FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- At what grade levels do you accept new students?
- Where do RCDS students come from?
- Do you offer Tuition Assistance?
- How long is your school day?
- Do you provide transportation to RCDS?
- Does RCDS have a dress code?
At what grade levels do you accept new students?
We accept students at all grade levels from Nursery to eighth grade. RCDS has two sections per grade level in ECC and Lower School and three sections in Upper School. While we accept students at all grades levels, admission is based on space availability. There is an optimal opportunity for admittance during the most common “entry” years—in Nursery, Beginners (Kindergarten), and in fifth grade (the beginning of Upper School).
We strongly encourage parents who are considering entering RCDS at any grade level to contact the Admissions Office to arrange a tour and conversation as early in the admissions season as possible.
Where do RCDS students come from?
Do you offer Tuition Assistance?
Yes! RCDS aims to help make tuition affordable to families. We designates a certain amount of money every year to be awarded to families for Tuition Assistance. Awards are need-based and are determined on a family’s ability to pay tuition. Families applying for tuition assistance will need to re-apply each year and grants may be adjusted if the financial situation of a family changes. Please see a more detailed explanation on our Tuition & Affordability page.
How long is your school day?
Students in Beginners (Kindergarten) through eighth grade begin their day at 8 AM. School doors open at 7:30 AM and many students are here early to socialize with their classmates before the day begins. Classes end at 3 PM. If your child chooses to participate in Upper School sports, practices take place from 3-4:30 PM.
Students in Nursery and Pre-K begin their day at 8:45 AM. Students who are enrolled in the Lunch Brunch program depart at 1 PM and full day Nursery/Pre-K students depart at 2:30 PM.
Do you provide transportation to RCDS?
Our Director of Transportation will work with your sending town to determine if bussing is available. While this is ultimately a county decision, if your town does not provide bussing, it may provide reimbursement for your travel costs, up to $1,000 per year. We are happy to discuss your specific needs with you.
Does RCDS have a dress code?
RCDS students wear a uniform. Please see our dress code guidelines outlined below.
*Our Parent Council also runs a “Gently Worn Uniform Shop” that provides gently worn uniforms in good condition. Families are encouraged to donate their uniforms that their child has outgrown and families can also shop for uniform items at a nominal cost. Please contact the store at GWUS@rcds.org to arrange a donation or to shop the inventory.
Uniform Requirements by Grade Level
- Lower School Boys (Beginners-4th Grade)
- Upper School Boys (5th-8th Grade)
- Lower School Girls (Beginners-4th Grade)
- Upper School Girls (5th-8th Grade)
Lower School Boys (Beginners-4th Grade)
The uniform for boys in Beginners through Grade 4 is uniform shorts or uniform slacks, uniform polo shirts or uniform turtlenecks, and socks (at least 3 inches above the anklebone). A uniform sweater (cardigan, pullover, or vest) or fleece may be worn. Dress shirts, ties, belts, and jackets are not required for boys in B-4.
| Item | Style | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Polo Shirt | Mesh or Interlock | White, Evergreen, Navy, Maize, Pink |
| Sweater | Crew, Full Zip, or V-Neck | Evergreen, Navy |
| Fleece Jacket | Full or Quarter Zip | Evergreen |
| Shorts/Pants | Chino (any brand) | Navy, Khaki |
| Socks | Crew or Ankle | Navy, Forest Green, White, Gray, or Black |
Upper School Boys (5th-8th Grade)
The RCDS school uniform for boys in grades 5-8 consists of uniform slacks, uniform blazer and/or uniform cardigan, pullover or sweater vest, or fleece, uniform button down dress shirt – long or short sleeve, and neatly pressed uniform slacks, a tie, belt, and socks that are at least 3 inches above the anklebone. Pants should be in the style of the Lands’ End khakis that have traditionally been part of the uniform. The RCDS logo is no longer required on the uniform pants. While this does make it possible to purchase pants from different manufacturers, please use the pictures available on the Lands’ End website as your guide. Appropriate pants are still available for purchase from Lands’ End. (Boys may choose their own ties, belts, and socks, as the uniform company does not offer them.)
| Item | Style | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Polo Shirt | Mesh or Interlock | White, Evergreen, Navy, Maize, Pink |
| Oxford Dress Shirt | Long or Short Sleeve | White, Blue |
| Blazer | Navy | |
| Sweater | Crew, Full Zip, or V-Neck | Evergreen, Navy |
| Sweater Vest | V-Neck | Evergreen, Navy, Maize |
| Fleece Jacket | Full or Quarter Zip | Evergreen |
| Shorts/Pants | Chino (any brand) | Navy, Khaki |
| Socks | Crew or Ankle | Navy, Forest Green, White, Gray, or Black |
| Tie | Any Style | Any Color or Pattern |
Lower School Girls (Beginners-4th Grade)
The uniform for girls in Beginners through Grade 4 consists of uniform polo shirts or uniform blouses, (short, long or ¾ sleeves). Uniform skirts, uniform jumpers, uniform skorts, or uniform slacks, and uniform ankle socks, knee socks or tights/hose. (Girls in Beginners through Grade 2 may also wear uniform shorts.) Uniform fleece, pullover or cardigan sweaters may be worn.
| Item | Style | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Polo Shirt | Mesh or Interlock | White, Evergreen, Navy, Maize, Pink |
| Sweater | Cardigan, Zip Front, or V-Neck | Evergreen, Navy, Maize (cardigan only) |
| Fleece Jacket | Full or Quarter Zip | Evergreen |
| Jumper | Pleated or Solid | Navy, Khaki |
| Skirt | Pleated, A-Line, or Solid | Navy, Khaki, Green |
| Formal Skirt | Corey Solid | Gordon Plaid |
| Shorts/Pants | Chino (any brand) | Navy, Khaki |
| Socks | Crew or Knee-High | Navy, Forest Green, White, Gray, or Black |
Upper School Girls (5th-8th Grade)
The uniform for girls in grades 5-8 consists of polo shirts, turtlenecks, or blouses with skirts or slacks, and optional fleece, sweaters, pullover sweaters or sweater vests, all of which must be purchased from either Lands’ End or Corey Uniform company. Girls must also wear socks, leggings (with socks) or tights with shoes.
| Item | Style | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Polo Shirt | Mesh or Interlock | White, Evergreen, Navy, Maize, Pink |
| Sweater | Cardigan, Zip Front, or V-Neck | Evergreen, Navy, Maize (cardigan only) |
| Fleece Jacket | Full or Quarter Zip | Evergreen |
| Jumper | Pleated or Solid | Navy, Khaki |
| Skirt | Pleated, A-Line, or Skort | Navy, Khaki, Green |
| Formal Skirt | Corey Plaid | Gordon Plaid |
| Shorts/Pants | Chino (any brand) | Navy, Khaki |
| Socks | Crew or Knee-High | Navy, Forest Green, White, Gray, or Black |
Questions?
Mia Choate
Assistant Director of Admissions
Tracey Wetmore
Director of Advancement