The Key School

Key School describes a progressive, college-preparatory approach that emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary study, and global perspectives to develop independent thinkers, creative innovators, effective collaborators, and tenacious problem-solvers. It promotes individuality and the free expression of ideas in an egalitarian, informal, and caring environment that is both rigorous and innovative, aiming to build sustained intellectual curiosity. The school prioritizes mutual respect and developing the whole person, and it says it prefers recognizing excellence through direct written and oral feedback rather than awards or honor rolls.

Key School directs families to apply through its online Admission Portal (linked from each division’s admission page) by creating an account, submitting the application, and paying a $60 fee; the portal then shows the student’s checklist. Families are encouraged to schedule a private campus tour with the appropriate admission counselor, and the process may also include student-facing components (e.g., First School schedules an in-person small-group observation after the application is submitted; Upper School includes a student interview and encourages drop-in/shadow experiences). Application materials vary by division but commonly include educator references and school evaluations plus records (e.g., Lower School: teacher reference, administrator/guidance evaluation, transcript; Middle/Upper School: math and English teacher references, administrator/guidance evaluation, and transcripts for the last three years). Testing requirements depend on grade (in-house testing for First Grade applicants; Grades 2–4 must submit ISEE or WISC-V; Grades 5–12 must submit ISEE or SSAT, with ISEE recommended, and international applicants may also need TOEFL). For 2026–2027 entry, applications open September 5, 2025; First & Lower School application forms are due December 15, 2025; Middle & Upper School application forms (and financial aid forms) are due January 10, 2026; and admission decisions are released February 20, 2026—applications after deadlines are reviewed on a rolling basis depending on space and “waitlist depth,” and the website does not publish formal admissions priority/preference categories (families are advised to consult their admission counselor for availability).