Applications 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 were available beginning January 10, 2024 with priority given to applications received by March 1, 2024. For the current 2024-2025 school year, we are only accepting applications for limited spots in preschool. Kindergarten-5th grade classrooms are full, however, applications may be accepted for the waiting list. Preschool students at Uni Primary are given the option to continue into Kindergarten-5th grade without reapplying. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be available beginning January 10, 2025.

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. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination.

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.

Uni Primary's Fall 2024 Open House Tuesday, October 8

Open House for Prospective Families entering Kindergarten-Fifth Grade: 9:00 AM-2:30 PM 10/8/24

Open House for Prospective Families entering Preschool: 9:00 AM-Noon 10/8/24

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 tour/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.