How to Get Into Horace Mann

Admissions Interview

Families of students applying for Grades 6-11 can schedule their interviews through Ravenna after submitting their applications. Because interview appointments fill up quickly, families are encouraged to schedule their interview as soon as they submit their application. Interviews are 45 minutes long and will be conducted in-person if possible. The applicant and at least one parent/guardian are required to attend the interview. 

The interview is a great opportunity for applicants to share more about themselves and to showcase how their interests and goals align with Horace Mann. Preparation is an important component of the interview process. Test Innovators’ Interview Prep course helps students and parents prepare for the interview. The course will help you gain confidence and learn how to highlight the areas where you stand out from other applicants. 

During your interview, it is important to explain why you are interested in Horace Mann specifically. Learn about their Mission and Core Values and consider how you embody these. Check out their curriculum and think about which classes excite you. Explore the John Dorr Nature Laboratory and consider how you may benefit from this outdoor educational opportunity. Look for arts, athletics, or clubs that match your interests. 

During in-person interviews, families will be given a tour of the school. If a family must conduct their interview virtually, they are encouraged to schedule a session with a panel of student ambassadors to learn more about the school. The panel replaces the in-person tour families would normally receive during their interviews. 

Admissions Tests

Horace Mann requires students to submit the following tests for each grade level:

• First Look Insights: Kindergarten and Grade 1
• ISEE Primary: Grades 2-4
• ISEE: Grades 5-11
  • SSAT is also accepted 

Preparing for the ISEE will help you gain familiarity with the test, which helps decrease anxiety and increase confidence and performance. When you are ready to start preparing, Test Innovators is here to help. As the only ERB-endorsed practice for the ISEE, Test Innovators offers official practice materials and a personalized prep experience. Our full-length practice tests will give you percentile and stanine scores, which you can compare to target score data for Horace Mann and other schools of interest. You’ll also get a personalized Prep Plan, so that you can identify and target areas that need improvement.  

Check out our ISEE Prep Guide to learn more about the ISEE.

Financial Aid Application

Horace Mann has a “need blind” admissions policy, which means that financial aid requests are not a factor in admissions decisions, so students are encouraged to apply regardless of their families’ ability to pay the full cost of tuition. However, they do not guarantee that all financial aid requests will be met if the student is admitted. In 2023-2024, Horace Mann awarded over $14 million in financial aid to 15% of its students. 

Financial aid applications are due with the general application on November 15th. Families applying for financial aid will need to submit the School and Student Services Parent Financial Statement (PFS) as well as the following materials:

• 2022 United States 1040 form(s) and all schedules
• 2023 W-2 forms and 1099 forms, where applicable
• Horace Mann School Supplemental Form
• Other supplemental forms are sometimes required depending on family circumstances

Please refer to Horace Mann’s financial aid page for the most up-to-date information.

For more information about artistic opportunities at Horace Mann and to see examples of student work, please visit Arts on Display.