Admissions FAQs

We know the admissions process can be tricky to navigate.
That's why we've committed ourselves to providing resources and tools to help you apply quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to what matters most — your child(ren).

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • How can I learn more about JTD?

    In addition to the many admissions events held throughout the season, families can learn more about JTD by connecting with the Admissions Office directly, reviewing the School website, news postings, and our admissions viewbook, and by following us on social media. Each year, JTD also invites families in our broader community to join our annual JTD Fair, held the first weekend in May on the School’s campus.

  • What is the School’s perspective on affiliated applicants?

    We consider ourselves a family school and hope, whenever possible, to provide a JTD education to qualified siblings of current students, children of employees, and children of alumni graduates who have sustained a positive relationship since graduating. We know how connected these affiliated families feel to the mission and values of JTD, and we strive to honor the importance of their commitment to the school community.

    While it remains our wish to continue to build upon a family’s legacy and honor their commitment to the School, given the increasing number of affiliated applicants, we are often unable to offer enrollment to all qualified affiliated students who apply within a given year. We encourage families to consider multiple options when applying to independent schools to ensure they have the opportunity to make an informed decision about their child’s education. In addition, the School’s longstanding policy is that it may accept up to 40% non-affiliated families in the Kindergarten grade. 

    Siblings of current JTD students, children of current JTD employees, and children of JTD graduates will be evaluated in the early fall of the application year. Admissions decisions will be relayed according to LAIS notification guidelines and affiliated applicants may receive an acceptance, a waitpool, or a non-acceptance decision at that time.

  • How is JTD’s curriculum determined?

    JTD fundamentally believes in providing students with a robust learning experience. We strive to make that experience developmentally appropriate, relevant to the world they live in, and based on best instructional practices and educational research. JTD classrooms operate with a co-lead teaching model which allows for lesson planning to be more refined and efficient. This model also supports learners by providing more differentiation and feedback.

    Learn more about our academic programming here.

  • How does JTD foster a Community of Belonging at the School?

    At JTD, we are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive community that understands and values the diverse world in which we live. The 5C’s strengthen our community ties, and when each member of our community upholds these core values, we all benefit. 

    In age-appropriate ways, students look inward to better understand their own identity – their strengths, interests, family and cultural traditions, and systems of support. Students take pride in sharing their evolving understanding of themselves with one another and ultimately practice the skill of finding similarities among perceived differences resulting in a deeper appreciation and respect for one another. Families are included in planning special cultural celebrations and classroom-based Community Time. Programs like Culture Club, Buddy and Family groups, our parent group Collage, and Faculty/Staff affinity groups are also part of what makes the JTD community so strong.

    Please click on the following links to learn more!

  • Does JTD accept personal letters of recommendation?

    JTD takes great pride that no single person in the community holds any more influence over admissions decisions than anyone else. As such, personal letters of recommendation are not required for any grade level. Every year we admit families whose application does not include a personal letter of recommendation. 

    Should an applicant family choose to have a letter submitted on their behalf, we ask that it be written by someone who has a close, personal connection to the family. Families currently in the applicant pool may not submit a letter of recommendation in support of another applicant family. All recommendations should be emailed to admissions@jtdschool.org by January 9, 2026. Multiple letters of recommendation are discouraged.

  • Does JTD offer a bus transportation program?

    JTD’s Transportation Program provides families with reliable, safe, and convenient access to campus through six designated bus routes serving neighborhoods across Los Angeles. Over half of JTD students ride the bus daily, making transportation an integral part of the JTD experience. Each route fosters a sense of connection, becoming a small community of its own.
    Currently, we offer six bus routes to families located in Encino/Sherman Oaks, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills/Hancock Park, Santa Monica and Culver City/Rancho Park. 

    Find more information about our bus transportation program here.

  • What does Financial Assistance cover at JTD?

    The cost of a JTD education can be out of reach for many families and JTD believes that finances should not hinder a student’s ability to attend the School. Each year, JTD awards approximately $1.5 million in Financial Assistance that extends beyond tuition to include school related expenses such as bus fees, after school care, tickets to social events, and so much more!

    Please visit the Financial Assistance page for more information.

  • What are the dates for your admissions decisions? (See Independent School Heads' Letter)

    Dear Applicant Families, 

    As independent schools, we are varied in our educational philosophies and programs but united in our commitment to ethical practices in our admission offices. The Heads of the undersigned Los Angeles schools have agreed to the following principles of good practice for K – 12 admissions: 

    In order to minimize timing dilemmas for applicant families, we have agreed to these common notification and reply dates for fall 2025 admission: 

    Grades K-12: Notification letters will be sent on Friday, March 14, 2025 
    Email notifications can be sent starting at 5:00pm on Friday, March 14, 2025 
    Replies will be due on Friday, March 21, 2025, by 12:00pm

    Once notifications have been sent, schools will not initiate visits, whether for individuals or groups (e.g., through open houses). 

    We are mindful of the disruption to students’ education in their current schools that additional visits to prospective schools can cause, so we do not encourage such visits. However, schools that receive requests from newly admitted students and/or parents may grant those requests at their discretion. 

    No applicant or applicant family will be contacted by any representative of the school – once admissions notification begins. Of course, admitted students and their parents are welcome to contact schools to have questions answered. 

    We share an interest in making the independent school application experience as informative and enjoyable as possible. And we are joined in our conviction that the independent school world can offer unique and rich educational opportunities for young people. 

    Sincerely, 

    Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School Adat Ari El Day School 
    The Archer School for Girls 
    Berkeley Hall School 
    Beth Hillel Day School 
    Brawerman Elementary School 
    Brentwood School 
    Bridges Academy 
    Briskin Elementary School of Temple Israel of Hollywood The Buckley School 
    Calvary Christian School 
    Campbell Hall 
    Carlthorp School 
    The Center for Early Education 
    Chadwick School 
    Children’s Community School 
    The Country School 
    Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences Curtis School 
    de Toledo High School 
    Echo Horizon School 
    The Episcopal School of Los Angeles Harvard-Westlake School 
    Hollywood Schoolhouse 
    Ilan Ramon Day School 
    The John Thomas Dye School 
    Kadima Day School 
    Laurence School 
    Los Encinos School 
    Marlborough School 
    Marymount High School 
    Milken Community Schools Mirman School 
    New Roads School 
    Oakwood School 
    Pilgrim School 
    Pressman Academy 
    PS1 Pluralistic School 
    Rolling Hills Preparatory School Seven Arrows Elementary School 
    Sierra Canyon School 
    Sinai Akiba Academy 
    St. James’ Episcopal School St. Matthew’s Parish School Turning Point School 
    Valley Beth Shalom Day School Viewpoint School 
    Village School 
    Vistamar School 
    The Wesley School 
    Westerly School 
    Westland School 
    Westmark School 
    Westside Neighborhood School Westside Waldorf School Wildwood School 


Ready to apply?
Applicants for admission are accepted one year prior to the student's enrollment. If you have just found out you are moving to Los Angeles or if you have any questions, please feel free to call the admissions office for information.

The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.