Admissions

Admission Process

Start your application to Archmere Academy today!

List of 4 items.

Complete an Inquiry Form & schedule a Shadow Visit at Archmere

The first step in the admissions process is complete a standard inquiry form and schedule your shadow visit. This can all be done in one, convenient step!
Complete Your Application in Your Candidate Page

Please create a username and password for the candidate page on the Archmere Parent Portal Page. From that page, you will be able to complete your application and required checklist items. There is a nonrefundable application fee of $60.
Take the Entrance/Scholarship Exam

The entrance/scholarship exam for 8th graders only. Preregistration is required, along with a $55 registration fee. The registration form can be found on your candidate page upon completion of your application. Results will be released approximately two weeks after the exam.

***Kindly email ptolvaisa@archmereacademy.com to schedule your Entrance Exam if the dropdown menu is blank and you are unable to select a date.***
Schedule an Interview with the Admissions Office

Students and their families who have completed all application materials and have taken the entrance exam will be invited to interview with a member of the admissions committee. A suggested time frame and sign up link for the interview will accompany the entrance exam results.

Questions? Please contact the Admissions Office at 302-798-6632 ext. 706.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

CURRICULUM
Archmere takes pride in recognizing and serving various achievement levels among its students, all of whom seek the rigorous mix of challenge and success that suits their strengths across different disciplines. Check out the robust curriculum we offer!
COLLEGE COUNSELING
Archmere Academy offers a comprehensive College Counseling program to all students and families with a goal of finding the right fit for each student.
ATHLETICS
Nearly 90% of the student body competes in interscholastic sports. Our dedicated athletic staff views coaching as a professional commitment and the Archmere athletic experience as an extension of classroom learning.

Looking to log in to your parent portal to continue the application process?

Meet the Admissions Team

List of 4 members.

Leah daPonte Lightcap

Director of Admissions & Enrollment

302-798-6632 Ext 781

Bio
A former Archmere teacher, department chair, coach, and mentor, Leah has been a part of Archmere’s robust community for over 15 years. Leah first came to Archmere as a Spanish teacher and Women’s Lacrosse coach in 2006. She holds a BA in Organizational Communication, and a MA in Spanish and Pedagogy from the University of Delaware, as well as a certificate of Women in Business Leadership from Harvard University. After five years as Department Chair for the World Languages and Cultures Department, Leah was promoted to Director of Enrollment & Admissions. Leah’s multi-dimensional experience at Archmere has allowed her to recruit students who will thrive in the school’s special community. The most rewarding part of her job is the graduation line, where she can celebrate, along with a student and family the four-year success and intangible experience of what it is to be an Archmere student. In addition to running the Admissions Office, Leah and her husband David have two young boys they hope to one day to be Auks!
Logan Duffie

Associate Director of Admissions; College Counselor

302-798-6632 Ext 713

Bio
Logan joined the Archmere community after nearly 10 years in college admission working at Ursinus College and Widener University recruiting both regionally and nationally. Logan has evaluated and interviewed tens of thousands of applicants during his time in college admission and most enjoyed the opportunity to learn about and meet new students and families every year. This practice still remains his favorite part of his job. In addition to his role in each school's admission department, he also recruited for and coached with the NCAA, Division 3 men's lacrosse programs at both Ursinus College and Widener University, where he still coaches. Outside of the office, Logan enjoys Philly sports, Broadway musicals, a well-crafted hoagie, and spending time with friends and family. Logan holds a BA in Economics from Ursinus College and a MEd from Widener University.
Denise Starnes

Admissions & Marketing Coordinator

302-798-6632 Ext 660

Bio
A graduate of Archmere from the class of 1993, Denise returned to her alma mater in 2014 and works to promote the school both through marketing and admissions initiatives. Denise holds a BS in Marketing from Penn State University, where she also completed international marketing studies through the Semester At Sea program, an International Study Abroad Program based out of the University of Pittsburgh, as well as an MEd from Wilmington University. Denise blends her marketing and educational experience to help recruit new students to Archmere, communicate to prospective families and their elementary schools, and plan admissions events. She is also a parent to four children, including a 2023 graduate and current member of the class of 2027, in addition to two future Auks in the class of 2030!
Patricia Tolvaisa

Assistant to the Head of School & Admissions

302-798-6632 Ext 706

Bio
Pat is most likely the first person you will connect with when inquiring about Archmere—A product of Catholic school herself, and well familiarized with our school community after serving two crucial roles over the past four years, she is a great resource to our families as they walk through our process. As a parent of three students who went through the private-school search and experience, Pat understands firsthand the importance of finding your students’ best fit school. From our Shadow Days to Private Campus Tours and our Interview Process, Pat’s organization, attention to detail, great sense of humor, and willingness to help makes our process an enjoyable one.