Admissions

Admissions at PCD

Welcome to Providence Country Day School! We are glad you are here and appreciate you taking the time to learn more about PCD as you search for the best fit school for your child and family. We are excited to share our school and community with you and invite you to explore our website and social media pages, visit our campus, and engage with us to discover “why PCD.” I also encourage you to introduce yourself via our Inquiry Form or reach out to any member of the Admissions Team at any time during your search process. We are always happy to help, and we look forward to assisting you during this exciting time.

On behalf of our Admissions Team,
Melanie Parsons 
Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
PCD seeks to enroll students from diverse backgrounds who have shown consistently strong academic achievement, as well as responsible citizenship, intellectual curiosity, and the desire to be respectful and actively engaged members of their school community.
There are several components of the application, which help our office assess compatibility between the prospective student and the school. The process for each candidate at every grade level is personal, thorough, and self-reflective.

A Completed Application for Admission Consists of the Following

There are several components of our application, which help our Admissions Office assess compatibility between the prospective student and the school. A complete application consists of the following:

For Lower School applicants (grades Pre-K-4):
  1. Official transcript from the current school (current and previous years), if applicable.
  2. Teacher Recommendation: one from the current classroom teacher, if applicable.
  3. Campus visit and conversation with a member of the Henry Barnard School faculty. Please contact the Admissions Office at 401-438-5170 x137 to schedule.
  4. Neuro-psychological or psycho-educational testing results, if applicable.

For Middle School and Upper School applicants (grades 5-12):
  1. Official transcript from the current school (current and previous years).
  2. Teacher Recommendations: one from the current English teacher and one from the current Mathematics teacher.
  3. Interview with a member of PCD's Admissions Office. Please contact the Admissions Office at 401-438-5170 x137 to schedule.
  4. Neuro-psychological or psycho-educational testing results, if applicable.

Please note: an entrance exam is not required.

Important Application Deadlines

List of 5 items.

  • December 1, 2023

    • Returning Families: Financial Aid Application deadline
  • December 31, 2023*

    • New Families: Initial Financial Aid Application deadline
    • W2 and 1040 tax form (all schedules) submission deadline (all 2022 documents must be submitted by this date. Please submit 2023 tax documents as they become available).
  • February 1, 2024*

    • Admissions application deadline
    • All admissions materials are due to the Admissions Office on this date.
  • February 23, 2024

    • Admissions and financial aid decision notification
    • All decisions for admission and financial aid will be emailed to applicants on this date.
  • March 8, 2024

    • Family decision notification
    • Enrollment contracts and decision notifications are due to PCD by this date.
*After the December 31 and February 1 deadlines, the Admissions Office will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis as space allows.

Please contact the Admissions Office, at (401) 438-5170 x137 if you are interested in learning more about PCD and the application process.

Campus Tours and Interviews

As part of the admissions process, prospective students will spend some time visiting the Providence Country Day School campus. 

Please contact the Admissions Office at 401-438-5170 x137 to schedule your visit. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Applicant Evaluation

It is important to keep in mind that all prospective students are evaluated relative to the pool of students applying at each grade level. PCD's Office of Admissions is committed to maintaining open and clear lines of communication with prospective students and their families to help make the search for an independent school a smooth and positive experience.
The Providence Country Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational programs, activities, and employment practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Meet the Department

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Melanie Parsons

    Melanie Parsons 

    Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
  • Photo of Peter Walsworth

    Peter Walsworth 

    Associate Director of Admissions
  • Photo of Cate Massey

    Cate Massey 

    Advancement Associate & International Student Coordinator
  • Photo of Diane Palazzo

    Diane Palazzo 

    Admissions Administrative Assistant