Application for the 2023-24 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 2023-24 school year are available with priority already awarded to applications received by March 1, 2023. Applications are accepted year round for admissions or waiting list to classrooms for the current school year; for the current school year (2023-24) there are limited or no spots available in classrooms. 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. 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 assess 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. Though there is not a preference for University-affiliated families, we do hope our University families apply alongside any families in the Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities.
Attend Uni Primary's Spring 2024 Open House and/or schedule an individual site visit
February 13, 2024
- Kindergarten-Fifth Grade: 9:00 AM-2:30 PM
- Preschool: 9:00 AM-Noon
Step One: Attend an Open House and/or Schedule a Site Visit
Prospective Families may attend the Spring or Fall Open House and/or choose to schedule an individual site tour: In the summer months, do not click the "schedule a site tour" button, rather, email the School Director, Dr. Ali Lewis to arrange a meeting time.
Schedule a Site Tour
Step Two: Complete the Following Application Forms
Step Three: Child's Independent Work/Play Samples (all 3 samples)
- 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
Step Five
Send all application materials by email to: uniprimary-applications@education.illinois.edu and in the summer months, also email materials to the school director: alilewis@illinois.edu
Placement decisions will be made by a Placement Committee comprised of University Primary School 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.