Welcome to Admissions

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• What are the typical entry points for Hackley School?

  The Lower School typically admits students into Kindergarten and Grade 2.
  There are occasional openings in Grades 1, 3, and 4 in Lower School.
  
  The usual entry point for Middle School students is Grade 6.
  There are occasional openings in Grades 5, 7, and 8 in Middle School.
  
  In the Upper School, most new students are admitted into Grade 9.
  We also admit students to Grade 10, though typically fewer than five each year. There are occasional openings in Grade 11.

• Do you offer scholarships?

  Hackley does not offer merit-based scholarships. Instead, we offer financial aid based on need with the assumption that all students admitted to Hackley have great merit.

• When are tours and information sessions? How can I visit the campus?

  Please visit our Getting to Know Hackley page for ways to learn more about Hackley, including our virtual Thursdays on the Hilltop series and on-campus Open Houses for each division, open to all. We will also offer school-day tours to families who have submitted an application.

• When is the application deadline?

  The family portion of the application, including the Parent/Guardian and Student Questionnaires, the interests and accomplishments form, and the application fee must be submitted by Monday, November 27, 2023.  Supporting paperwork must be completed and received by Thursday, January 11, 2024, in order for an application to be considered.

• When are teacher recommendations due?

  We recommend that you submit the release of information form and the teacher recommendation forms to your child’s current school no earlier than the first of November. It is best if a teacher has written your child’s first report card or you have had your first parent/teacher conference before you ask the teacher to write a recommendation.
  
  Please ask the teacher to print a copy of the recommendation for his/her records. The electronic recommendation should be submitted to Hackley no later than Thursday, January 11, 2024.

• Do you accept additional recommendations?

  Yes, we do, but they are not required. It does not put a student at a disadvantage to have only the required recommendations.

• What is the last test date I can take the ISEE or SSAT and be considered for the current admission season?

  Your child should take either the ISEE or the SSAT before Thursday, January 11, 2024. The ideal months for the exam are November and December.

• Which test do you prefer – the ISEE or the SSAT? Why do you accept two tests?

  We find both tests equally helpful and do not have a preference. We accept two different tests because some applicants to Upper School may take only the SSAT at other schools to which they plan to apply. Both testing agencies are offering several ways to take the test for the fall 2023 season, including at-home versions. You can find more information about the SSAT and the ISEE online.

• How many places do you fill in each grade each year?

  We generally have spaces in our typical entry grades as follows:
  
  Kindergarten:   30 - 32
  Grade 2:           14 - 16
  Grade 6:           15 - 20
  Grade 9:           40 - 45
  Grade 10:           3 - 6

• What is the tuition?

  Hackley’s tuition varies by division. It is important to note that Hackley’s tuition does not cover all of our annual costs: we are immensely grateful to the innumerable parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends whose generosity provides necessary additional support for all our programs and for the maintenance of our wonderful facilities. For further details, please visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page.

• What is the class size and the student-teacher ratio?

  Average class size is 16 across the divisions. Student-teacher ratio is approximately 7 to 1.

• Does Hackley provide transportation?

  Please visit our Daily Transportation page for all the information.