Our Admission Process

Welcome to Advent!

Every parent wants the best education for their child. At Advent, we provide a rigorous and supportive learning environment to build a strong academic foundation so that every child is successful in high school, college, and beyond. Our admission application process is designed to ensure you have a clear sense of what Advent has to offer as well as an opportunity for our faculty and staff to get to know your family!

Advent has always been a special place for me - from my first day of PreK as a student at Advent to my current role as Head of School. It has been a community that has supported, nurtured, and inspired me every step of my journey, and I know you will find it a place of joy for your child.

In many ways, JPK–8 education lays the groundwork for life. It's a foundation a child will continuously build on—into high school, college, and adulthood. Advent Episcopal School takes JPK–8 education seriously, guiding your child through their formative years in a nurturing, caring, and safe environment that leads to lifelong learning. It is a delight to see new students come through our door each year, not knowing exactly where their journey will take them but knowing they will have the skills to make a positive impact on the world.

Making a decision about your child's education is not easy, but we hope to make the process as stress-free as possible. Our school community is already here to support you. If you have any questions about the application process, want to set up a campus tour, or need additional information, we would be thrilled to help.

We have a fantastic admissions team, and I'm always happy to answer questions as well!

Claire Cassady Vaughn ‘03, Head of School

Our Application Process

Step 1

Tour Our School

We'd love to meet with you and your child to show you everything Advent has to offer. The best way to get started with us is to schedule a tour with us.

Step 2

Submit Application

Next, you’ll submit the online application and request your recommendations and school records from your current school or preschool.

Step 3

Admission Assessment

Once your application is on file, we will reach out to schedule an admission assessment.

Priority Application Deadline: December 15

All applications received by December 15, 2024 will receive priority admission status for the 2025-2026 school year. Applications received after December 15 will be considered in the order they are received. We do accept applications for future school years, however, all admission assessments will take place the winter/spring prior to enrollment.

Students must turn 3 no later than September of the entering year to qualify for our Junior Pre-Kindergarten program.

JPK, Pre-K, and Kindergarten placements are determined through our required admission assessment.

Visiting our campus is one of the best ways to get to know us and for us to get to know you! 

You can schedule a tour by calling our Admission Office at 205-252-2535. We are happy to schedule a family tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. We also offer tours on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. If those times don't work for you, we will do our best to find an alternate time.

For candidates who are interested in admission for grades 1-8, we recommend setting up a shadow day which will allow your student to experience all that Advent has to offer. We can schedule a full day or a half day depending on your preference.

To learn more about our other admission information and events, please fill out an inquiry form. We would love to be in touch!

Visit Our School

Visitor Information

  • The Advent School is located in downtown Birmingham at 2019 6th Avenue North. 

    The school is situated on the southwest corner of 6th Avenue North and Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North. Richard Arrington Jr Blvd is between 20th Street and 22nd Street. Richard Arrington Jr Blvd is a one-way street heading north, and 6th Avenue North is a one-way street heading west.

  • The entrance to the school is located under the portico of the circular drive off 6th Avenue.

  • There are several options for parking when you visit the school. There is no visitor parking at the school.

    Street Parking: You may parallel park on the street. There is a 2-hour limit on street parking. The cost for 2 hours is $4.00. The meters only accept quarters.

    Parking Deck: There is a covered public parking deck on 5th Avenue North between 20th Street and Richard Arrington Jr Blvd. The cost for 2 hours is $2.00. 5th Avenue North is a one-way street heading east.

    Parking Lot: This open-air lot is on the northeast corner of 5th Avenue North and Richard Arrington Jr Blvd. The entrance is from 5th Avenue North, which is a one-way street heading east. There is a flat rate of $5.00 to park with no time limit.

Hear what Advent parents have to say

At Advent, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for every child while recognizing that every family’s financial situation is unique. Our Tailored Tuition program ensures that Advent remains accessible to a diverse community of students by offering individualized tuition rates based on each family’s ability to contribute. Tuition ranges are determined through the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment process, which evaluates each family’s financial situation. Families interested in applying for Tailored Tuition can begin by completing the FACTS Application or visit our Tuition Assistance Page for more information.

Tailored Tuition

Investing in Excellence: Tuition 2025-2026

8,750-17,500

Junior Pre-Kindergarten & Pre-Kindergarten

9,500-19,500

Kindergarten - 8th Grade

*Tuition includes enriching experiences such as class field trips (including upper school overnight adventures), comprehensive school supplies, a personalized yearbook, and school photos—all designed to enhance your. child’s journey at Advent. Optional programs and activities (i.e. athletics, clubs, etc.) will be billed separately.

**We offer an early-bird (half day) option for students in JPK and PreK. The “Early Bird” tailored tuition rate is 14,000.

Family Tuition Adjustments

The Tailored Tuition model automatically adjusts for families with multiple children enrolled. These adjustments ensure equitable contributions based on family size. Tuition for a second enrolled child is calculated at approximately 95% of the full rate. Tuition for additional children is calculated at approximately 90% of the full rate.

Customizable Payment Plans

  • All tuition and fees are paid over twelve, ten, or four months beginning on June 1 for the twelve month plan and August 1 for the ten and four month plan.

  • All tuition and fees are paid in two payments at the beginning of each semester.

  • All tuition and fees are paid in a single payment.

Advent 360

Advent360, formerly 12-Month Care, combines the traditional academic day with our Extended Day Program, Holiday Camps, and ADVENTure Summer Day Camp (including the summer after the school year) at a discounted rate. Holiday Camp, offered on most school holidays, is exclusively available to Advent360 students. Enrollment in Advent360 requires payment of the full discounted amount for AfterCare, Holiday Camp, and ADVENTure Summer Day Camp, with no opt-out option. Students may participate in ADVENTure Summer Day Camp without enrolling in Advent360.

The following dates are covered Holiday Camp dates for students on the 12-month enrollment plan for the 2025-2026 school year:

  • October 10 & 13, 2025 (Fall Break)

  • November 24 & 25, 2025 (Thanksgiving Break)

  • February 13 & 16, 2026 (Winter Break)

  • March 23–27, 2026 (Spring Break)

  • April 6, 2026 (Easter Monday)

Optional Programs & Fees

  • $1,260 annually or $10/meal

    The Annual plan is billed on the same schedule as the selected tuition payment plan. Daily lunch funds should be deposited using www.myschoolaccount.com (please refer to instructions on PantherNet). Daily lunch will not be provided unless there are sufficient funds in the account. Please note that if the Annual option is selected, the full amount will be due to the school and there is no ability to opt out.

  • Annual: $3,000

    Hourly: $15

    The 12-Month Enrollment Option and Annual plan are billed on the same schedule as the selected tuition payment plan. The hourly after-care charges are billed on a bi-weekly basis in arrears. Please note that if the 12 Month or Annual option is selected, the full amount will be due to the school and there is no ability to opt out. There will be a charge of $10 per 5 minutes for any child who is picked up after AfterCare hours end. Morning Care is included in Tuition.

  • All tuition and fees are paid in a single payment.

  • The annual cost for Advent 360 is $5,600. This includes annual After School Care, Summer Camp, and Holiday Camp.

Planning for the Future…

To help families plan ahead with greater clarity, we’re also implementing a three-year tuition range. Instead of annual adjustments, this framework provides stability and predictability.

Here’s what you can expect:


School Year JPK & PreK Tuition Ranges K-8th Tuition Ranges
2025-2026 8,750—17,500 9,500—19,500
2026-2027 8,950—17,900 9,850—20,400
2027-2028 9,300—18,600 10,500—21,300

Apply Today

Trusted by Leading Associations

The school serves a talented and diverse student body and offers its programs and admission to qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, or ethnicity.