ApplyING TO PREP
Welcome! We're so glad you're considering Santa Fe Prep. Our students come from many different schools, backgrounds, and life experiences, and that mix is part of what makes this community special. We know that choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. Whether you're very familiar with independent schools or are considering switching from public school, we're excited to get to know you and help you through the application process.
Our Admissions Committee looks at the whole student: character, grades, teacher recommendations, special talents, and potential for growth. Prep supports many kinds of learners, and what unites the students who thrive here is a shared set of qualities — curiosity, hard work, and an eagerness to engage and learn with others. Prep offers a rigorous, engaging, college-preparatory experience. In return, we ask students to bring a positive attitude and get involved in school life. The more you give to the community, the more you get back.
Below, you'll find the Upcoming Events, Admissions Timeline, and Application Checklist tables, followed by our Guide to Applying to Prep. We hope this information will help guide you through the process step by step.
Upcoming Events
Admissions Open House
Friday, October 23, 2-5 PM
Admissions Assessment Testing
Saturday, January 23, 10-11 AM
Thursday, January 28, 4:30-5:30 PM
Saturday, February 6, 10-11 AM
Thursday, February 11, 4:30-5:30 PM
Parent Coffees
During Admissions Assessment Testing
Admissions Timeline
Admissions Season Opens
October 1, 2026
Tuition Assistance Application Deadline
Friday, January 15, 2027
Admission Application Deadline
Wednesday, February 17, 2027
Admission and Tuition Assistance Notifications
Friday, March 5, 2027
Application checklist
- Student Statement
- Parent Statement
- Transcript (current year + two previous years)
- English Teacher Recommendation
- Math Teacher Recommendation
- Student Visit Day/Interview
- Admissions Assessment
- $60 Application Fee
A Guide to Applying to Santa Fe Prep
| Inquire Online (Sept–Feb) |
| We're glad you're considering Santa Fe Prep! Start with our Inquiry Form—once submitted, you'll set up an account to access our Admissions Portal. Current Prep families can access the portal directly through the Parent Portal (click the tab at the top to the right of "Parent Portal"). The Admissions season for the 2027-2028 school year opens October 1, 2026. |
| Start Your Application (Oct–Feb) |
Applications open on October 1 and are completed online through the Admissions Portal. A complete application to Santa Fe Prep includes:
Detailed instructions for each item are on the Application Checklist in the Admissions Portal. |
| Schedule a Student Visit Day (Oct–Feb) |
We invite prospective students to spend a full day experiencing life at Prep, attending classes and extracurriculars, and sharing lunch on campus with a current student host. A 20-minute interview is part of the visit, giving your child a chance to share who they are. Student Visit Days run most school days throughout the Admissions season (October 1, 2026 - February 17, 2027); please try to schedule at least a week in advance through the Admissions Portal. We also warmly welcome parents to schedule a meeting with our Admissions team during your child's Visit Day or on another date that works. While not required, this is a great opportunity for parents new to independent schools to ask questions, learn more about tuition assistance, and get a real feel for daily life at Prep. We know choosing a school is a big decision, and we'd love to be part of that conversation with you. You may schedule this 30-minute meeting through the Application Checklist in the Admissions Portal or contact us at admissions@sfprep.org. |
| Attend Admissions Open House (Fri, Oct 23, 2026, 2–5 pm) |
| Admissions Open House is on Friday, October 23, 2026. Our program is designed to give prospective students and their families a glimpse of our school’s many offerings. Come spend the afternoon with our faculty and students, experience our classes, and tour our beautiful campus. The program will begin at 2:00 pm and will conclude by 5:00 pm. Register through the Inquiry Form or the Admissions Portal. |
| Schedule Your Admissions Assessment (Jan–Feb) |
| All candidates take an assessment designed to evaluate their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Results of this test may also be used for placement purposes for enrolled students. The testing lasts approximately one hour, and results are confidential. Four dates are offered in January and February, and you may register through the Admissions Portal—more details follow as your date approaches. |
| Submit Tuition Assistance Application (By Jan 15, 2027) |
| We're committed to making a Prep education accessible—38% of students currently receive aid. This is a separate process based on demonstrated need and fund availability. Learn more here and apply through Clarity. |
| Complete Your Admissions Application (By Feb 17, 2027) |
| All components for the application should be completed by this date. Applications submitted after the deadline will be evaluated as space permits. Please note that there is no final "submit" button. |
| Decisions Released (March 5, 2027) |
| Completed applications will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee. All Admission and tuition assistance decisions will be sent to parents via email. |
Applications received after the deadline will be considered on an individual basis as space permits. Questions along the way? Our Admissions team is always happy to help—reach out anytime
