How to Apply & Key Dates

List of 3 items.

• + Apply: Beginners, Kindergarten, Grade I & II

  Application steps continued from above: 

  • Ask your child’s current classroom teacher to complete a recommendation form by delegating the form to them directly through Ravenna. Shady Hill participates in the Boston-Area Common Recommendation Forms, allowing teachers to submit a single form to multiple schools. If your child currently not enrolled in a school, please contact admission@shs.org to discuss next steps for this requirement.

  • Register for the observational playgroup through Ravenna. This visit is an opportunity for us to learn more about your child! They will spend time playing with peers as well as participating in one-on-one time with one of our teachers. 

  
  *Beginner applicants must be 4 years old by September 1.

  **Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years old by September 1.

• + Apply: Grade III–V

  Application steps continued from above: 

  • Ask your child’s current classroom teacher to complete a recommendation form by delegating the form to them directly through Ravenna. Shady Hill participates in the Boston-Area Common Recommendation Forms, allowing teachers to submit a single form to multiple schools. 

  • Register for the Admission Observation Day on January 15, 2027 through Ravenna. Students will participate in group activities and individual work with a teacher during their visit. 

• + Apply: Grade VI–VIII

  Application steps continued from above: 

  
  

  • Ask your child’s current Math and English teacher, as well as a School Administrator (Principal or Division Head), to complete their respective recommendation forms.  Teacher evaluations help us understand your child's classroom participates, while administrator feedback provides broader insight into how the student participates in the school community and overall program.  All forms can be delegate directly to teachers through Ravenna. Shady Hill participates in the Boston-Area Common Recommendation Forms, allowing teachers to submit a single form to multiple schools. 

  • Register for the Admission Observation Day on January 15, 2027 through Ravenna. Students will participate in group activities and individual work with a teacher during their visit. 

  • For Grade VII & Grade VIII:  Standardized test results are a required part of the application process to grades seven and eight. While we would prefer to see results from the SSAT or ISEE, we recognize that not all families have the flexibility to access those exams and so we will also accept results from any standardized test administered by your child's current school within the last 12 months.