Waterside School Photo #1 - For the 5th annual "Acoustic Night," our school's gymnasium was transformed into the "Waterside Cafe," complete with cafe tables and soulful artwork. The evening's main event was an 8 song program put together by our 4th and 5th graders, complimented by instrumentals and thoughtful song introductions.

Waterside School

Waterside School is a co-educational JK-5th Grade independent school serving children and families regardless of limitations in income or circumstance.
The School attracts and inspires students of academic promise and families deeply invested in their children`s success.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CT School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 134 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $27,000
  • Acceptance rate: 28%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Waterside School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Year Founded
2001
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Wed. Sep 10, 2025

Student Body

Total Students
134 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Waterside School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
20 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
blue sweater, white collared shirt, khaki or blue pants/skirt

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Please note that tuition is set on a sliding scale according to each family's ability to pay. The average tuition paid by a Waterside family is $1,900.00.
Acceptance Rate
28%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Aundrea Tabbs-Smith
Admissions Associate
Lauren Dupree
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art ClubNewspaper
Robotics ClubScience Club
YogaZumba Fitness


Arts and Music Programs:
BalletMusic Lessons
Theatre

School Notes

  • The Waterside School opened with twenty-seven students, a handful of teachers and an ambition bold and timely. Now spanning six grades, with one hundred and forty-one students and a teaching faculty of twenty-four, the School has grown larger, stronger and better.The dream of all that might be has become a working reality and the successes on every front have provided fitting testament to the worthiness and sustainability of the effort, the promise of the children served and the herculean efforts of all committed and involved.The School is blessed with visionary leadership, a socio-economically and culturally diverse student body, a talented and passionate teaching faculty, an involved parent body and the generous support of the greater community.In the culture that is Waterside, one both singular and inspiring, the promise of every child is respected and honored and all that are a part of the School are challenged to strive to the highest academic and personal standards.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Waterside School cost?
Waterside School's tuition is approximately $27,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Waterside School?
The acceptance rate of Waterside School is 28%, which is lower than the national average of 71%. Waterside School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Connecticut with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Waterside School offer?
Waterside School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Soccer and Swimming.
What is Waterside School's ranking?
Waterside School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Highest percentage of students of color.
When is the application deadline for Waterside School?
The application deadline for Waterside School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Waterside School located?
Waterside School is located in the South End neighborhood of Stamford, CT.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CT School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 134 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $27,000
  • Acceptance rate: 28%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Stamford, CT is $36,928 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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