How to Get Into Lakeside School

Admissions Interview (Upper School Applicants)

An interview is required for all students applying to the Upper School (grades 9-11). Lakeside’s interview is a one-on-one conversation with either a faculty member or a member of the admissions team. This is a chance for applicants to show Lakeside who they are beyond their application. Examples of topics that have been discussed in previous interviews include outer space, favorite books, video games, sports, and cooking and baking. Applicants will also have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about Lakeside.

It is recommended that applicants schedule their interviews as soon as they know that they will be applying to Lakeside. Applicants can register for their interview after completing the preliminary application and the $25 application fee. Applicants have the option of interviewing virtually or in person. The interview must be completed by January 28, 2027.

It is important to prepare for your interview so that you can stand out from the crowd of other exceptional applicants while remaining your authentic self. The Test Innovators Interview Prep Course will help you develop your interviewing skills, prepare for common interview questions, and learn how to present yourself as a strong candidate.

Admissions Activity (Middle School Applicants)

Students applying to the Middle School (grades 6-8) participate in an admissions activity, which helps the admissions team understand how they collaborate with peers in a group setting. The admissions activity is offered in person, with a virtual option available to families whose primary residence is outside of Island, King, Kitsap, Pierce, or Snohomish Counties.

Admissions Tests

The SSAT is required for all students applying to Lakeside. The admissions office will only review one set of scores. If you submit multiple score reports, they will only consider scores from the earliest test date. The test must be taken between September 2024 and January 2025. However, Lakeside urges applicants to take the SSAT by December to ensure that score reports arrive before the January 30, 2025 deadline.

Check out our SSAT Prep Guide to learn more about the SSAT

Students applying to grades 10 and 11 also have the option of submitting PSAT, SAT, or the ACT test scores.

Additionally, international applicants must take the TOEFL if English is not the primary language of instruction at their current school.

Financial Aid Application

Lakeside has a substantial need-based financial aid program that supports qualifying families. Overall, 30% of the student body receives financial aid, and the average tuition for a family receiving financial aid is $11,722. Lakeside’s financial aid program supports families with incomes ranging from less than $15,000 to over $250,000.

Financial aid applications are due February 4, 2027. Lakeside uses Clarity for its financial aid application and tax document collection. Families must submit the financial aid application before receiving the student’s admissions decision. The following are required documents:

• Current tax return copies of W-2s
• Lakeside also requires business owners to submit their business tax returns and other information relevant to the business
• Parents and guardians who are not required to file taxes must submit documents showing all sources of income

There is a $65 fee to submit the Clarity application. Fee waivers are automatically granted to families who qualify based on income guidelines. For the most up-to-date information about financial aid requirements and deadlines, please visit Lakeside’s financial aid page.

Athletics

Lakeside has 25 varsity teams, most of which have sub-varsity and Middle School counterparts. Lakeside offers a wide variety of athletic programs that give students opportunities to participate at different levels. Lakeside offers the following athletic programs:

For more information about the athletic programs, teams, and facilities, please visit the Lakeside’s athletics page.

Arts

Lakeside offers a wide variety of drama, music, and visual arts programs. The school emphasizes artistic choice and exploration, allowing students to try different art forms or develop their skills more deeply in an area of interest. Lakeside’s arts programs focus on the creative process, collaboration, resilience, and developing students’ ability to approach problems from different perspectives.

In Middle School, every student takes both a visual arts class and a performing arts class each year. Students learn the fundamentals of a range of art forms, including drama, music, and visual arts.

In Upper School, students can choose among a wide range of arts classes and must complete two yearlong arts courses to fulfill graduation requirements. Seventy percent of Upper School students enroll in an arts course every year.

For more information about the artistic coursework at Lakeside, visit the Arts page.