FAQs

When is the application deadline for admission to the school?

The admissions office begins to process applications in late fall and announce new students in April. We then move to rolling admissions for the remainder of the year.

What type of testing do you require for admission?

Prior to admission, testing for Preschool, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten is administered by Swain’s School Counselor. These tests are designed to determine a child’s appropriateness for the Swain program. Children are assessed on their readiness to enter school. Motor, social and verbal skills are evaluated.

Students applying for grades 1-8 will be evaluated through assessments in Math, Reading and Writing, in addition to social and emotional development.

Do you offer financial aid and/or scholarships?

Yes, we do offer financial aid based on need. In addition, up to five scholarships are available through the Swain Middle School Scholarship program, to newly enrolled students entering grades 5-8 who demonstrate academic excellence and/or financial need.

What are the school hours?

• Preschool & Prekindergarten: Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. There are two dismissal options: 12:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m
• Lower School/Middle School (Kindergarten-8th Grade): The school day runs from 8 a.m.-3:05 p.m.
• Extended Day program: 7:30-8 a.m. and 3-5:30 p.m.
• There are a number of Early Dismissal Days throughout the school year. On these days, Preschool, Prekindergarten and Kindergarten dismiss at
  11:30 a.m. Students in grades 1-8 dismiss at 11:45 a.m. Families with students in both groups: all students will dismiss at 11:45 a.m.

Are uniforms required?

Uniforms are required beginning in Kindergarten and are available from Flynn & O’Hara and Lands End. Swain also offers a Used Uniform Sale, offering gently-used uniforms at an affordable price. Click here for more information about our Dress Code.

Do you provide transportation?

For students in Kindergarten-8th grade, busing is provided to Swain by school districts whose border is located within ten miles of The Swain School. Busing is arranged by Swain in conjunction with the local school districts.

Currently, busing is available from the following school districts: Allentown (through 5th grade), Bethlehem, Brandywine Heights, Catasauqua, East Penn, Northampton, Northwestern Lehigh, Parkland, Salisbury, Saucon Valley, Southern Lehigh, Upper Perkiomen and Whitehall Coplay.

Do you offer an Extended Day program?

Before- and after school supervision is available from 7:30-8:00 a.m. and
3:00-5:30 p.m. at $8.50 per hour, per child (multiple child discounts apply). Click here for more information.

Do you offer sports?

From fifth-eighth grades, students may join interscholastic teams that hold regular practices and play other schools both at home and away. There are no try outs, and everyone who signs up to play and attends practices can participate. Uniforms and bus transportation to away games are provided.

    Fall: soccer, field hockey, cross country
    Winter: basketball, dance
    Spring: lacrosse, fitness

In the winter, an Indoor Field Hockey club program is available for a fee.

As part of our SASS (Swain After-School Specials) program, opportunities to learn and improve skills in basketball, soccer, archery, dance, and cheerleading are offered for various ages.

Where do your students attend school after Swain?

In recent years, Swain graduates enrolled in the following secondary schools, among others: Blair Academy, Central Catholic High School, The George School, The Hill School, Lehigh Valley Performing Arts High School, Moravian Academy, The Pennington School, The Perkiomen School, and Wyoming Seminary, as well as many fine public high schools.