Admissions FAQs
Answers
We look for a variety of personal qualities such as strength of character, motivation, initiative, intelligence, creativity, perseverance, and the ability to work with and relate well to peers and adults.
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Flintridge Prep's Open House provides applicants and their families an opportunity to visit the school. We would also be pleased to arrange an appointment for you to visit the campus.
Please keep in mind that January, February, and early March are the busiest times for the Admissions Office, and that appointments to visit the campus are more difficult to arrange during that period.
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The school enrolls a diverse student body, welcoming students of all races, creeds, national or ethnic origins, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our first consideration is to ensure that applicants are the right academic fit. When all other factors are equal, an applicant with a sibling currently enrolled or one whose parent is a graduate will be accepted over other candidates.
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There are 51 openings for 7th grade, and approximately 55 openings for 9th grade. Applications for 8th, 10th, and 11th grade are sometimes considered.
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No, you may take the ISEE at any of the ISEE test sites. For information about ISEE test sites and testing dates, please check the ISEE Student Guide. (Detailed information about ISEE test sites and testing dates is available at www.iseetest.org.)
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Four sources are generally used: A transcript of ISEE test scores, teacher evaluations, and a personal interview. Our aim is to obtain a balanced, objective view of your personality, achievements, and potential.
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The Admissions Office makes every effort to obtain the required items from your school. We will contact you if we have not received the necessary paperwork as the due date approaches.
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Fill out and mail in the Student Interview Dates form (part of the Admissions Packet) [link] as soon as possible. We will respond with a call or a mailing that confirms one of the times and dates that the family has requested. It may take several weeks for you to be notified of the appointment.
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One or both parents should accompany the student on the day of the interview. The family should come to the front office and give the student’s name to the receptionist at the front desk. A teacher or administrator will come out to meet you.
The purpose of the interview is to get to know you, find out your interests, and answer your questions. After the interview the parent(s) will have a few minutes alone with the interviewer to ask questions about the school or share insights about the student.
The total length of the visit is usually no longer than 40 minutes. Plan to arrive a few minutes early, as interviews take place during a free class period for the interviewer — if you are late, there will be less time available for the interview.
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Decisions are reached by an Admissions Committee consisting of representatives from the administration and nearly one half of the faculty. After each committee member has carefully reviewed each student’s file, the Admissions Committee meets to discuss what each candidate has to offer the Flintridge Prep community.
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Unfortunately, Prep has more qualified applicants than it has open spots in each class. The waiting list consists of qualified students who cannot initially be accepted. If space develops, we refer to the waiting list and accept candidates. Because vacancies can develop unexpectedly, acceptances might occur as late as the end of August. One out of four new 9th graders each year are students who applied previously for grades 7 or 8 but who were not admitted at that time.
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Prep is a family. We don't just teach students; we encourage parents to participate in the life of the school. We hope that your family will contribute to the school in many ways — by participating in the Parents Association, Fathers Club, or donating to the Annual Fund. There are many ways in which you can volunteer your time and resources.
For example, parents often volunteer to host receptions at student art exhibitions; assist with drama productions and dance concerts; help athletic teams by designing programs, selling concessions, and hosting season-end banquets; and add to the Flintridge Prep community in countless other ways.
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