Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
- Who should apply to the Lower and Middle School? Hide
Children in the Early Childhood Center (K) through eighth grade are alert; they’re curious, they’re secure, and they’re happy. If you are a motivated, inquisitive, happy child, who wants to be here to learn and to do well in school, then you should apply for admission to the Lower and Middle School. Children applying to the Early Childhood Center (K) must turn 5 years old by December 1 of their enrollment year.
- How do I apply? Hide
There are three options for you to apply to Stevenson:
- Fill out our online inquiry form, and we will send you an application packet, in addition to our viewbook and curriculum map.
- Download the application forms from our website and send it to the Lower and Middle School. Families who send us a downloaded application should print all materials from the application download page, and mail completed forms to the Lower and Middle School at our post office box address.
- Contact the Lower and Middle School if you would like an application packet mailed to you.
- When do I apply? Hide
Applications completed by February 15 will receive priority consideration. If you mail your application before January 15, you probably will be able to complete your application in time for our first round of decisions. If you've missed the February 15 date, you can still go ahead and apply; we continue to accept applications until our classes fill, and cancellations sometimes create openings as late as July and August.
- Why should I visit the Lower and Middle School? Hide
There are a handful of reasons to come visit. First, you and your family needs to see if you like our school and feel comfortable here; second, you and your family needs to interview with our admission officer so we can learn about you and your family, and also so you and your family can ask questions about Stevenson's programs and curriculum.
To make an appointment, call the Lower and Middle School at 831-626-5207. We schedule visits for Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., so try to have several dates in mind before you call.
- What is a completed application? Hide
The Admission Committee considers an application complete when we have received the following:
- Your formal application, application fee, and health history form.
- Teacher recommendations from your current teacher. Applicants to Grades 7 and 8 are required to submit two recommendation forms: one from his/her language arts/English teacher, and the other from his/her math teacher.
- An official transcript and school records-sent by your school-that has your first-semester grades from the current year, your grades from at least one year previous, and any standardized test scores.
- A parent interview and tour of the Lower and Middle School.
- A student visit to the Lower and Middle School. Applicants to the ECC and 1st Grade visit from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m; applicants to 2nd through 8th Grades visit from 8:30 a.m to 2 p.m. All student visitors need to bring a morning snack and lunch.
- The score results from the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). The SSAT is the required test for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade applicants.
- What is the SSAT? Hide
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is widely used by independent schools to assess a candidate's academic potential. Students applying to Stevenson Middle and Upper Schools are required to take the test to complete their application. If you are applying to several schools that require the SSAT, you can have the test results sent to those schools by putting each school's name and code on the answer sheet. Stevenson's school code is 6082. The test is administered at locations all over the world six times each year. You should look for a test center close to your home. If you would like to receive priority consideration for admission to Stevenson, you should take the SSAT in December or January.
- What if I am an international student? Hide
Because the Lower and Middle School is day-only program, all current students and their families reside on the Monterey Peninsula and in the surrounding areas. We do not offer a boarding program for K-8 students; however, the Upper School does offer boarding to 9th-12th grade students. Stevenson also doesn't offer an English as a Second Language program. All international students must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English. Therefore, if you are applying for grades 6, 7, or 8, you must submit the SSAT before a visit to our campus can be scheduled. If you need a student visa, we will issue you an I-20 form only after you have accepted enrollment and have returned your enrollment agreement and the enrollment fee.
- When will I know if I am accepted to the Lower and Middle School? Hide
The Lower and Middle School mail the first decision letters on March 10; after March 10, decision letters are mailed as applications are completed and have been reviewed by the Admission Committee.
If you're admitted to Stevenson, we assume that you will successfully complete your current school year.