Admission Process
Admission Process
Discover Your Path
We’re delighted that you are considering Key School for your family. Our admission process is tailored to each division and the developmental stage of the students applying. Below you will find the specific steps and requirements for applying to First School, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School.
Choose Your Entry Point
- First School (2 ½ Years-Kindergarten)
- Lower School (Grades 1-4)
- Middle School (Grades 5-8)
- Upper School (Grades 9-12)
First School (2 ½ Years-Kindergarten)
First School: Where Curiosity Begins
The First School curriculum ignites a passion for discovery! Our approach encourages students to think critically, to learn to collaborate with their peers, and to foster their innate curiosity, all in a fun and dynamic setting. With experiential learning at the heart of our curriculum, children gain confidence, embrace challenges, and cultivate a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Student
Body
114
Students Enrolled
One Key-Wee 2½s Class
Two Pre-School 3s Classes
Two Pre-K 4s Classes
Three Kindergarten Classes
14
Average Class Size
7:1
Student-to-Teacher Ratio
Program Highlights
30
Faculty Members
7
Expert-Level Specialists in Art, Music, Science, Outdoor Education, Library, Maker Tech, and Physical Education
10+
Average Field Trips Per School Year
Learning Approach
Personalized
Research-based curriculum paired with personalized learning, purposeful collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects, skill-building, and purposeful play
Dedicated
Social-Emotional Learning & Outdoor Nature Exploration
First School Admission Timeline
Tour Campus
We encourage all families interested in the First School to schedule a private tour of campus with your admission counselor, Rachel Sweeney.
Submit Application Materials
The First School application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is December 15, 2025.
Submit an application through the Admission Portal. All necessary forms and application checklist items can be accessed through your account.
A $60 application fee will be charged upon submitting the application.
Applications received after the deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis contingent on available space and waitlist depth. We recommend families contact our First School admission counselors to learn more about availability in your student’s grade.
Provide References
Submit a request (via the Admission Portal) to your student’s school or caregiver to complete the teacher or caregiver reference.
In-Person Observations
Decision
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Your First School Contact
![Rachel Sweeney headshot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760704808/keyschool/et5qdofdyvitxphgrtnp/SWEENEYRACHEL.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760704808/keyschool/et5qdofdyvitxphgrtnp/SWEENEYRACHEL.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760704808/keyschool/et5qdofdyvitxphgrtnp/SWEENEYRACHEL.jpg","width":640}])
Associate Director of Admission for the First School
Admission Office
Lower School (Grades 1-4)
Lower School: Growing Confident Learners
Lower School is where curiosity comes to life. Through hands-on, experiential learning, students ask big questions, take on challenges, and discover what they're capable of. It's a collaborative, energetic environment designed to build confidence and spark a love of learning that lasts. Alongside their core academic program, students participate in weekly classes in Innovation & Engineering, Coding, Science, Art, Spanish, Music, Physical Education, and Library, giving them opportunities to explore new interests, develop a wide range of skills, and make connections across disciplines.
Student
Body
155
Students Enrolled
17
Average Class Size
4:1
Student-to-Techer Ratio
Strong Foundation
74%
of Lower School Faculty Have Advanced Degrees
Confidence
Public speaking curriculum builds confidence, supported by flexible grouping in reading and math
Whole Child Development
9
Expert-Level Specialists in Innovation & Engineering, Coding, Art, Spanish, Music, Science, Outdoor Education, Library, and Physical Education
8+
Wide-Ranging Extracurricular Activities
Lower School Admission Timeline
- Tour Campus
- Submit Application Materials
- Submit References & School Transcripts
- Complete Testing
- Decision
Tour Campus
We encourage all families interested in the Lower School to schedule a private tour of campus with your admission counselor, Kelsey Miller.
Submit Application Materials
The Lower School application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is December 15, 2025.
Submit an application through the Admission Portal. All necessary forms and application checklist items can be accessed through your account.
Lower School applicants are required to submit:
- A teacher reference (homeroom teacher)
- School Administrator or Guidance Counselor Evaluation
- Transcript
A $60 application fee will be charged upon submitting the application.
Applications received after the deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis contingent on available space and waitlist depth. We recommend families contact our Lower School admission counselor to learn more about availability in your student’s grade.
Submit References & School Transcripts
As part of the application process, students must provide a teacher reference and a School Administrator or Counselor Evaluation. These are webforms that can be sent via the Admission Portal.
Complete Testing
Key will conduct in-house testing for First Grade applicants. Applicants to grades 2, 3 & 4 must complete the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V).
- Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
Hosted at Key on December 7, 2024 & January 11, 2025
School Code: 210013
The ISEE is an academic assessment and consists of four core competencies: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement. - Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)
The WISC-V is an aptitude test that assesses a student’s learning potential, not their mastery of concepts or recollection of content exposed to in school. The WISC-V measures a range of cognitive abilities, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and fluid reasoning. This is an ideal test for all students, but particularly those who may struggle with traditional academic assessments.
Decision
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Your Lower School Contact
![Kelsey Miller headshot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760705220/keyschool/mbsnhyvypcs0gy8szqym/MILLERKELSEY.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760705220/keyschool/mbsnhyvypcs0gy8szqym/MILLERKELSEY.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760705220/keyschool/mbsnhyvypcs0gy8szqym/MILLERKELSEY.jpg","width":640}])
Associate Director of Admission for Grades 1-6
Admission Office
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
Middle school: Discover, Grow, Thrive
Middle School is where curiosity gets challenged. Through interdisciplinary projects, real-world connections, and hands-on exploration, students go beyond surface-level learning to dive deep into ideas that are complex and meaningful. Our curriculum pairs that rigor with a supportive, collaborative community where students are genuinely engaged and feel comfortable taking risks. The result is that every student leaves Middle School with the confidence, conviction, and critical thinking skills that will carry them forward.
Student
Body
205
Students Enrolled
16
Average Class Size
6:1
Student-to-Teacher Ratio
Academics & Support
72%
of Middle School Faculty have Advanced Degrees
5.5
Hours of Advising Per Week
(study skills, organization, and confidence-building)
sports & Activities
30+
Activities & Clubs
8
Multi-Level Sports Teams
5+
Hands-on Trips including
2 Overnight Experiences
Middle School Admission Timeline
Tour Campus
We encourage all families interested in the Middle School to schedule a private tour of campus with your admission counselors, Kelsey Miller (Grades 5 & 6) and Eva Henry (Grades 7 & 8).
Submit Application Materials
The Middle School application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is January 10, 2026.
Submit an application through the Admission Portal. All necessary forms, reference and transcript requests, and application checklist items can be accessed through your account.
Middle School applicants are required to submit:
- A parent application
- Current Math and English Teacher References
- School Administrator or Guidance Counselor Evaluation
- Transcripts for the last three years
A $60 application fee will be charged upon submitting the application.
Applications received after the deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis contingent on available space and waitlist depth. We recommend families contact our Middle School admission counselors to learn more about availability in your student’s grade.
Attend Student Shadow Day
Middle School applicants should register for a Middle School Shadow Day at Key. During their visit, students will shadow a current student, attend classes, and experience daily life at Key. Their visit will conclude with an interview with their admissions counselor. Questions? Contact Middle School Admission Counselors Kelsey Miller (Grades 1-6) or Eva Henry (Grades 7-12).
Complete Testing
All students in grades 5-12 must submit one of the following as part of their application to Key:
- Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
December 6, 2025 and January 10, 2026 test dates available at Key School
School Code: 210013 - Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
School Code: 4355
*ISEE is recommended unless your student is applying to other schools where the SSAT is required.
Decision
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Your Middle School Contacts
![Eva Henry headshot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760705588/keyschool/y78fgzl5g05cecqa2xvj/HENRYEVA.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760705588/keyschool/y78fgzl5g05cecqa2xvj/HENRYEVA.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760705588/keyschool/y78fgzl5g05cecqa2xvj/HENRYEVA.jpg","width":640}])
Associate Director of Admission for Grades 7-12
Admission Office
Associate Director of Admission for Grades 1-6
Admission Office
Upper School (Grades 9-12)
Upper School: Depth, inquiry, purpose
Key’s Upper School doesn't just prepare students for college; it prepares them for life. With a vibrant academic culture rooted in intellectual curiosity, bold thinking, and diverse perspectives, students develop the skills and mindset they’ll need to thrive in college and beyond. Hallmarks of the program include a deep commitment to writing, critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration, and real-world learning.
Student
Body
205
Students Enrolled
16
Average Class Size
6:1
Student-to-Teacher Ratio
Academic Opportunities
15
Advanced Placement Course Offerings
90+
Hours of Comprehensive and Individually Tailored College Advising Including Education, Advising, Test Strategies, & Support
Sports & Activities
40+
Activities & Clubs
40
Interscholastic Sports Teams
100+
Hours of Outdoor Education Focused on Camping, Canoeing, & Rock Climbing
Upper School Admission Timeline
Tour Campus
We encourage all families interested in the Upper School to schedule a private tour of campus with your admission counselor, Eva Henry.
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Information for International & Exchange Students
Families apply to Key from all over the world. To begin the process, please submit an application through the Admission Portal. Once submitted, an admission counselor for your student’s division will contact you to schedule a visit to campus or complete a virtual interview and walk you through our requirements.
For students for whom English is not their first language, please note that there is also a TOEFL requirement.
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Your Upper School Contact
Associate Director of Admission for Grades 7-12
Admission Office
Submit Application Materials
The Upper School application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is January 10, 2026.
Submit an application through the Admission Portal, our online application platform. All necessary forms and application checklist items can be accessed through your account.
A $60 application fee will be charged upon submitting the application.
Upper School applicants are required to submit:
- Initial application form and application fee
- Student application
- Student interview
- Current Math and English Teacher References
- School Administrator or Guidance Counselor Evaluation
- Transcripts for the last three years
Applications received after the deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis contingent on available space and waitlist depth. We recommend families contact our Upper School admission counselor to learn more about availability in your student’s grade.
Attend Student Shadow Day
Upper School applicants should register for an Upper School Shadow Day at Key. During their visit, students will shadow a current student, attend classes, meet faculty, and experience daily life at Key. Their visit will conclude with an interview with their admissions counselor. Questions? Contact Upper School Admission Counselor Eva Henry.
Complete Testing
All students in grades 5-12 must submit one of the following as part of their application to Key:
- Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
December 6, 2025 and January 10, 2026 test dates available at Key School
School Code: 210013 - Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
School Code: 4355
*ISEE is recommended unless your student is applying to other schools where the SSAT is required.
Decision
Important Dates
2026-2027 Academic Year
| September 5, 2026 | 2027-2028 Applications Open Online |
| October 8, 2026 | Lower School Information Session |
| October 20, 2026 | Middle School Information Session |
| October 29, 2026 | Upper School Information Session |
| November 7, 2026 | First School Open House |
| December 15, 2026 | First & Lower School Application Forms Due |
| January 15, 2027 | Middle & Upper School Application Forms Due |
| January 15, 2027 | Financial Aid Forms Due |
| February 18, 2027 | Admission Decisions Released |
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Contact Admission
Associate Director of Admission for Grades 7-12
Admission Office
![Cheryl Martin headshot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760705312/keyschool/z7qmnuehcf19uwevvs0y/MARTINCHERYL.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760705312/keyschool/z7qmnuehcf19uwevvs0y/MARTINCHERYL.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760705312/keyschool/z7qmnuehcf19uwevvs0y/MARTINCHERYL.jpg","width":621}])
Director of Financial Aid
Admission Office
Associate Director of Admission for Grades 1-6
Admission Office
Associate Director of Admission for the First School
Admission Office
![Shamika Thompson headshot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760707954/keyschool/kicn4si6impxpmc5uovd/ThompsonShamika.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760707954/keyschool/kicn4si6impxpmc5uovd/ThompsonShamika.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760707954/keyschool/kicn4si6impxpmc5uovd/ThompsonShamika.jpg","width":640}])
Director of Enrollment & Outreach
Admission Office