Middle School
5th grade - 34 students
6th grade - 68 students
7th grade - 85 students
8th grade - 85 students

Upper School
9th grade - 145 students
10th grade - 145 students
11th grade - 145 students
12th grade - 145 students

Middle School
5th grade - 34 spaces
6th grade - 34 spaces
7th grade - 17 spaces
8th grade - 0-2 spaces

Upper School
9th grade - 60-65 spaces
10th grade - 0-2 spaces
11th grade - 0-2 spaces
12th grade - 0 spaces

We typically receive about five to six applications for every available space.

The acceptance rate in 2019 was 14%. This was approximately the same at each grade level and we anticipate a similar acceptance rate in 2020.

We consider all parts of the application and take a holistic approach in our admission process. We do not have a weighted system for different sections of the application.

See our Direct from the Directors webcast where you can learn about the admissions committee process and how applications are reviewed. (available in October 2019)

Lakeside has no minimum SSAT score for admission and we enroll students who score across a wide spectrum. A perfect score on the SSAT does not guarantee admission. The SSAT is one part of the application process and is not more important than any other piece. As educators, we know what a standardized test can and cannot tell us about an applicant, therefore we consider all aspects of the application through our review process.

We recommend taking the SSAT only once.

Lakeside offers shadow days for accepted students (in late February for Upper school students and late March for Middle School students). We are unable to offer shadow days to all prospective students, though we have tours available for all interested families. You can learn more about our visit program here.

Applications can be started approximately one year prior to your desired start date. For example, if you are interested in starting in the fall of 2020, the application will be available starting in September of 2019 and due in January of 2020. We encourage families to start the application in the fall, though it is possible to complete the application within a few days if starting later. Applications for the 2020-21 school year are due January 16, 2020.

All applicants to Lakeside apply through the same application process and with the same application deadlines. Each applicant is considered on their own merit.

Our average class size is 17 students.

Successful Lakesiders have a demonstrated joy for learning and a record of academic success within the context of their own experience; a willingness to be open-minded and positively engaged in a diverse community; and the skills, potential, and desire to progress within our program.

Lakeside has a generous and extensive need-based financial-aid program that supports qualifying families with incomes from $10,000 to over $250,000. Financial assistance for recipients extends beyond tuition and covers additional school-related costs including, but not limited to, food, books, bus, laptop, and field trips. For additional information, including average awards by income, click here and select the Policies and Income Commitments tab.

It's delicious! Faculty, staff, and students all eat on campus in either the Middle or Upper School cafeteria. Hot breakfast and lunch are available every day, with many snack choices. There are vegetarian and vegan options, and we also have "Meatless Mondays" each week. Students can choose to bring lunch from home, purchase their entire lunch on campus, or do a combination of both. See a sample menu here!

Lakeside has an extensive and personalized college counseling process that begins, in earnest, spring of a student's junior year. Our goal is for students to enroll at a school where they will thrive. Visit our college counseling page to learn more. Click here to view our college profile which includes our graduation requirements and five-year college matriculation details.

Students walk, bike, drive, carpool, or take the bus! To learn more about our transportation options, please visit our dedicated transportation page.