Applying to Independent Schools

When: End of October, November, and December of 8th grade

What to do:

• Determine the type of independent/boarding school you are considering. (See exploring schools)

• We strongly encourage parents to narrow their choices to about 3 schools before beginning the application process.

• Register for Entrance Exams

  • Many area independent and boarding schools require an admissions exam.

  • Investigate requirements for the schools you are interested in and register for admissions tests. 

  • Click here for more information on entrance exams. Note that Benchmark School will offer the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), accepted by many area schools, in mid-November. More information and important deadlines can be found at the link Independent School Entrance Exams.

• Apply to Schools

  • Follow the directions found on each school's website to work through the application process.

    • Most schools now have an online portal through which all materials are digitally requested/processed.

    • Requests for records and recommendations from Benchmark School

      • Requests for records - Send to Faith Cost (faithcost@benchmarkschool.org)

      • Teacher recommendations - Send to current (8th grade) language arts and math teachers.

      • Principal/Guidance Counselor recommendations - Send to Eric MacDonald (ericmacdonald@benchmarkschool.org)

    • Deadlines vary by school. However, here are the most common deadlines:

      • December 1: Independent Schools (Note that some, such as LaSalle, Merion Mercy, and Saint Joseph's Prep, have earlier deadlines, sometimes as early as the end of the first week in November. Other schools, such as Sanford School, have slightly later deadlines.)

      • January 31: Boarding Schools

      • Rolling Admissions: Schools for students with learning differences