Middle School
5th grade - 34 spaces
6th grade - 51 spaces
7th grade - 0-2 spaces*
8th grade - 0-2 spaces*

Upper School
9th grade - 60-65 spaces
10th grade - 0-2 spaces*
11th grade - 0-4 spaces*
12th grade - 0 spaces

We typically receive about seven to eight applications for every available space.

*availability based on attrition. 

All parts of the application carry equal weight in the review process; no one required part of the application is more important than another. Lakeside's approach to evaluating applications is holistic. This means we look closely all submitted materials to gain a comprehensive understanding of each student.

Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Wellesley Wilson reviews the application review process in detail in the Admissions at Lakeside webinar. The Admissions at Lakeside webinar is offered monthly, September through January. Registration is available in Ravenna.

Students applying to grades 5 through 12 for the 2022-2023 school year can submit scores from either the SSAT or the ISEE. Lakeside has no preference as to which test a student takes. Students applying to grades 10 through 12 have the option of taking the PSAT, SAT, or ACT in lieu of taking either the SSAT or ISEE. The ISEE and SSAT websites outline which test level a student should take.

Lakeside has no minimum score for admission and we enroll students who score across a wide spectrum. A perfect score on the SSAT or ISEE does not guarantee admission. Admissions testing 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 testing only once.

We encourage families to begin the application process in the fall, one year before the desired start date. For families seeking entry for the 2022-2023 school year, the application is available now and due January 13, 2022.

The Admissions Activity is a required part of the application for students applying to the Middle School (grades 5 through 8). A small group of students participates in an activity led by a faculty member and member of the admissions team. During the Admissions Activity, students demonstrate their experience with unstructured problem-solving. At the end, students will have a chance to ask questions about Lakeside. The Admissions Activity is virtual.

The interview is a required part of the application for students applying to the Upper School (grades 9 through 12). Students meet one-on-one with a faculty member or member of the admissions team to discuss their school experience, interests, aspirations, and opportunities for growth. Students will also have time to ask questions about Lakeside. Authenticity is essential, and we encourage students to be themselves during the conversation. The interview is for students only and is virtual.

The admissions process is the same for all applicants to Lakeside with the same application requirements and deadlines. Each applicant is considered on their own merit.

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

Upper School
9th grade - 148 students
10th grade - 149 students
11th grade - 145 students
12th grade - 146 students

Lakeside offers shadow days for admitted students (in late February for Upper school students and late March for Middle School students).

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. We encourage families to attend the virtual Financial Aid at Lakeside webinar in October or Janary.

It's delicious! When school is on campus, faculty, staff, and students all eat on campus in either the Middle or Upper School cafeteria. Led by a professional chef, our kitchen staff sources as many ingredients as possible from local sustainable farmers and producers. Vegetarian alternatives are always available, and food is labeled to help students manage food allergies. Students can choose to bring lunch from home, purchase their entire lunch on campus, or do a combination of both. Learn more 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.