How to Get Into Kinkaid School

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How to Get Into Kinkaid School

Key Dates and Information

  • Location: Houston, TX
  • Grades: Pre-K-12
  • Online application deadline: 
    • Pre-K-kindergarten: September 22, 2023
    • Grades 1-12: November 29, 2023
  • Financial aid deadline: January 13, 2023
  • 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 29, 2023
  • Complete WPPSI testing and submit results
    • Deadline: 
      • Pre-K: October 27, 2023
      • Kindergarten: January 19, 2024
  • Participate in the group visit and individual developmental assessment
    • Pre-K visits and assessments take place in October 2023
    • Kindergarten assessments begin in November 2023, and group visits take place in January 2024
  • Submit the teacher recommendation form 
    • Deadline:
      • Pre-K: October 27, 2023
      • Kindergarten: January 19, 2024
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: November 29, 2023
  • Complete testing and submit results
    • Grade 1: WPPSI testing
    • Grades 2-4: WISC testing
    • Deadline: January 19, 2024
  • Submit the teacher recommendation form 
    • Deadline: January 19, 2024
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year (grades 3 and 4 only)
    • Deadline: January 19, 2024
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: November 29, 2023
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Submit the teacher recommendation form 
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: November 29, 2023
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Submit the teacher recommendation form 
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: November 29, 2023
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Submit recommendations
    • Required recommendations: current math teacher, current English teacher, special interest 
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024

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

  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: November 29, 2023
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • 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 10, 2024
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Complete the online application
    • Application fee: $100
    • Deadline: November 29, 2023
  • Take the ISEE and submit scores
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Submit recommendations
    • Required recommendations: current math teacher, current English teacher, special interest 
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024
  • Submit transcripts from previous two years and current year
    • Deadline: January 10, 2024

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 19, 2024
    • Submit the following supporting tax documents by January 19, 2024: 2022 federal tax return, W2s, all schedules, and a copy of last paycheck(s) from 2023

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!

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Originally published on October 27, 2022. Updated on November 15, 2023.

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