will have the option to register for your preferred interview time and date. Aside from this, there is no additional advantage to submitting your application early.

• Q What is the basis for selection into LWHS?

  The Admissions Committee takes into consideration every aspect of the student application including the personal essays, transcript, teacher recommendations, the student interview, and each applicant's affinity for the LWHS mission and educational philosophy. The Committee is charged with crafting a 9th grade class that is balanced in all forms of diversity, which may include gender, socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity as well as co-curricular interests.
  
  

  Lick-Wilmerding High School is committed to fostering and sustaining a vibrant learning community and does not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, national/ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. LWHS applies all legal non-discrimination standards in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, flexible tuition, and in all school programs and activities.

• Q Who makes up the Admissions Committee?

  The Admissions Committee consists of faculty, school administrators, and members of the Admissions team who read, discuss, and consider the viability of all prospective students.

• Q Are interviews required of students applying to LWHS?

  Interviews are required for every student who has submitted an application to LWHS. They will be conducted by a member of the Admissions Team or faculty and staff. The interview is a conversation in which students have the opportunity to share about themselves, their passions, educational goals, interests, and the type of high school experience they seek for the next four years.

• Q Does LWHS require standardized testing?

  No, LWHS has adopted a test-free policy for our application. Please click here for more information.

• Q What are my chances of getting an offer of enrollment?

  Admission to LWHS is very competitive. For the last five years, we have received 850-1000 applications for approximately 140 spots in the incoming 9th grade class.

• Q Are sibling and legacy applicants given priority in admissions?

  While we absolutely appreciate and value the sense of "family" that sibling and legacy applicants bring to the LWHS community, we cannot guarantee admission based on these associations alone. These prospective students must also demonstrate academic, leadership, and interpersonal qualities and potential that will serve them well during their educational journey at LWHS.

• Q Are campus shadow visits and Open House attendance required of students who plan to apply to LWHS?

  Participation in our Campus Visit and Open House programs are optional. The campus shadow visit gives students a chance to experience a typical LWHS school day. Eighth graders visit one class, go on a campus tour with an LWHS student host, and attend an information session led by a member of the Admissions team. Open House events invite parents/guardians and students to learn more about the LWHS curriculum, educational philosophy, and mission. Campus tours and academic presentations are given, and attendees have the opportunity to speak with faculty, current students and parents/guardians.
  
  Please note that the campus visit program and Open House events are for 8th grade students and their parents/guardians only.

• Q How do you define diversity at LWHS?

  At LWHS, we acknowledge and celebrate the uniqueness of all Bay Area families. We value the multiple perspectives, talents, and treasures that our students and families contribute to the fabric of the school community. We define diversity through the lens of gender, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic circumstances, and geography, as well as life experiences, interests, and values.

• Q Do you accept transfer students?

  LWHS is accepting applications for rising 10th and 11th graders. Acceptance is dependent on attrition of the student body. Due to the Technical Arts curriculum and graduation requirements, we are not able to enroll students into the 12th grade. Please email admissions@lwhs.org for more information about the transfer process.

• Q What is the tuition for the 2022–23 academic year?

  Full Tuition for this school year is $54,800, and pay an additional one-time facilities fee. A family's tuition amount through the Flexible Tuition program can range from $750 to $49,800. Learn more about Flexible Tuition here. Tuition includes books, course materials, daily lunch, yearbook, athletic uniforms, co-curricular activities, and grade level retreats.

• Q Is financial assistance available for students?

  At LWHS, more than 33% of families are enrolled through our Flexible Tuition Program. This program enables families to pay a tuition amount that meets their need given their current financial circumstances. Families who are interested in Flexible Tuition should visit our Applying page and attend our Flexible Tuition Workshop (sign-up on Ravenna-Hub). The LWHS Admissions Office will email additional information about the application process to all interested families in December. With any questions, please contact admissions@lwhs.org.

• Q What makes LWHS different from other independent schools in the Bay Area?

  LWHS celebrates all types of diversity within our school community and is nationally recognized as the only independent school in the nation that offers students a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and unparalleled courses in the Technical Arts. Additionally, because of the school's commitment to an inclusive community, we are able to give Flexible Tuition grants totaling nearly $7 million to ensure that the LWHS experience is truly accessible to students and families from all walks of life.

• Q When will we be notified of the admissions decision?

  Admissions decisions will be mailed on March 16, 2023 and available electronically on Ravenna-Hub on March 17, 2023.. Students who are offered enrollment will then have one week to make a decision about which high school they will attend.

• Q What happens if a student has been placed in the admissions waiting pool?

  If a student has been placed in the waiting pool, they have the opportunity to remain or forfeit their spot. If a student chooses to remain in the waiting pool, they will be notified in late March or early April if a space becomes available. Typically at LWHS, we do not take many students from the waiting pool, so we encourage waitpool students to consider other options, and to notify us if their wish is to remain in the waiting pool through the summer months.

• Q Does LWHS provide bus services or transportation?

  While LWHS does not provide any school sponsored transportation, there are numerous ways to get to our school including the bus, streetcar, and BART: Balboa Park BART Station, MUNI buses: 8X, 8BX, 29, 43, 49, and 54 and streetcars: J, KT, and M. All stop within a block of the school on Ocean or Geneva Avenues. Additionally, many families create carpools with families who live nearby.

• Q What are graduation requirements for LWHS?

  Please click here to view the LWHS Curriculum Guide.

• Q Should I apply if I have a neurodiverse student who requires accommodations?

  Yes, there are many students at LWHS receiving accommodations. Please contact our Director of Learning Services, Winifred Montgomery, to discuss specific questions or concerns regarding your student’s circumstances.

• Q From what schools do your applicants come?

  We receive applications from schools all over the Bay Area, as far north as Sonoma and as far south as Los Altos.

• Q Where do LWHS students go to college?

  For questions about colleges and the college counseling program at LWHS, please click here.