The first big school decision, made with clarity.
For families of middle schoolers considering independent day schools, boarding schools, Catholic schools and selective public or magnet high schools. We help you find schools where your child will thrive, and prepare an application that shows who they really are.
Four paths, four different processes
High school admissions works very differently depending on the type of school. Knowing the rules of each is the first step to a calm, well-organized year.
Independent day schools
Private schools students attend from home. Typically require an entrance test, interview, essays, teacher recommendations and school records.
Boarding schools
Residential schools, often with students from many states and countries. Fit, maturity and readiness for independence weigh heavily.
Catholic & faith-based
Many diocesan high schools use the HSPT or their own exam, with timelines set by each diocese or school.
Selective public & magnet
Exam, lottery or criteria-based admission set by each district. Rules and dates vary widely by city and state.
The factors high school admissions teams weigh
SSAT, ISEE or HSPT?
Many independent schools accept either the SSAT or the ISEE; Catholic high schools often use the HSPT; selective public schools may use their own exam. Check each school’s requirements before choosing a test.
| Test | Commonly used by |
|---|---|
| SSAT | Independent day and boarding schools |
| ISEE | Independent schools, especially day schools |
| HSPT | Many Catholic high schools |
| District exams | Some selective public and magnet schools |
The independent school year
Most independent and boarding schools follow a similar calendar for fall entry. Start researching in the spring or summer before your child applies, usually the summer before 8th grade for 9th-grade entry.
Selective public and Catholic schools follow their own district or diocesan calendars. Our free assessment builds a timeline for your entry year.
- Spring to summerResearch schools and plan testing
Think about fit: size, location, boarding or day, academic style.
- Late summer to fallApplications open
- Fall to early winterEntrance tests, tours and interviews
Many schools accept several test dates.
- November to DecemberEssays, parent statements and recommendations
- Mid-JanuaryTypical application deadlines
Many schools set deadlines around January 15.
- WinterFinancial aid applications
- Around March 10Decisions released
A common notification date at many independent schools.
- Around April 10Reply and enrollment contracts
Calm, organized support for the whole family
Lite assessment
A readiness snapshot across grades, testing, interviews, recommendations and fit, plus a timeline for your entry year.
Summer before applyingAdmit Preparation
A school fit assessment, a balanced list, a testing plan and interview preparation tailored to your child.
Before deadlinesApplication Review
Feedback on student essays and parent statements, always in your child’s own voice.
High school admissions data is less abundant than college data, so our guidance here combines published school criteria with expert review rather than statistical modeling.
High school admissions questions
When should we start?
The spring or summer before your child applies is ideal, usually before 8th grade for 9th-grade entry. That leaves time to visit schools, plan testing and prepare for interviews without rushing. Some boarding schools also admit students into 10th grade or a postgraduate year.
Should my child take the SSAT or the ISEE?
Check your target schools first. Many accept either, some prefer one, and Catholic and selective public schools may require a different exam entirely. A practice test of each can show which format suits your child better.
Can we afford an independent school?
Many independent schools offer need-based financial aid, and some meet a large share of families’ demonstrated need. Apply for aid at the same time as admission, and compare the actual cost after aid rather than the published tuition.
How much should parents be involved?
More than in college admissions, since parents usually complete statements, aid forms and logistics. But schools want to hear the student’s own voice in essays and interviews. We help families strike that balance.
Do you work directly with children?
We work with families. For students under 13, a parent or guardian completes our forms and is part of every conversation.
Can international students attend U.S. high schools?
Yes. Many private day and boarding schools can enroll international students in F-1 status for the full program. Public high schools are limited to 12 months in F-1 status, with the full cost paid by the family, and a J-1 exchange year is another option. International students guide.
How do SSAT and ISEE accommodations work?
Both tests require accommodations to be approved before you register. Requests go through E3n at admission.org, with a current IEP, 504 or private school plan, a professional evaluation or a past approval on a similar test. Ask each school about its learning support, too. Learning differences & accommodations.
Start the high school search with clarity.
Free, about five minutes, with a timeline for your child’s entry year.