How to Get Into Kinkaid School
Key Dates and Information
- Location: Houston, TX
- Grades: Pre-K-12
- Online application deadline:
- Pre-K–kindergarten: September 18, 2026
- Grades 1–12: December 2, 2026
- Financial aid deadline: January 8, 2027
- Admissions tests:
- Pre-K–kindergarten: WPPSI
- Grade 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 accepts applications through its online Admission Portal. You can access the application through Kinkaid’s admissions website.
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: $150
- Deadline: September 18, 2026
- Complete WPPSI testing and submit results
- Pre-K testing is arranged through Collaborative Academic Testing Services (CATS).
- Kindergarten applicants must complete WPPSI testing through CATS and an academic achievement assessment through Admission Testing Solutions (ATS).
- Deadlines
- Pre-K: CATS testing registration deadline was September 23, 2026; results are due October 23, 2026.
- Kindergarten: CATS testing registration deadline is December 13, 2026; results are due January 13, 2027.
- Kindergarten ATS testing registration deadline: October 23, 2026.
- Participate in the group visit and individual developmental assessment
- Pre-K applicants participate in a group visit and developmental assessment scheduled by the Admission Office after the application is submitted.
- Kindergarten applicants participate in a group visit scheduled by the Admission Office after the application is submitted.
- Submit the teacher recommendation form
- Pre-K deadline: October 23, 2026
- Kindergarten deadline: January 13, 2027
- Complete the online application
- Application fee: $150
- Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Complete testing and submit results
- Grade 1: WPPSI testing
- Grades 2–4: WISC testing
- Testing is arranged through Collaborative Academic Testing Services (CATS).
- Testing registration deadline: December 13, 2026
- Results deadline: January 13, 2027
- Submit the teacher recommendation form
- Deadline: January 13, 2027
- Submit transcripts from the current and previous academic years
- Grades 1–2: Transcripts must include grades from the current fall term and the previous school year.
- Grades 3–4: Transcripts must include grades from the previous two academic years and the current fall term.
- Deadline: January 13, 2027
- Complete the online application
- Application fee: $150
- Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Take the ISEE and submit scores
- ISEE fee: $170, paid directly to the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
- Application materials and ISEE scores deadline: January 11, 2027.
- Submit the teacher recommendation form
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Submit transcripts from the previous two academic years and current year
- Transcripts must include the two previous academic years and the current fall semester or trimester.
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Complete the online application
- Application fee: $150
- Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Take the ISEE and submit scores
- ISEE fee: $170, paid directly to the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Submit recommendations
- Required recommendations:
- Current English teacher
- Current math teacher
- School administrator
- Special interest recommendation
- Required recommendations:
- Submit transcripts from the previous two academic years and current year
- Transcripts must include the two previous academic years and the current fall semester or trimester.
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Complete the student essay
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Interview with a member of the Admission Committee
- The interview is scheduled by the interviewer after the application has been submitted.
- Complete the online application
- Application fee: $150
- Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Take the ISEE and submit scores
- ISEE fee: $170, paid directly to the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Submit recommendations
- Required recommendations:
- Current English teacher
- Current math teacher
- School administrator
- Special interest recommendation
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Required recommendations:
- Submit transcripts from the previous two academic years and current year
- Transcripts must include the two previous academic years and the current fall semester or trimester.
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Complete the student essay
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Complete the online application
- Application fee: $150
- Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Take the ISEE and submit scores
- ISEE fee: $170, paid directly to the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Interview with a member of the Admission Committee
- The interview is scheduled by the interviewer after the application has been submitted.
- Submit recommendations
- Required recommendations:
- Current English teacher
- Current math teacher
- School administrator
- Special interest recommendation
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Required recommendations:
- Submit transcripts from the previous two academic years and current year
- Transcripts must include the two previous academic years and the current fall semester or trimester.
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Complete the student essay
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Complete the online application
- Application fee: $150
- Deadline: December 2, 2026
- Take the ISEE and submit scores
- ISEE fee: $170, paid directly to the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Submit recommendations
- Required recommendations:
- Current English teacher
- Current math teacher
- School administrator
- Special interest recommendation
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Required recommendations:
- Submit transcripts from the previous two academic years and current year
- Transcripts must include the two previous academic years and the current fall semester or trimester.
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
- Complete the student essay
- Deadline: January 11, 2027
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:
- Pre-K: WPPSI
- Kindergarten: WPPSI and an academic achievement assessment through Admission Testing Solutions (ATS)
- Grade 1: WPPSI/WISC testing, as directed by Kinkaid’s testing requirements
- 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 (SSS) by NAIS by January 8, 2027. The application is available through the SSS by NAIS financial aid application.
- Provide consent for SSS and Kinkaid to receive personal and business tax information directly from the IRS through TaxStatus.
- Enter income and family information for 2026 and upload December 2026 paystubs.
- Submit 2025 federal tax returns and any other required supporting financial documents.
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 and diving
- Tennis
- Track and 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:
- Enroll in our Admissions Assist Courses for Middle School or Upper School
- Learn more about preparing for the ISEE
- Learn more about The Kinkaid School
Originally published on October 27, 2022. Updated on September 8, 2024.
