Application Preparation
Prepare for the pieces Sidwell reads
The file mixes the Sidwell assessment, teacher recommendations, report cards, an applicant video, a parent meeting and testing.
Checked against Sidwell Friends's published admissions pages on November 5, 2026.
Testing
Testing.
- Testing policy
- Standardized in-school testing is required. Admissions testing is optional, and Grade 9 applicants may send SSAT or ISEE results.
- Sidwell assessment
- Applicants to Grades 6, 7 and 9 register for the Sidwell Friends School Assessment.
- Applicant video
- Grades 6, 7 and 9 submit an applicant video by December 31, 2026.
- English language learners
- Sidwell does not offer an ESL program. English language learners should submit TOEFL scores.
- 01
Ask your current school which standardized tests it gives this year, since Sidwell requires in-school testing.
- 02
If your student plans to send optional SSAT or ISEE scores, take a full timed practice test before building a study plan.
- 03
Leave room before the December 31 step.
Essays
The applicant video and recommendations.
- Applicant video
- Grades 6, 7 and 9 submit an applicant video by December 31, 2026.
- Teacher recommendations
- Request recommendations from the current math and English teachers after November 1. Forms received before November 1 are not accepted.
- Family Information Form
- The Family Information Form is the first step. Sidwell suggests setting aside 20 to 30 minutes.
- 01
Watch Ravenna for video instructions after you submit the Family Information Form.
- 02
Let your student practice speaking about a favorite book, project or question without a script.
- 03
Give teachers plenty of notice, since recommendation forms open only after November 1.
Interview
A parent meeting and a student conversation.
- Grades 6 and 7
- Grades 6 and 7: schedule a parent or guardian meeting, in person or virtual.
- Grade 9
- Grade 9: schedule a parent meeting and interview, held virtually.
- Out-of-region families
- Families outside the DC, Maryland and Virginia region are told about other ways to complete in-person steps if they cannot travel to campus.
- 01
Have two or three stories ready that show how your student thinks.
- 02
Practice explaining an interest out loud, without notes.
- 03
Bring real questions about daily life at the school.
Preparation plan
A plan that works backward from the deadlines.
Adjust the pace to your student's schedule. The order matters more than the exact days.
First
Create a Ravenna account
Every family uses Ravenna to apply, register for events and track progress. Plan 20 to 30 minutes for the Family Information Form.
By December 1
Submit the Family Information Form
Pay the application fee, or request a fee waiver if cost is a hardship.
After November 1
Request teacher recommendations
Sidwell asks for current math and English teachers. Forms sent before November 1 are not accepted.
By December 15
Register for the assessment and schedule the parent meeting
Send last year’s report cards at the same time.
By December 31
Finish the video, report card and testing
Send the first quarter or trimester report card, the applicant video and in-school testing.
Financial aid
Confirm the aid deadline
Sidwell’s pages list two dates, so check Ravenna or Clarity before you plan.