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How to Get Into Lakeside School – Seattle’s Top-Ranked Private Prep



Why Choose Lakeside School in Seattle?

  • Lakeside School is a prestigious independent day school for grades 5–12, located in Seattle’s Haller Lake neighborhood. It enrolls around 876 students and boasts a low 9:1 student–teacher ratio, fostering personalized academic growth. 

  • It is consistently ranked #1 private high school in Washington and among the top 3 in the nation for STEM education, making it a desirable choice for college-bound scholars. 


Admissions Timeline & Application Steps


  • September 1, 2025: Ravenna portal opens for the 2026–27 school year – submit your preliminary application to begin. 

  • January 15, 2026: Deadline to submit application and pay the $25–$125 fee (depending on division); student and parent questionnaires and initial forms due.

  • January 29, 2026: Final deadline to upload transcripts, teacher evaluations, personal statements, SSAT scores, and completed activity forms.

  • February 5: Required submission of financial aid (SSS) application, if applying.

  • February 20 (Upper School) / March 20 (Middle School): Admission decisions released via Ravenna portal.

  • March 2 (US) / March 30 (MS): Enrollment contract and tuition deposit due.


What Lakeside Evaluates

Lakeside follows a holistic admissions process, considering:

  • SSAT scores (for middle school applicants) OR optional SSAT/ISEE for upper grades — submit just one test attempt per cycle

  • Academic transcripts and course rigor across the latest two years.

  • Student questionnaires: essays, activities, and interests form, and a parent statement.

  • Two required teacher evaluations (English and Math) and a personal reference and administrator form

  • A middle school admissions activity evaluating collaboration and social dynamics. 

There is no minimum SSAT score required, and strong academic context within Lakeside’s rigorous environment is often weighed more heavily than absolute scores. 


Application Checklist Summary

Step

Required Action

Create Ravenna account

Opens Sept 1

Submit preliminary application + fee

By Jan 15

Complete student & parent questionnaires

By Jan 15

Upload transcripts, recommendations, SSAT score, essays

By Jan 29

Submit financial aid application (SSS)

By Feb 5

Wait for decision

By Feb 20 (US) / Mar 20 (MS)

Confirm enrollment and submit deposit

By Mar 2 / Mar 30


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