All Your Questions: Answered
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Key questions about applying to TVT, timelines, and admissions decisions.
| What are the key deadlines for admission? |
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The Priority Admission Deadline for all grades is February 1. Applications will be accepted and evaluated as space allows after February 1. |
| Do you have to be Jewish to attend TVT? |
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We welcome families of all faiths into the TVT community. |
| When applying, how much weight is given to test scores? |
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We look at test scores as one part of your child’s story. Student visits, report cards, teacher questionnaires, and faculty and administration feedback are of equal importance. |
| Do siblings of current students receive special consideration? |
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Qualified siblings receive priority for available spots but must fulfill the same admissions criteria as non-sibling applicants. |
| When will we be notified of the school’s decision? |
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Decisions will be communicated in late February or early March. |
THE TVT EXPERIENCE
What learning, community, and daily life look like at TVT.
| What time does school start and end? |
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Lower School Students (TK–5th Grade)
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| Why does TVT emphasize character development? |
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Academics are important, but character is paramount at TVT. We believe the future requires integrity. Our core values are infused into classes and choices every day. We want graduates whose high ambitions are grounded in deep purpose. |
| What curriculum does the school follow? |
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TVT offers a college-preparatory, well-rounded academic program that builds foundational skills in core disciplines while encouraging inquiry and innovation. Visit the Lower, Middle, or Upper School pages on our website to explore detailed curricula. |
| What colleges and universities do TVT graduates attend? |
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Our college counseling program supports students and families through a thoughtful process centered on fit, growth, and long-term success. TVT graduates have been accepted to Ivy League schools, UC campuses, liberal arts colleges, and international universities. Recent examples include Stanford, University of Michigan, Northwestern University, Berklee College of Music, and UCLA. |
| How does the school support children who are new to Hebrew? |
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Hebrew knowledge is not required for admission. We offer level-based instruction and personalized support across all grades. Lower School students are grouped by level, and we provide pullout programs. In Middle and Upper School, students are placed in classes that match their Hebrew proficiency. |
| Will my family be included in the school’s traditions and celebrations if we are not Jewish? |
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Absolutely. All families are welcome and encouraged to participate. We prioritize inclusion and respect for all beliefs while emphasizing shared values like truth, respect, kindness, justice, and community. |
| What co-curricular activities do you offer? |
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Students have access to a robust roster of student-led clubs and organizations that support & enhance learning beyond the school day.
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| What sports programs do you offer for students? |
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| How involved are parents at TVT? |
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TVT’s Parent Association provides many opportunities to get involved, including volunteering in classrooms, attending Kabbalat Shabbat services, and committee work at all school levels. |
| Do you have a school lunch program? |
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Yes. Kosher lunches are available for purchase for students in all divisions and supervised by a mashgiach. |
| Do you have afterschool care? |
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Yes. The Lower School Explorers enrichment program runs until 6 PM (Mon–Thurs) and 5 PM (Fri) for an additional fee. Middle and Upper School students may study in the library until 4:30 PM. Families can also use aftercare at the adjacent Merage Jewish Community Center. |
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Information about applying for financial assistance and important deadlines.
| Who should apply? |
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Any family interested in providing their children with a TVT education but worried about affordability should apply for financial assistance. TVT is dedicated to meeting the demonstrated and documented needs of each family, regardless of financial standing, and seeks to enroll students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. |
| How difficult is the application process? |
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The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is mobile friendly, and you can save your progress to return at any time. |
| Will applying for financial assistance impact how the school evaluates my admissions application? |
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No. TVT does not consider a family’s financial circumstances in making admission decisions. |
| How is financial assistance awarded and need determined? |
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TVT partners with Clarity, which helps assess a family’s financial profile objectively. Each family must complete the Clarity Application, submit the required documents, and pay a processing fee. TVT reviews the full financial picture, including income, assets, debt, expenses, and lifestyle choices, and considers additional individual circumstances. |
| Does financial assistance cover any additional student fees? |
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Yes. Select auxiliary student fees such as Learning Center fees and Athletic fees are reduced based on the percentage of financial assistance awarded. |
| What happens if parents are divorced, separated, or remarried? |
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TVT requires financial information from all parents. Both legal and stepparent assets and income are considered. All parents must submit Clarity applications and required documentation, regardless of legal obligations. |
| What if the custodial parent has no contact with the non-custodial parent? |
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The non-custodial parent’s requirement may be waived if they have had no contact with the custodial parent or student(s), or if contact is not in the student's best interest. The custodial parent must provide verification from a third party such as an attorney or social worker. |
| Must families who receive financial assistance re-apply each year? |
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Yes. Families must re-apply each year to confirm ongoing financial need. |
| If a family receives a financial assistance award the first year, can they expect approximately the same level of assistance in future years? |
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While assistance is not guaranteed, TVT strives to maintain a consistent level of support for students based on continued financial need and available resources. |
| What if there is an unexpected change in financial circumstances after financial assistance has been awarded? |
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Families can submit an appeal request and provide supporting documentation if their financial circumstances change unexpectedly (e.g., divorce, job loss, investment losses). |
CONTACT INFORMATION
Have more questions? We’re here and happy to help!
Lower School Campus
5200 Bonita Canyon Drive
Irvine, CA, 92603
Middle and Upper Campus
5 Federation Way
Irvine, CA, 92603
TVT Community Day School admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. TVT Community Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, or other School-administered programs.