Admissions

Information Sessions and Admissions Calendar

Each fall and winter, we offer a series of information sessions, both virtual and in-person events. Please check our social media for upcoming events. Private campus tours and interviews are available year-round by contacting Brad Hirsh.

Admissions Process

We seek motivated, academically strong students who have a keen interest in expanding their worldview through real-world problem solving.  A desire to explore the new and unknown are essential, and you will join other students and faculty to form a learning community during your time at the Chesapeake Watershed Semester.  Our admissions team reviews student essays, teacher recommendations, and transcripts.  

Timeline

Applications for Chesapeake Watershed Semester are open high school sophomores and juniors living within commuting distance of Centreville, MD.  We are now accepting applications for Fall 2025. Early applications should be sent in by December 15 and regular applications should be sent in by February 1.  Completed forms should be emailed to bhirsh@gunston.org.

Students not currently enrolled at the Gunston School will need to send a transcript and two teacher recommendations in addition to completing the application.  

The Gunston School and the Chesapeake Watershed Semester promotes a welcoming and tolerant environment that values the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. We recognize, honor, and celebrate the rich diversity that exists within our community and our world, and we seek to engender in CWS students the cultural competence to embrace diverse ideas, perspectives and individuals. This includes, but is not limited to, diversity of race, ethnicity, language, nationality, gender, physical and mental ability, learning style, religion, class, and sexual orientation, as well as of societal and world views. Our overarching aim is to prepare our students to navigate successfully as scholars, citizens, and leaders in a diverse global society.