How to Get Into Lakeside School

Admissions Interview (Upper School Applicants)

An interview is required for all students applying to the Upper School (grades 9-12). Lakeside’s interview is a one-on-one conversation with either a faculty member or a member of the admissions team. This is a chance for applicants to show Lakeside who they are beyond their application. Examples of topics that have been discussed in previous interviews include outer space, favorite books, video games, sports, and cooking and baking. Applicants will also have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about Lakeside.

It is recommended that applicants schedule their interviews as soon as they know that they will be applying to Lakeside. Applicants can schedule their interview on Ravenna after they submit a preliminary application and the $25 application fee. You do not need to participate in other admissions events before scheduling or attending the interview.

It is important to prepare for your interview so that you can stand out from the crowd of other exceptional applicants while remaining your authentic self. The Test Innovators Interview Prep Course will help you develop your interviewing skills, prepare common interview questions, and learn how to present yourself as a strong candidate.

Admissions Activity (Middle School Applicants)

Students applying to the Middle School (grades 5-8) participate in an admissions activity, which helps the admissions team understand how they work in a group setting. A virtual option is available to families who reside outside of Island, King, Kitsap, Pierce, or Snohomish Counties.

Admissions Tests

The SSAT is required for all students applying to Lakeside. The admissions office will only review one set of scores. If you submit multiple score reports, they will only consider scores from the earliest test date. The test must be taken between September 2024 and January 2025. However, Lakeside urges applicants to take the SSAT by December to ensure that score reports arrive before the January 30, 2025 deadline.

Check out our SSAT Prep Guide to learn more about the SSAT

Students applying to grades 10 and 11 also have the option of submitting PSAT, ACT, or SAT scores.

Additionally, international applicants must take the TOEFL if English is not the primary language of instruction at their current school.

Financial Aid Application

Lakeside has a substantial need-based financial aid program that supports qualifying families. Overall, 32% of the student body receives some level of financial support, and the average tuition for a family receiving financial aid is $10,265.

Financial aid applications are due February 6, 2025. Lakeside uses the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) application through School & Student Services (SSS). The following are required documents:

• • • 2024 income statements including W2s, unemployment statements, and Social Security income statements
    • 2024 IRS Form 1040 and relevant schedules
    • Lakeside also requests that business owners and those in partnerships include a Schedule C, Schedule E, Form 1120, and or K-1

For the most up-to-date information about financial aid requirements and deadlines, please visit Lakeside’s financial aid page.

Athletics

Lakeside has 23 varsity teams, most of which have sub-varsity and middle school counterparts. Eighty percent of Lakeside students play at least one sport each year, and many play two or three. Lakeside offers the following athletic programs:

For more information about the athletic programs, teams, and facilities, please visit the Lakeside’s athletics page.

Arts

Lakeside offers a wide variety of drama, music, and visual arts programs. Students of all levels of artistic ability are encouraged to participate in many different artistic disciplines, which are designed to be meaningful and accessible.

For more information about the artistic coursework at Lakeside, visit the Arts page.