How to Apply

Welcome! The first step is to learn more about our community. Complete our Inquiry Form so we can get to know your family and provide relevant updates throughout the admission season.

We also invite you to:

• Browse our website

• Attend an event (see dates below)

• Connect with a current family

Nothing compares to visiting in person. We offer small group tours throughout the school year and two open houses in the fall. This is your chance to see classrooms in action, meet teachers and students, and get a feel for daily life at Explorer West.

Visit our events calendar below or email to schedule a personal tour.

All applications are submitted through Ravenna. You’ll create a family account and complete the Explorer West application checklist, including:

• Family and student forms

• Current school report cards

• Two teacher evaluations ( core classes)

Need help? View our step-by-step Ravenna Guide for Families or reach out—we’re here to assist.

Application Deadline: January 16, 2026

If you have trouble or would like to request an application waiver fee, please contact Dawn Fornear.

As part of the application process, students visit Explorer West for a half-day experience. They visit different classes (art, science, and more), and get a real sense of what it’s like to be part of our community.

Our 6th grade visit day is scheduled for February 2, 2026.

Students applying for 7th or 8th grade will be paired with a host student during a school day.

The visit is designed to be welcoming, supportive, and fun—we want your student to feel at home here. If there's anything we can do to support your student during their visit, please let us know. 

Tours provide families with a chance to get a feel for our school in action. You'll visit classrooms, meet students, and talk directly with teachers and school leaders. It’s an opportunity to both learn about our community and share more about your family’s hopes for middle school.

We recommend that tours be attended by adults only. They tend to focus on high-level information, and we've created a separate, student-centered visit experience designed just for your child.

However, if you'd like to include your student, we’re happy to arrange a shorter, family-friendly version of the tour.

Families applying for financial aid should complete a separate application through Clarity. We recommend submitting early to ensure timely consideration.

Visit our Financial Aid page for details on deadlines, required documents, and FAQs.