Applicant Families Visit Crescent for Their Close-Up

With the introduction of Grades 1 and 2 to Crescent’s Lower School in September 2026, the Enrolment team has developed new ways to learn about our youngest applicants and to help identify those who show the greatest promise. This is no mean feat, given the many worthy candidates, placing significant importance on events such as Crescent Close-Up.

Taking place in small groups spread over six sessions, Close-Ups gave the team an opportunity to interact with the boys applying to Crescent for its Grade 1 and 2 classes. “It was really important that we created a more in-depth opportunity to get to know these families,” says Assistant Director of Enrolment Merrick David. “Over the course of the application process, each gathering became a little bit smaller and a little bit more intimate.” 

The Close-Up events brought the boys together in the Margaret Donnelly Library for structured activities that included problem-solving with puzzles, building with magnet tiles, drawing, and writing. “ We leaned into our essential character qualities,” explains David. “We were looking for collaboration, growth mindset, adaptability and courageousness. We wanted to see how the boys played together.” Activities were designed with fun in mind to help the boys feel comfortable. 

Experienced faculty helped observe the boys, including Patricia Alviano and Amy Joliat, the Head and Assistant Head of Lower School, along with members of the Enrolment and Crescent Student Services teams.

In all, 102 families participated in this inaugural series of Close-Ups—a group vying for one of just 28 spots or 14 per grade. Next year, David hopes to tweak the experience by offering even smaller group sizes for a more intimate and informative experience.