How to Get Into Kinkaid School

Back to Test Innovators Blog
08Sep

How to Get Into Kinkaid School

By Admissions Assist, School Admissions Guides Comments Off on How to Get Into Kinkaid School

Key Dates and Information

  • Location: Houston, TX
  • Grades: Pre-K-12
  • Online application deadline: 
    • Pre-K-kindergarten: September 20, 2024
    • Grades 1-12: December 4, 2024
  • Financial aid deadline: January 17, 2024
  • Admissions tests: 
    • Grades pre-K-1: WPPSI
    • Grades 2-4: WISC
    • Grades 5-12: ISEE

Introduction

The Kinkaid School is a college preparatory school for students in grades pre-K through 12 located in Houston. Kinkaid promotes the well-roundedness of each student, and encourages students to grow academically, socially, artistically, and athletically. 

We’ve created this guide to help you navigate the admissions process to Kinkaid. Keep reading to learn about the application requirements, admissions tests, interviews, and more. 

We recommend using this guide in conjunction with our Admissions Assist Courses, which will help you understand what schools like Kinkaid look for in applicants and how to present your best self in your application materials.

Application

Kinkaid’s natural entry point grades are pre-K, kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade. Kinkaid also accepts applications to non-entry point grades, but space depends on current attrition. Applicants must complete the following steps:

  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: September 20, 2024
  • Complete WPPSI testing and submit results
    • Deadline: 
      • Pre-K: October 25, 2024
      • Kindergarten: January 17, 2025
  • Participate in the group visit and individual developmental assessment
    • Pre-K visits and assessments take place in September 2024
    • Kindergarten assessments begin in November 2024, and group visits take place in January 2025
  • Submit the teacher recommendation form 
    • Deadline:
      • Pre-K: October 25, 2024
      • Kindergarten: January 17, 2025
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: December 4, 2024
  • Complete testing and submit results
    • Grade 1: WPPSI testing
    • Grades 2-4: WISC testing
    • Deadline: January 17, 2025
  • Submit the teacher recommendation form 
    • Deadline: January 17, 2025
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year (grades 3 and 4 only)
    • Deadline: January 17, 2025
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: December 4, 2024
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit the teacher recommendation form 
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: December 4, 2024
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit the teacher recommendation form 
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: December 4, 2024
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit recommendations
    • Required recommendations: current math teacher, current English teacher, special interest 
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025

Note: applicants to grades 7-8 will not participate in an interview unless space becomes available

  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: December 4, 2024
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Interview with a member of the Admission Committee
    • Applicants will be contacted to schedule the interview after submitting the application
  • Submit recommendations
    • Required recommendations: current math teacher, current English teacher, special interest 
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: December 4, 2024
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit recommendations
    • Required recommendations: current math teacher, current English teacher, special interest 
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 15, 2025

Note: applicants to grades 10-12 will not participate in an interview unless space becomes available

For more information about application requirements and deadlines at The Kinkaid School, please refer to their website.

Admissions Interview

Pre-K and kindergarten applicants participate in an in-person group visit and individual developmental assessment. Applicants will be contacted to schedule the visit after submitting the online application. Kinkaid asks families to contact the school if they are unable to attend the visit in-person. 

Applicants to 6th grade and 9th grade participate in an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee. Applicants will be contacted to schedule the interview after submitting the online application. Interviews are typically in-person, but can be virtual if needed. Applicants to non-entry point grades will not interview unless space becomes available. 

The interview is an important step in the application process, because it allows the admissions office to get to know you as a person. Being prepared will help you showcase your best qualities and make the most of the limited interview time. Test Innovators’ Interview Prep Course is here to help you prepare. Through our course, you’ll practice common interview questions, consider what you want to highlight in your interview, and gain confidence in your interview skills. 

As you work through the Interview Prep Course, we recommend doing your research so you can discuss specific points of interest in your interview. Explore Kinkaid’s mission and values and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Check out academic opportunities in Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Consider sharing how you would like to get involved in the arts or athletics at Kinkaid. Take a look at clubs and organizations that you can join, or look into Kinkaid’s approach to community service. You are applying to Kinkaid for a reason, so do not be shy about sharing that reason in your interview! 

Admissions Tests

The following tests are required for Kinkaid applicants:

  • Grades pre-K-1: WPPSI
  • Grades 2-4: WISC
  • Grades 5-12: ISEE

As the only official practice partner of the ISEE, Test Innovators is here to help you prepare for test day. Through our platform, you will take full-length practice tests and receive a detailed score breakdown after each test. You can compare your scores to target score data for Kinkaid and other schools of interest. You will receive additional practice problems and videos to target areas with room for improvement, and gain familiarity with the test format, helping you achieve your test day goals. 

When you are ready to start preparing, Test Innovators is here. Take a look at our ISEE Prep Guide to learn more about the test and preparation process. 

Financial Aid Application

Kinkaid’s financial aid program strives to promote diversity in the student body and to enroll capable students regardless of their ability to pay. Families are encouraged to apply to see if they qualify. To apply for financial aid, the following steps are required:

    • Submit the Parent’s Financial Statement through School and Student Services by NAIS by January 17, 2025
    • Submit the following supporting tax documents by January 17, 2025: 2023 federal tax return, W2s, all schedules, and a copy of last paycheck(s) from 2024

Please visit Kinkaid’s website for more information on financial aid. 

Extracurricular Opportunities

Athletics

Kinkaid students can participate in the following sports teams:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Field hockey
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & field
  • Volleyball
  • Wrestling

For more information on athletics at Kinkaid, please refer to their athletics page. 

Arts

Kinkaid students can participate in a  variety of arts opportunities. The theater and dance programs encourage students to experiment, take risks, and express themselves. Music opportunities include band, orchestra, and choir, where students participate in various performances and competitions. Visual arts and media are introduced in Lower School, and in Upper School, students can explore specialties ranging from film to printmaking to ceramics. Writing and journalism offer another creative outlet for students, with classes including yearbook and journalism. Check out Kinkaid’s website to learn more about the arts. 

Clubs and Organizations

Kinkaid offers a combination of traditional and innovative clubs and organizations, encouraging students to explore their interests and get involved. Some examples of clubs and organizations at Kinkaid include Robotics Club, Knitting Club, Young Entrepreneurs Club, and India Club. Learn more about clubs and organizations through Kinkaid’s website.

Conclusion

Test Innovators is your key to creating your strongest application to Kinkaid, from admissions tests to the interview and every step in between. 

 

Preparation Resources:

Start preparing today!

SSAT
ISEE
HSPT
PSAT
ACT
SAT
Admissions Assist

Originally published on October 27, 2022. Updated on September 8, 2024.

Share this post

Back to Test Innovators Blog

Related Posts

12Apr

Applying to Independent Schools: Spring Newsletter

With the academic year winding down, many families are assessing whether or not their child’s current school is meeting their needs and expectations. If your family is exploring independent and private school options, then it’s time to start planning for the 2024-2025 school year application process! Applying to independent schools...

Read More
10Sep

How to Get Into Groton

Groton is a highly regarded boarding and day school serving students in grades 8-12. It is one of the top college-prep schools in the Boston area, and offers students an array of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Read More
01Dec

Applying to Independent Schools: December Newsletter

Hello there, and happy December! As we enter the final stretch of the 2024-2025 application season, it’s important to be mindful of the due dates that may be coming up. Deadlines vary from school to school, and while most applications are due in January, some schools have deadlines that are...

Read More
03Sep

How to Get Into The Lawrenceville School

The Lawrenceville School is a boarding and day school for students in 9th-12th grade located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Lawrenceville offers unique opportunities for students, including a house system where students build community, experiential learning programs, and more.

Read More
18Jul

How to Get Into Phillips Exeter Academy

Phillips Academy Exeter is one of the most sought-after and selective independent schools. Applying to such a highly selective school can be intimidating, so we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the entire application process for Exeter.

Read More
03Sep

How to Get Into The Hotchkiss School

The Hotchkiss School is a prestigious boarding school in Lakeville, CT. Its approximately 600 students receive a rigorous education. Hotchkiss is exclusive - only 18% of applicants are admitted. We’ve created this guide to assist you throughout the application process.

Read More
04Jan

Applying to Independent Schools: January Newsletter

Happy New Year! As we enter 2024, it’s time to focus on finishing and submitting your applications. Make sure you’ve completed all application items, and don’t forget to double-check the deadlines for each school that you’re applying to. Here’s your January To Do List: Finish and submit your applications. Submit financial...

Read More
25Jun

How to Get Into Phillips Academy Andover

It can be daunting to apply to a school with only a 13% acceptance rate, so we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the application process to Andover. Keep reading to learn what you need to do to apply to Andover and to discover resources that will help you...

Read More
10Mar

Choosing a School: Advice From Experts

You’ve spent countless hours applying to schools, and now all your hard work has finally paid off. If you’re fortunate enough to have been accepted to more than one school, the last step of the process is to choose a school.

Read More
10Sep

How to Get Into St. John’s School

St. John’s School (St. John’s) is a leading K-12 college preparatory school located in Houston, Texas. With abundant opportunities in and out of the classroom, it draws a diverse array of applicants. It was the 5th most sought-after school in 2023.

Read More