How to Get Into Horace Mann School – Elite Bronx Private School Guide

Sapneil Parikh
Oct 22
2 min read

Why Horace Mann Is NYC’s Premier K–12 Private School

Horace Mann School, located in Riverdale, Bronx, is a leading private, nonsectarian independent day school (PK–12) with over 1,700 students and an 8:1 student‑teacher ratio. It’s part of the Ivy Preparatory School League, offers a challenging liberal-arts curriculum, stellar athletics and arts programs, and robust college counseling.

Admissions Timeline & Key Steps (Grades 6–11)

Application & Interview Registration

Opens: August 4, 2025
September 10: Interviews begin (in person or via Zoom if outside NYC)
Deadline to schedule interview: October 15
Family application due and application fee ($60, or $25 if applying for aid): November 15Academic Records & ISEE Testing
Upload report cards from the prior two academic years by October 15
Schedule ISEE/SSAT and submit scores by January 15

Essays & Recommendations

Student essays, activities summary, and optional parent statement due by January 15
Two teacher recommendations due by January 15

Admission Decisions

Decisions released: Early February

What Horace Mann Looks For in Candidates

The admissions team conducts a holistic review, considering:

Academic excellence and transcripts
ISEE or SSAT percentile (typically 6–8 stanines for ISEE)
Writing ability expressed in essays
Interview impressions from student and family
Teacher recommendations detailing character and learning habits
Extracurricular involvement and leadership
Alignment with the school’s values of community, academic curiosity, and diversity

Quick Application Checklist

Step	Action	Deadline
Submit application & pay fee	Via Ravenna portal	Nov 15
Schedule interview	Student & parent meeting or playgroup	By Oct 15
Upload past report cards	Two years and current school year	By Oct 15
Take ISEE/SSAT	One attempt; scores reported	By Jan 15
Submit essays & activity list	Student and optional parent statement	By Jan 15
Request teacher recommendations	From current academic teachers	By Jan 15
Admissions decision	Notification via portal	Early Feb