Admissions at Explorer West
Welcome to Explorer West Middle School
We use Ravenna for our application process. Click the button above and select "Apply to School" on the right. Create or log into your Ravenna account to begin.
We are happy to walk you through the application steps and answer any questions. Reach out to our Admissions Team: Kathleen Lonergan (English) or Mariana Urrea (Español).
Interested in mid-year transfer for the current school year?
Please contact our Director of Admissions, Kathleen Lonergan, to learn about the transfer application process.
Why Families Choose Explorer West
Relationships are at the heart of daily life at Explorer West. Throughout the admissions process, you'll meet faculty, students, and families who make this community special.
Small by Design. No one "falls through the cracks" at Explorer West. Every teacher knows and values every student.
Dynamic Academics. Our rigorous and engaging curriculum fosters key skills that prepare students for the future: critical thinking, media literacy, environmental stewardship, curiosity, collaboration, and responsibility.
Restorative Culture. We build community through empathy, accountability, and belonging.
Creative Expression. "Every Student, Every Subject" captures our commitment to fostering creative growth. All students take three years of visual art, music, and drama in thoughtful sequences that build confidence and support authenticity.
Outdoor Education. Our unique program provides exceptional skill-building over three years, with 30 days of immersive outdoor experiences integrated with cross-curricular learning across multiple disciplines. Students gain leadership skills, build resilience, and develop a strong connection to the natural world.
Get to know us!
Open Houses
Come discover what makes Explorer West so exceptional. Open houses feature interactive activities for both students and adults. Learn how Explorer West uniquely supports, nurtures, and challenges middle schoolers during this pivotal time of growth and discovery.
Meet our teachers, tour our school, and explore how we build students' confidence and resiliance, preparing them for high school and beyond.
Parents and caregivers will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn more about curricula, enrichment, student support, financial aid, and more.
Open House #1: Saturday, November 14, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Open House #2: Thursday, December 10, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Open House registration is through Ravenna. Here are the steps:
- Start here
- Click opens in new tab)opens in new tab)opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)Click the "Explore" button on the right.
- You'll be prompted to either create or log in to your Ravenna account
- Answer a few quick questions, and you'll arrive at a screen with a "Begin Exploration" button
- Click the button, and on the next page you'll see the registration link for all upcoming events.
Parent/Caregiver School Tours
Tours are a required part of the admissions process. We offer tours Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:00 - 10:00 am during the school year, and at other times by appointment.
Tour registration is through Ravenna. Follow these steps:
- Start here
- Click opens in new tab)opens in new tab)opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)Click the "Explore" button on the right.
- You'll be prompted to either create or log in to your Ravenna account.
- Answer a few quick questions, and you'll arrive at a screen with a "Begin Exploration" button.
- Click the button, and on the next page you'll see the registration link for all upcoming events.
To schedule a tour with your student, or to schedule a tour at a different day or time, please email Kathleen.
Information Sessions
Join us for a casual conversation with Head of School Barbara Frailey, Director of Admissions Kathleen Lonergan, and other EW staff. Learn about our program, the application process, financial aid, and more. Bring your questions!
Information Session #1: September 24, noon - 12:45 pm on Zoom
Information Session #2: October 28, 6:30 - 7:15 pm on Zoom
Information Session #3: January 6, 9:00 am in person at Explorer West
Information Session registration is through Ravenna. Follow these steps:
- Start here
- Click opens in new tab)opens in new tab)opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)Click the "Explore" button on the right.
- You'll be prompted to either create or log in to your Ravenna account.
- Answer a few quick questions, and you'll arrive at a screen with a "Begin Exploration" button.
- Click the button, and on the next page you'll see the registration link for all upcoming events.
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More Ways to Experience Explorer West
Student Visit Day
The visit day is a highly anticipated part of the application process. It offers prospective 6th grade students a sneak peek at life as an Explorer West student, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, meet new friends, and engage in a variety of fun activities.
Student visit day is February 1, 2027.
For students applying for a mid year transfer, or applying to join us in 7th or 8th grade, we'll schedule an individual shadow day for your student. They'll be able to join their future classmates for a day-in-the-life experience.
We will reach out with more information about the visit day or shadow day after you've begun your application.
Parent/Caregiver Meeting
After you've completed a Parent/Caregiver Tour, you'll be invited to a meeting (on Zoom or in person, whichever you prefer) with our Admissions team.
This required step in the admissions process is a great opportunity for you to ask follow-up questions, get information and resources specific to your student, and for us to get to know you better. We'll reach out to schedule this time with you.
Invited Family Reception
This gathering is for students who have received an admissions offer. It provides students and their families with a meaningful final look at what makes Explorer West such a warm and vibrant place to learn and grow.
Families will connect with faculty, current and future families, and members of our leadership team. Our Future Falcons will participate in fun activities together, as they begin building the relationships that will make their transition to middle school feel grounded and joyful.
A Note from our Director of Admissions
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Explorer West. As a parent myself, I know how challenging and critical it is to find the right setting for every child to feel safe and supported, to ensure they can reach their full potential. I am here to help you with this process in any way I can. I look forward to getting to know your family.
A great first step in the admissions process is to connect with me! I'd love to learn about your student, share more about Explorer West, and answer your questions. Please don't hesitate to email me or schedule a call.
Kathleen Lonergan, Director of Admissions and Communication
Explorer West is a great place to grow your kiddo into a thoughtful, well-rounded, confident, and inclusive human. The school is very transparent and a great partner to both parents/guardians and students.