A place to belong. A place to grow. A place to discover what's possible. At Walden, every student's journey is personal.
From Kindergarten through graduation, our students are known, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. With small classes, meaningful relationships, and endless opportunities to explore, Walden is a community where students don't just learn—they thrive.
We'd love to get to know your family and help you discover what a Walden education could mean for your child.
START YOUR ADMISSIONS INQUIRYA quick hello is all it takes to get started.
Every student. Every possibility.
Every student's Walden journey is unique. Select your child's school division below to explore programs, experiences, and answers to common admissions questions.
Walden's Lower School emphasizes small classes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning. Students develop strong academic foundations while exploring their creativity, building friendships, and discovering a love of learning.
In addition to reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies, Lower School students enjoy specialist-led music, art, science, Spanish, and physical education twice weekly.
Weekly library visits further support literacy and a love of reading.
Walden's average student-teacher ratio is 12:1. Small classes help teachers get to know each child and adapt instruction to individual strengths, interests, and learning needs.
Yes! Kindergarten applicants are invited to special Shadow Sunday experiences on December 6, 2026, and January 10, 2027.
Prospective students in Grades 1–4 may participate in a Shadow Day. Families should schedule a campus tour before arranging a student visit.
Families begin by connecting with our Admissions Office and scheduling a campus tour. The process includes an application, required student records, and an admissions assessment, with student visit opportunities appropriate to the grade level.
Our Admissions team guides families through each step.
Walden begins Middle School in 5th Grade to provide a gradual transition from the Lower School classroom to a more departmentalized academic structure.
This approach gives students additional time and guidance as they develop independence and responsibility.
Through challenging academics, STEM learning, research, writing, and communication opportunities, students develop the foundational skills needed for High School.
Advisory support, study halls, and executive-functioning guidance help students develop organizational and independent learning skills.
Middle School students can explore athletics, fine arts, academic competitions, leadership programs, and a variety of extracurricular interests.
Opportunities include band, choir, studio art, KYA/KUNA, and no-cut athletics.
Small classes allow teachers to provide individualized feedback, build meaningful relationships, and help students develop confidence as their academic responsibilities grow.
Yes! Prospective students in Grades 5–8 may spend a school day alongside a current Walden student, attend classes, and experience the school community firsthand.
Families should complete a campus tour before scheduling a Shadow Day.
Walden combines rigorous college-preparatory academics with individualized attention, meaningful student-teacher relationships, and opportunities to explore personal interests.
Students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically while pursuing athletics, leadership, the arts, and extracurricular activities.
Yes! Walden High School offers 19 AP courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma Program.
AP Capstone emphasizes research, analysis, collaboration, and college-level academic communication.
College and career counseling begins in 9th Grade. Students benefit from academic advising, ACT preparation, opportunities for internships and job shadowing, and guidance throughout the college application process.
Absolutely! Walden offers 10 no-cut varsity sports, along with student government, fine arts, service opportunities, interest-based clubs, and leadership experiences.
Students are also encouraged to explore their own interests and establish new clubs.
Yes! Prospective High School students can participate in a Shadow Day, following the daily schedule of a current Walden student.
It's an opportunity to experience classes, connect with students and teachers, and discover what makes Walden unique.
Our Admissions team is here to help you explore your child's Walden journey. For questions about applications, tuition, financial aid, or upcoming admissions opportunities, we're happy to connect.
CONTACT ADMISSIONS →Submit your Walden application by December 18 and receive special Early Action benefits designed to give your family a head start.
Save 50% on your enrollment fee when you submit your application by the Early Action deadline.
Your application will receive priority review by Walden's Admissions Committee.
Early Action applicants can begin the financial aid process January 1.
Applications must be submitted by December 18, 2026.
We're excited to get to know your family! Complete the inquiry form below to connect with our Admissions team and take the first step toward discovering all that Walden has to offer.
Stroll through the halls and outdoor facilities in a personal tour led by Director of Admissions, Stacy Nickle. It's the best way to get an in-depth perspective of Walden School and learn the history, philosophy, culture, and classroom methodology of our unique campus.
*NOTE: To submit an application to Walden, you will need to create an account. There is a one-time $75 application fee. To apply for financial aid, you will have to create your own Walden FACTS account. There is a one-time $30 application fee.
Every child is unique. Answer a few quick questions to discover the learning profile that best matches your child and how they may thrive at Walden.
Schedule a Tour
Preparing for the Assessment
Shadow at walden
Tuition and Financial Aid
Apply to Walden
Review your appplication
Explore the admissions timeline month by month to see what families can do at each stage of the process.
“Walden has been an amazing K-12 school for all three of my children. When we chose Walden for our children’s education, we knew that our children would flourish due to the incredible, personalized attention in support of their academic, social, and emotional growth. What we didn’t realize is how supportive, engaging, and close knit the Walden community is as a whole. My husband and I have made life long friends in addition to our children becoming confident, life long learners. We highly recommend Walden for anyone who is looking for a school that is inclusive, compassionate, and who will eagerly partner with you in your child’s educational journey.”
Walden School is a private K–12 school in Louisville, Kentucky serving students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Our small classes and supportive community allow students to receive individualized attention while developing strong academic, creative, and social skills.
Walden School is located in Louisville, Kentucky in the St. Matthews area.
Address:
4238 Westport Rd
Louisville, KY 40207-2224
Families from across Louisville and surrounding communities choose Walden for its small class sizes, personalized education, and supportive learning environment.
Walden maintains an average 12:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing teachers to provide individualized instruction and meaningful mentorship. Small classes help students stay engaged, ask questions, and build strong relationships with their teachers.
Walden different from other private schools in Louisville?
Walden offers a unique learning environment that emphasizes:
Small class sizes
Personalized instruction
Creative and hands-on learning
Strong teacher-student relationships
A supportive K-12 community
Students at Walden are encouraged to think critically, explore their interests, and develop confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
Families can schedule a campus tour or admissions meeting by completing the admissions inquiry form.
Tours are the best way to experience the Walden community and learn how the school supports each student’s growth.
Families can apply through the Walden online admissions portal. The typical admissions process includes:
Schedule a campus tour
Arrange a student Shadow Day
Complete the online application
Submit required records and recommendations
Participate in a student assessment
The Admissions Office guides families through every step of the process.
Yes. The application fee is $75 (one-time, non-refundable) and is required when submitting your child’s application. The enrollment fee secures your child’s spot after acceptance: $1,000 for the first child and $500 for each additional child. This fee is non-refundable and not applied toward tuition.escription
Walden offers an Early Action deadline in December. Students who apply Early Action receive priority review and may qualify for incentives such as a reduced enrollment fee.
Applications received after the Early Action deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis as space allows.
Yes. Prospective students are encouraged to attend a Shadow Day where they spend a school day with a current student, attend classes, and experience Walden’s learning environment firsthand.
Families can also schedule a personalized campus tour to meet faculty and explore the school.
Yes. Walden offers need-based financial aid to help make a Walden education accessible to families. Financial aid is awarded based on demonstrated need and available funds.
Applications are submitted through FACTS Financial Aid.
Financial aid applications typically open February 1, with award notifications sent in mid-March.
Families are encouraged to apply early to ensure full consideration.
Already applied?
Sign in to the admissions portal and review your application to check which stage you are at in the admissions process. If you have any follow-up questions, please email the Director of Admissions, Stacy Nickle.
Walden School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in any decision regarding employment, admissions, financial aid, athletics, educational policies or any other school-administered programs.
Walden adheres to the ISACS Principles of Good Practice in Admissions and Employment in all admissions practices and enrollment decisions.
Discover Life as a Walden Student
“Walden provides a great balance between structure, discipline and nurture–it is like you belong to a family... If you are looking for a place for your child to gain a great educational foundation, I recommend Walden without equivocation.”
Financing a Walden Education
We're dedicated to keeping classroom sizes small and ensuring every student has the individualized attention they need to succeed academically. Our average 12:1 student-teacher ratio testifies to our mission of providing carefully managed learning environments that encourage personal development. If accepted into Walden, you become part of a unique, close-knit community that values rapport amongst its students, faculty, and families. As our numbers grow, we can ensure that our dedication to this philosophy will not change.
Explore the distribution of students across Lower School, Middle School, and High School. Hover or click a grade to see enrollment and a snapshot of the experience at that stage of the Walden journey.
“The teachers here have always been amazing, but the students that go here say it all. The impact this school has on people is amazing, and Walden School is one thing that I won’t forget.”
“We follow best practices in our admissions process. Scheduling a tour and arranging a Shadow Day are essential components to considering a new school...and throughout the entire process, we are committed to providing your family absolute, individualized attention. We guarantee that our team will be with your family every step of the way, to address every question and concern. Ensuring families have a genuine, positive introduction to Walden is our top priority.”
SUBMIT AN INQUIRY
SCHEDULE A TOUR
SHADOW At Walden
APPLY TO WALDEN
