Application for the 2024-2025 School Year
Thank you for your interest in Uni Primary! All families are welcome to apply to Uni Primary; there is no preference for University affiliated families nor a faculty/employee discount for University folks. All are welcome! Applications for the 2024-25 school year are available beginning January 10, with priority given to applications received by March 1, 2024. Applications are accepted year round for admissions or waiting list to classrooms for the current school year; for the current school year (2023-24) classrooms are full. For the 2024-25 school year, we are no longer accepting applications for Kindergarten-5th grades, but we are accepting applications at this time for limited spots in preschool. Preschool students at Uni Primary are given the option to continue into Kindergarten-5th grade without applying.
Families wishing to apply to University Primary may look for details on this admissions tab and direct logistical admissions questions to Christine Wyant, the School Office Specialist. The School Director, Ali Lewis is available by email or during a site visit for questions about University Primary School's philosophy, teachers, structure, etc. Please use the admissions tab for information regarding the application process and tuition/fees. University Primary School is a self-sustaining unit within The College of Education and The University of Illinois. As such, we follow The University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and other Sexual Misconduct.
To understand your child's strengths and interests, as well as your family's hopes for schooling, information is collected to create an Individual Portfolio Profile for admission consideration. We truly enjoy reading these portfolios and appreciate the time you and your child take to complete them! When considering applicants, we first strive to make a philosophical match between that of the prospective family and our school. Current and former siblings are given preference, and we attempt to balance the classrooms by age and gender. We strive to reflect our diverse world in terms of culture, ability, socio-economic status, race, religion, family formation, language, etc.
Attend Uni Primary's Fall 2024 Open House and/or schedule an individual site visit
October Fall Open House TBD
Kindergarten-Fifth Grade: 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
Step One: Attend Open House and/or Schedule a Site Visit
Site Visits are no longer being scheduled for prospective 2024-2025 school year familes, except for preschool families considering application for FALL 2024. Call Uni Primary directly at 217-333-3996 to schedule a site tour for preschool. Prospective Families may attend the Spring or Fall Open House and/or choose to schedule an individual site visit. Children are welcome, but not required to attend Open House/Site Visit.
Schedule a Site Tour
Step Two: Complete Application Form
Online Application Form
Optional Step: Complete Tuition Fee Waiver Application Form
Families must submit tax documentation to affirm their waiver application. Families may choose to submit tax documentation in person by visiting the school office. Families may choose to submit tax documentation electronically, using the secure box folder found through this tuition fee waiver application form link below. Do not email your tax form. Social Security Numberss are on tax forms. We will temporarily collect a tax form electronically for affirmation of waiver information and then electronically dispose of the form. Families have the option to black out a SSN on their tax form, when submitting electronically or in person. After submitting a tax form via the secure box folder, remember to remove the tax form from your own computer/recycle bin, etc. if no longer needed!
Tuition Fee Waiver Application Form
Step Three: Child's Independent Work/Play Samples (all 3 samples to be submitted within Step Two's form)
- Family Portrait: A drawing or representation by the child of their family - May use any materials: paint, markers, crayons, pencil, etc. 3rd-5th grade applicants have an additional, required accompaniment to their family portrait: Compose a short story about a memorable family moment (typed or handwritten.) preK-2nd grade applicants optional to accompany family portrait for : Ask your child to narrate their thoughts regarding the portrait of their family (adult can write for child). Adult or child may "label" the portrait in order to more fully express the creation.
- Construction/Design: A photograph of an independently construction/something "designed" - May be constructed using blocks, Lego, cardboard, tape, clay, toys, boxes, sand, etc. Or be a design arrangement of dolls, cars, animals, etc. Constructed jewelry, clothing, baked good, etc. are also welcome. What does your child "design" and "construct" from their imagination?
- Other: Family/child's choice (i.e., drawing or other artistic creation, transcript or recording of a conversation, story telling, photo of child doing something they love, etc.)
Step Four
Pay $75.00 non-refundable application fee -or- submit an application fee waiver form for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch under Step Two
Pay Now
Placement decisions will be made by a Placement Committee comprised of University Primary School Head Teachers and the Director. Families will be informed regarding first round placement decisions at the end of March/early April or at other times during the year, if applying outside of the traditional admissions timeframe.
**During summer months or for a specific circumstance, it may not be possible for a family to complete a site visit questionnaire. Applicant families must meet with the director, but this form may be waived due to the time of year or a specific circumstance and the application may still be considered complete.