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Top Miami Private Schools: 2027–2028 Admissions Deadlines & Entrance Exams

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Applying to a top Miami private school for the 2027–2028 academic year? Whether your family is considering Ransom Everglades, Gulliver Prep, Miami Country Day, Westminster Christian, Palmer Trinity, or a leading Catholic high school, understanding admissions deadlines and entrance exam requirements is essential.


Some Miami private school application deadlines arrive as early as November 2026, while others extend into January 2027. Entrance exams, interviews, teacher recommendations, and supporting documents may have separate deadlines.


For families applying to multiple schools, managing these requirements can quickly become overwhelming.


This comprehensive guide from Sapneil Tutoring and Passage Point Admissions, part of SEG Education Group, covers nine Miami-area private schools, their admissions timelines, entrance testing requirements, and strategies to help students prepare competitive applications.


You'll learn about:


  • Miami private school application deadlines for fall 2027

  • ISEE, SSAT, HSPT, and MAP Growth entrance exams

  • Grade-specific admissions requirements

  • Important testing and interview deadlines

  • Private school admissions preparation strategies

  • How personalized tutoring and admissions consulting can help


Important: Admissions information was researched on October 7, 2026. Ransom Everglades requirements were confirmed directly with its admissions office. Other school information was obtained from published admissions materials. Some dates still require confirmation for the 2027–2028 entry year. Always verify deadlines directly with each school before making final plans.


Miami Private School Admissions Deadlines for 2027–2028


The following comparison provides an overview of important admissions dates and entrance testing requirements for nine Miami-area private schools.

Private School

Application Deadline

Entrance Exam

Ransom Everglades

January 8, 2027; checklist January 29

ISEE or SSAT; Character Skills Snapshot

Gulliver Prep

January 15, 2027

Grade-specific assessment to confirm

Westminster Christian

Application deadline to confirm

MAP Growth or ISEE; November 14 testing

Miami Country Day

Early Decision November 13 or 15, 2026; Regular Decision checklist January 22, 2027

ISEE or SSAT, depending on grade

Palmer Trinity

January 15, 2027 — cycle unconfirmed

ISEE or SSAT; alternatives for grade 11

Christopher Columbus

November 15, 2026 — cycle unconfirmed

HSPT December 5, 2026

St. Brendan High School

November 20, 2026

Entrance exam December 5, 2026

Immaculata-La Salle

Application deadline to confirm

December 5, 2026 — cycle unconfirmed

Belen Jesuit

November 6 or 13, 2026, depending on grade — cycle unconfirmed

ISEE December 5 or 12 — cycle unconfirmed

Remember: Application deadlines, testing registration deadlines, completed application checklists, and score-submission deadlines are not always the same.

Families should confirm every requirement for their child's intended entry grade and enrollment year.


Don't Wait Until the Deadline to Begin Preparing


Students applying to competitive Miami private schools may need several months to prepare for entrance exams while completing applications, gathering recommendations, and scheduling interviews.


Starting early gives families more time to identify academic weaknesses, develop test-taking strategies, and organize a complete admissions plan.


Sapneil Tutoring and Passage Point Admissions can help families identify their target schools, understand entrance exam requirements, and build a preparation strategy around important deadlines.


1. Ransom Everglades Admissions: ISEE, SSAT & January 2027 Deadlines

Ransom Everglades is a prominent independent college-preparatory school in Miami.

For students applying for the 2027–2028 school year, the admissions office confirmed several important deadlines.


Ransom Everglades Application Deadlines


  • Initial application deadline: January 8, 2027

  • Completed parent checklist deadline: January 29, 2027

  • Accepted entrance exams: ISEE or SSAT

  • Additional assessment: Character Skills Snapshot

  • Interview and testing completion deadline: January 29, 2027

  • On-campus entrance testing: SSAT only


One important distinction is that the initial application deadline and the completed checklist deadline are separate milestones.


Families should schedule entrance testing and interviews early enough to meet the January 29 deadline.


How to Prepare for Ransom Everglades Admissions


Students should begin by identifying whether the ISEE or SSAT is a better fit for their academic strengths.


A diagnostic assessment can help identify areas needing improvement in reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and mathematics.


Students should also prepare for the school's additional admissions requirements, including interviews and the Character Skills Snapshot.


Verification: Confirmed by the Ransom Everglades admissions office on October 7, 2026.

Admissions Phone: (305) 250-6875

Official Admissions Information: Ransom Everglades Application Process


2. Gulliver Prep Admissions: Application Deadline & Assessment Requirements

Gulliver Prep is another popular option for families seeking a private college-preparatory education in Miami.


The reviewed admissions materials identify the following dates:

  • Application deadline: January 15, 2027

  • Admissions decision date: February 26, 2027


However, the research did not establish a universal entrance exam date or a single assessment requirement covering every entry grade.


What Gulliver Prep Applicants Should Confirm


Before applying, families should contact the admissions office to determine:

  • Which entrance assessment is required for their child's grade

  • Whether an interview is required

  • When test scores must be submitted

  • Which academic records and recommendations are needed

  • Whether additional grade-specific requirements apply


Because admissions requirements may vary by grade, families should obtain the appropriate checklist before beginning test preparation.


Verification: Based on published admissions information; not independently confirmed by telephone.

Official Admissions Information: Gulliver Prep Admissions


3. Westminster Christian Admissions: MAP Growth & ISEE Testing

Westminster Christian School uses different entrance assessments depending on the student's intended entry grade.


Westminster Christian Entrance Exam Requirements

Applying Grade

Required Assessment

Grades 2–5

MAP Growth

Grades 6–12

ISEE

The reviewed testing schedule includes:

  • Regular applicant testing: November 14, 2026

  • Late applicant testing: January 27, 2027


An earlier testing date of October 3, 2026, was also listed.

A separate application deadline was not established in the reviewed research.


Preparing for Westminster Christian Admissions


Parents should confirm which assessment their child must complete before selecting a tutoring program.


MAP Growth and ISEE testing measure academic performance differently, making exam-specific preparation important.


For students taking the ISEE, preparation may include:

  • Verbal reasoning

  • Quantitative reasoning

  • Reading comprehension

  • Mathematics achievement

  • Timed practice testing


Verification: Testing dates were obtained from published school information; the application deadline requires confirmation.

Official Admissions Information: Westminster Christian Admissions Testing


4. Miami Country Day Admissions: Early Decision, Regular Decision & ISEE

Miami Country Day School offers both Early Decision and Regular Decision admissions pathways.


Families considering this school should pay particular attention to the difference between these application options.


Miami Country Day Admissions Timeline

Admissions Milestone

Early Decision

Regular Decision

Completed application checklist

November 13 or 15, 2026 — confirmation required

January 22, 2027

Admissions decision

December 11 or 15, 2026 — confirmation required

March 1, 2027

Important: The reviewed admissions research identified conflicting Early Decision dates. Families should contact Miami Country Day's enrollment office to confirm the current deadlines before submitting an application.


Miami Country Day Entrance Exam Requirements


Testing requirements depend on the student's grade.

  • Grades 2–4: Primary ISEE

  • Grade 5: Lower Level ISEE

  • Grades 6–12: ISEE preferred; SSAT accepted


The school recommends at-home ISEE testing for applicants to grades 2–5.

Testing should be scheduled separately from the application process.


Miami Country Day Admissions Preparation


Students should prepare for the appropriate ISEE level based on their intended entry grade.

Families should also build sufficient time into their schedule for academic records, recommendations, and any additional admissions requirements.


Verification: Published school information; Early Decision dates require confirmation.

Official Admissions Information: Miami Country Day Application Process


5. Palmer Trinity Admissions: ISEE, SSAT & Upper School Testing

Palmer Trinity School accepts different standardized testing options depending on the student's intended grade.


Palmer Trinity Entrance Exam Requirements

For applicants to grades 6–10, the reviewed admissions materials indicate that students may submit:

  • ISEE scores

  • SSAT scores


For grade 11 applicants, accepted testing alternatives include:

  • PSAT

  • ACT

  • SAT


The reviewed admissions information also lists:

  • Regular application deadline: January 15

  • On-campus ISEE testing: November 7


However, the school's testing materials referenced the 2026–2027 school year.

Families should confirm whether these dates apply to the 2027–2028 admissions cycle before registering.


How to Prepare for Palmer Trinity Admissions


Students applying to grades 6–10 should consider completing an ISEE or SSAT diagnostic assessment.


For grade 11 applicants, reviewing existing PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores may help determine whether additional test preparation would strengthen the application.


Verification: Admissions dates require confirmation for the 2027–2028 entry year.

Official Admissions Information: Palmer Trinity Application Process


6. Christopher Columbus High School: HSPT & Admissions Timeline

Christopher Columbus High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school in Miami.

The reviewed admissions calendar includes several important milestones.


Christopher Columbus Admissions Dates


  • Application window: September 1 – November 15, 2026

  • HSPT entrance examination: December 5, 2026

  • Admissions decisions: January 15, 2027

  • Placement examination: January 30, 2027


According to the reviewed admissions materials, submitting the application also registers the student for the entrance examination.


However, the webpage did not explicitly identify the entry school year, so families should verify that these dates apply to fall 2027 admission.


Preparing for the Christopher Columbus HSPT

Students should prepare specifically for the High School Placement Test rather than assuming that SSAT or ISEE preparation will cover every tested skill.


A structured HSPT preparation plan can focus on:

  • Verbal skills

  • Quantitative reasoning

  • Reading comprehension

  • Mathematics

  • Language skills

  • Time management


Verification: The entry-year applicability of the reviewed calendar requires confirmation.

Official Admissions Information: Christopher Columbus Application Process


7. St. Brendan High School: Ninth-Grade Admissions & Entrance Testing

St. Brendan High School has published specific admissions dates for students applying to ninth grade for the 2027–2028 school year.


St. Brendan Admissions Dates


  • Registration deadline: November 20, 2026

  • Entrance examination: December 5, 2026

  • Exam check-in begins: 7:15 a.m.

  • Testing begins: 8:00 a.m.

  • Accepted-student placement examination: February 20, 2027


Applicants must also provide standardized test scores and report cards from grades 6–8.

Parents should understand that the February placement examination is separate from the December entrance examination.


Preparing for St. Brendan Admissions


Students should begin preparing before the December examination while ensuring that all academic records are submitted on time.


Families should also confirm the required examination format and any additional admissions documents.


Verification: Published 2027–2028 school information; not independently confirmed by telephone.

Official Admissions Information: St. Brendan Application Process


8. Immaculata-La Salle High School: Entrance Exams & Application Information

Immaculata-La Salle High School is another Catholic high school option for Miami-area families.


The reviewed admissions page listed:

  • Open house: October 17, 2026

  • Entrance examination: December 5, 2026


However, the webpage referenced the 2026–2027 school year and did not establish a separate application deadline for fall 2027 admission.


What Families Should Confirm


Before registering, parents should contact the school to verify:

  • The 2027–2028 application deadline

  • The correct entrance examination date

  • Required academic records

  • Testing registration procedures

  • Any additional admissions requirements


Because the admissions cycle was not clearly identified in the reviewed materials, these dates should be treated as provisional.


Official Admissions Information: Immaculata-La Salle Admissions


9. Belen Jesuit Admissions: Sixth-Grade & Ninth-Grade ISEE Testing

Belen Jesuit Preparatory School has separate admissions timelines for students applying to sixth grade and ninth grade.


Families should pay particular attention to the differences between these two entry points.


Requirement

Grade 6

Grade 9

Application deadline

November 6, 2026

November 13, 2026

ISEE registration deadline

November 13, 2026

November 20, 2026

Supporting documents due

November 20, 2026

November 20, 2026

On-campus ISEE

December 5, 2026

December 12, 2026

Interviews are scheduled by the Admissions Team.


Important: These dates were recorded in the research, but the reviewed school webpage labeled its timeline as 2026–2027. Families must confirm the correct dates for 2027–2028 applicants.


Preparing for Belen Jesuit Admissions


Because Belen Jesuit uses the ISEE for these entry grades, students should prepare for the appropriate exam level.


A personalized preparation plan can help students strengthen:

  • Verbal reasoning

  • Reading comprehension

  • Quantitative reasoning

  • Mathematics achievement

  • Test-taking speed and accuracy


Families should also request required school records well before the November document deadlines.


Official Admissions Information: Belen Jesuit Admissions


ISEE vs. SSAT vs. HSPT: Which Private School Entrance Exam Does Your Child Need?


One of the biggest mistakes families can make is preparing for the wrong entrance exam.

Miami private schools do not all require the same test, and some schools accept multiple testing options.


Understanding the differences can help families select the right preparation strategy.


ISEE: Independent School Entrance Exam


The ISEE evaluates students in several academic areas, including:

  • Verbal reasoning

  • Quantitative reasoning

  • Reading comprehension

  • Mathematics achievement

  • Writing


The appropriate ISEE level depends on the student's intended entry grade.


SSAT: Secondary School Admission Test


The SSAT measures:

  • Verbal skills

  • Quantitative reasoning

  • Reading comprehension

  • Writing ability


Some independent schools accept either the SSAT or ISEE, allowing families to select the exam that best matches their child's strengths.


HSPT: High School Placement Test


The HSPT is commonly used by Catholic high schools.

It evaluates core academic skills and may be used during admissions or placement decisions.

Students applying to Catholic schools should confirm the specific entrance examination required by each institution.


MAP Growth Assessment


MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive academic assessment that measures student achievement.


Schools may use it to evaluate academic readiness and placement.


How to Choose the Right Test


Before registering, families should confirm:

  1. Which exam their target school accepts or requires

  2. Which testing level is appropriate

  3. Whether testing must take place at the school

  4. When scores must be submitted

  5. Whether retesting is permitted within the admissions timeline


A diagnostic assessment can help identify academic strengths and weaknesses before students begin preparation.


How to Prepare a Competitive Miami Private School Application


Strong private school admissions preparation involves much more than achieving a high entrance exam score.


Families should create a separate admissions checklist for every school on their list.

An effective strategy includes the following steps.


Start Planning Early


Identify application deadlines, entrance exam dates, and required documents as soon as possible.


Early planning allows families to avoid last-minute conflicts between testing and application requirements.


Complete a Diagnostic Assessment


Before beginning ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT tutoring, students should understand their current academic performance.


A diagnostic test can reveal weaknesses in reading, math, verbal reasoning, and test-taking strategies.


Prepare for the Correct Entrance Exam


Each entrance exam has its own structure and requirements.

Preparation should focus on the actual test accepted by the student's target school.


Request Recommendations and Academic Records in Advance


Teachers and school administrators need time to prepare recommendations and provide transcripts or report cards.


Waiting until the final deadline can create unnecessary stress.


Prepare for Admissions Interviews


Some schools require interviews as part of their admissions process.

Students should practice discussing their academic interests, extracurricular activities, goals, and personal experiences authentically.


Track Every Deadline


Families applying to multiple schools should maintain a calendar that includes:

  • Application deadlines

  • Entrance exam dates

  • Testing registration deadlines

  • Recommendation deadlines

  • Interview appointments

  • Supporting document deadlines

  • Admissions decision dates

A complete, organized application helps families avoid preventable mistakes.


When Should Students Begin ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT Preparation?


The ideal preparation timeline depends on the student's starting academic level, target schools, and entrance exam requirements.

For many students, beginning several months before the official exam provides time to develop stronger academic skills and testing confidence.


Three to Six Months Before Testing


Students can focus on:

  • Diagnostic assessments

  • Identifying academic weaknesses

  • Building vocabulary

  • Strengthening reading comprehension

  • Reviewing mathematics concepts

  • Establishing a study schedule


One to Three Months Before Testing


Preparation can become more targeted through:

  • Weekly tutoring

  • Timed practice questions

  • Exam-specific strategies

  • Full-length practice tests

  • Progress monitoring


Final Weeks Before Testing


Students should concentrate on:

  • Reviewing difficult concepts

  • Improving pacing

  • Strengthening test-taking confidence

  • Practicing under realistic testing conditions

  • Maintaining a consistent study routine


The goal is not simply to study more. It is to prepare strategically for the exam and admissions requirements that matter most.


Why Personalized Tutoring Can Help With Miami Private School Admissions


Students applying to competitive private schools often have different academic strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles.


A personalized tutoring program allows preparation to focus on each student's specific needs.

Rather than using the same study plan for every student, individualized instruction can address:

  • Reading comprehension weaknesses

  • Verbal reasoning challenges

  • Mathematics gaps

  • Testing anxiety

  • Time-management difficulties

  • Exam-specific strategies


Personalized tutoring can also help families establish realistic preparation goals based on their child's target schools and testing deadlines.


How Sapneil Tutoring & Passage Point Admissions Help Miami Families


Navigating private school admissions can be demanding, especially when families are applying to several schools with different entrance exams and deadlines.


Sapneil Tutoring and Passage Point Admissions, part of SEG Education Group, help families explore academic preparation and admissions planning options.


Support may include:

  • ISEE preparation

  • SSAT tutoring

  • HSPT preparation

  • School-specific entrance exam planning

  • Academic assessments

  • Personalized tutoring

  • Admissions timeline planning

  • Application organization

  • Interview preparation guidance


Whether your child is applying to Ransom Everglades, Gulliver Prep, Miami Country Day, Palmer Trinity, Belen Jesuit, or another Miami private school, a structured plan can make the process more manageable.


Admissions success is never guaranteed, but careful preparation helps students put forward a thoughtful and complete application.


Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Private School Admissions


When are Miami private school applications due for fall 2027?

Several application deadlines fall between November 2026 and January 2027.

Each school has its own admissions calendar, and some dates in this guide require additional confirmation.


Families should verify the exact deadline for their child's intended entry grade.


Does Ransom Everglades require the ISEE or SSAT?

Ransom Everglades accepts either the ISEE or SSAT.

The school also requires the Character Skills Snapshot.

For 2027–2028 applicants, testing and interviews must be completed by January 29, 2027, according to the admissions office.


Which Miami private schools accept the SSAT?

The reviewed admissions information identifies several schools that accept the SSAT, including:

  • Ransom Everglades

  • Miami Country Day for grades 6–12

  • Palmer Trinity for grades 6–10

Families should confirm current grade-specific testing policies before registering.


Does Westminster Christian require the ISEE?

Westminster Christian's reviewed requirements identify the ISEE for applicants to grades 6–12.

Applicants to grades 2–5 take MAP Growth.


What entrance exam does Belen Jesuit require?

The reviewed admissions materials identify the ISEE for sixth-grade and ninth-grade applicants.


Testing dates vary by entry grade and require confirmation for the 2027–2028 admissions cycle.


What entrance exam is used by Miami Catholic high schools?

Several Catholic high schools use the HSPT or another school-specific entrance examination.

Families should verify the required test directly with each school's admissions office.


How early should students begin ISEE or SSAT tutoring?

The ideal timeline depends on the student's current academic performance, target schools, and available testing dates.


Beginning with a diagnostic assessment can help determine how much preparation is needed.


Can students apply to multiple Miami private schools?

Yes. Families can apply to multiple schools, but they should maintain separate application checklists and track each school's testing, interview, and document requirements.


Can private school admissions consulting help families?

Admissions consulting can help families understand school-specific requirements, organize deadlines, coordinate entrance exam preparation, and prepare for important admissions milestones.


Start Planning Your Child's 2027–2028 Miami Private School Admissions Journey


The 2027–2028 admissions cycle is approaching quickly, and several important deadlines begin in November 2026.


For families considering Miami's leading independent and Catholic schools, early planning can make a meaningful difference.


Understanding the right entrance exam, preparing academic records, scheduling interviews, and creating a personalized study plan can help students approach the admissions process with greater confidence.


Whether your child is preparing for the ISEE, SSAT, HSPT, or another school-specific assessment, Sapneil Tutoring and Passage Point Admissions can help you explore the next steps.


Ready to get started?


Speak with SEG Education Group about your child's target schools, admissions timeline, and entrance exam preparation needs.


Call: (888) 509-1067

Request an Admissions Consultation Today


Admissions information in this guide was researched on October 7, 2026. Application deadlines, testing requirements, admissions policies, and school calendars may change. Families should verify all current requirements directly with each school's admissions office before submitting applications or registering for exams.



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