Does anyone have experience with Seattle’s Lakeside School? Any information regarding the admission process, the quality of academics, and/or the social atmosphere (i.e. are the kids happy there?) would be greatly appreciated.
We’re applying there this year as well. The impression by those not at the school is one of “old Seattle elite”, but the kids and parents we’ve met are all friendly. Student population is diverse, with 50% minority. Quality of academics is high. They don’t offer “AP” classes, but still have a huge number of their kids take and score well on the exams every year.
Admissions is tight - as tight as some of the east coast private schools. I think I saw somewhere the admit rate was around 16%, though that will vary a bit by grade and from year to year. I’ve been told that the admit rate is more “friendly” in middle school (6, 7th grades) than in high school (9th grade).
As for the process, we’re working through it now. Interview is mostly for the student - we spent less than 5 minutes with the admissions officer after our daughter was done with her interview. There are campus tours offered as well that are scheduled separately. SSAT is the preferred admissions exam.
Everything is managed through Ravenna (https://www.ravenna-hub.com/#/login ) - the local common app portal. That includes setup of tours and interviews, recommendations and everything else. While our school had fits with the east coast common application websites, they’ve had no problems at all with Ravenna.
Required - SSAT (preferred) or ISEE
preliminary application on Ravenna
Interview
Campus Tour (optional)
Recommendations from 2 teachers (at least 1 must be from the current year). Math and English teachers preferred.
Parent/Guardian statements
Student Statements
Student interests and activities forms
School administrator form
School records
I’ve been told that the financial aid is decent - there’s a calculator on the school website to see what potential aid you’d get. Deadline for financial aid application is February 4
Application deadline is 15 January, so if you haven’t started yet you are going to be under the gun to get everything done in the next two weeks. Make sure you sign up for the SSAT immediately if you haven’t already done so.