How to Get Into Episcopal High School
Key Dates and Information
- Location: Alexandria, VA
- Grades: 9-12
- Application deadline: January 15, 2027
- Financial aid deadline: January 15, 2027
- Admissions interview deadline: January 31, 2027
- Admissions test deadline: January 15, 2027. Scores from February test dates may be accepted if all other application requirements have been met by January 15.
- Admissions tests:
- 9th and 10th grade applicants: SSAT, ISEE, or PSAT
- 11th grade applicants: PSAT, SAT, or ACT
- Admissions decision: March 10, 2027
- English language tests (if applicable): TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
Introduction
Episcopal High School (EHS) is a boarding school in Alexandria, Virginia for students in grades 9 through 12. EHS is 100% boarding, and believes that boarding is transformative and helps students develop their independence. The school provides abundant academic and extracurricular opportunities for students, taking advantage of its proximity to Washington, D.C. Episcopal High School made the list of the 50 most sought-after schools of 2023, and draws a competitive applicant pool.
Applying to a top school like EHS is both exciting and challenging. Luckily, Test Innovators is here for you. We offer Admissions Assist Courses, which will help you understand what admissions officers look for in applicants, prepare for the admissions interview, and write outstanding application materials.
Application
EHS accepts applications to 9th, 10th, and 11th grade. To apply, students must complete the following steps:
- Complete the formal application through the SSAT Standard Application Online (SAO) or Gateway to Prep Schools by January 15, 2027
- Application fee: $60 for domestic applicants; $120 for international applicants
- Components:
- Candidate profile
- Student questionnaire with personal essay
- Parent questionnaire
- Submit the transcript report through the SAO or Gateway to Prep Schools application by January 15, 2027
- Applicants should request a grade report from the current academic year in addition to reports for the previous two years.
- Submit recommendations through the SAO or Gateway to Prep Schools application by January 15, 2027
- Required recommendations:
- Current English teacher
- Current math teacher
- Current school principal or counselor
- Optional recommendations:
- Special interest recommendation
- Personal recommendation
- Required recommendations:
- Schedule and complete the personal interview with an EHS admissions officer
- Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to schedule the admissions interview at (703) 933-4062 or admissions@episcopalhighschool.org.
- Families should plan to spend approximately two hours on campus for a student-guided tour and an interview with an Admissions Officer. Parents and guardians will also have an opportunity to speak with the Admissions Officer.
- Virtual interviews are available for applicants who are unable to travel to campus.
- Deadline: January 31, 2027.
- Take an admissions test
- 9th and 10th grade applicants: SSAT or ISEE is accepted. Applicants may also submit PSAT scores as a substitute.
- 11th grade applicants: PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores are accepted.
- Applicants should plan to test in October, November, December, or January.
- Deadline: January 15, 2027. Scores from February test dates may be accepted if all other application requirements are met by January 15, 2027.
- Take an English language test (if applicable)
- Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test in addition to the appropriate admissions test.
- Applicants who have attended a school where English is the primary language of instruction for the past three years may qualify for a waiver.
- International applicants should contact the Admissions Office with questions about testing requirements.
- Complete the financial aid application (if applicable)
- Deadline: January 15, 2027.
- Families must submit the financial aid application through Clarity.
- A 2026 pay stub must also be submitted by January 15, 2027.
- U.S. taxpayers can authorize the transfer of their 2025 federal tax return and W-2 information from the IRS through Clarity. Additional documentation may be requested depending on the family’s financial circumstances.
To learn more about applying to EHS, please visit their admissions page.
Admissions Interview
The admissions interview is a required part of the application to EHS. Applicants can contact the admissions office at (703) 933-4062 or admissions@episcopalhighschool.org to schedule the interview, which must be completed before the end of January 2025.
A member of the admissions team will interview the student and meet with the parents/guardians. Interviews are typically conducted in person, and families should plan to spend about two hours on campus for the tour and interview. Families who are unable to visit campus should contact the admissions office to discuss their options.
The interview is a chance for EHS to get to know you as an applicant and for you to share what excites you about the school. Being prepared for the interview is key to putting your best foot forward. Test Innovators offers an Admissions Assist Course, which will ensure you are ready for the interview. In our course, students and parents/guardians practice common interview questions and strategize on what to highlight in the interview.
Another important way to prepare is to research EHS. Read about their mission and beliefs and consider what resonates with you. Look into the academic curriculum and departments, and consider sharing classes of interest. Learn why 100% of students board at EHS and what residential life is like. Check out opportunities in the arts and athletics, along with clubs and organizations and afternoon programs, and share how you would like to get involved. You are applying to EHS for a reason, so don’t hesitate to discuss that reason in your interview!
Admissions Tests
Admissions tests are required for applicants to EHS. Students should plan to complete their testing during the fall or winter before the application deadline. The following tests are accepted:
- 9th and 10th grade applicants: SSAT or ISEE is accepted. Students may also submit PSAT scores as a substitute.
- 11th grade applicants: PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores are accepted.
Scores should be received by the application deadline on January 15, 2027. Scores from February test dates may be accepted provided all other application requirements have been met by January 15, 2027.
Test Innovators is an official practice partner of the SSAT and the only official practice partner of the ISEE. We also offer materials for the PSAT, SAT, and the ACT test. On our platform, you will take full-length practice exams and receive a detailed score analysis after each one. You can focus on areas with room to improve, while gaining familiarity with the test format and question types.
When you are ready to get started, check out our SSAT Prep Guide and ISEE Prep Guide.
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Financial Aid Application
Episcopal High School recognizes that education is a significant investment for families and strives to enroll students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Approximately 35% of EHS students receive financial assistance, and the average need-based grant is about $59,000. Financial aid is awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
The following steps are required to apply for financial aid:
- Complete the Clarity financial aid application by January 15, 2027.
- Submit a 2026 pay stub by January 15, 2027.
- U.S. taxpayers can authorize the transfer of their 2025 federal tax return and W-2 information directly from the IRS through Clarity. Additional financial documentation may be requested depending on the family’s circumstances.
Families will receive financial aid decisions along with admissions decisions in March. For more information on financial aid at EHS, please refer to their financial aid page.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Athletics
EHS students can participate in the following sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Climbing
- Crew
- Cross country
- Field hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Indoor track & field
- Lacrosse
- Outdoor track & field
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Ultimate frisbee
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Visit EHS’s website for more information on their athletics program.
Arts
EHS’s arts program aims to take advantage of the artistic offerings of Washington, D.C. EHS hosts visiting artists and organizes visits to cultural sites. In addition, students can participate in four arts departments: visual arts, theater, music, and dance. Be sure to explore the abundant opportunities in the arts at EHS, and share your interests in your application materials.
Clubs and Organizations
EHS clubs and organizations allow students to explore their existing interests and discover new ones. Opportunities include Culinary Club, Spikeball Club, Women in STEM, and Debate Club. They also have afternoon programs built into the curriculum, which include community service, applied journalism, and drama. Check out all the extracurricular opportunities at EHS, and share how you hope to get involved in your interview and application essay.
Boarding School
EHS is a 100% boarding school, meaning all students live in the dorms on campus. EHS believes that boarding allows students to make the most of their community and environment.
EHS has eight dorms, four for boys and four for girls. Each dorm is led by a dorm head, with a faculty member on each floor. Freshmen have their own dorms with additional support and faculty to help ease the transition to boarding school. The freshman dorms also have an 11th grade prefect on each floor. Students have one or two roommates, and new students will be assigned roommates in the same grade. Refer to EHS’s website to learn more about residential life.
Conclusion
With Test Innovators, you have help navigating the application process to Episcopal High School. Check out the resources below to learn more about how to create your strongest application.
Preparation Resources:
- Enroll in our Admissions Assist Courses
- Learn more about preparing for the SSAT
- Learn more about preparing for the ISEE
- Learn more about preparing for the PSAT
- Learn more about preparing for the SAT
- Learn more about preparing for the ACT test
- Learn more about Episcopal High School
Originally published on October 21, 2022. Updated on September 8, 2024.
