Admissions Process

Rivers seeks highly qualified students of proven academic ability and strong character for selected openings in grades 6 through 11. In addition, the Admissions Committee looks for students who will be strong citizens and contribute to our community through involvement in artistic, athletic, and co-curricular activities.

In making its decisions, the Admissions Committee closely evaluates a student's current transcript, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and the quality of the student and parent applications. A campus visit with a student-led tour and an interview with an admissions officer are also required.

No family should hesitate to apply to Rivers due to an inability to pay. Need-based financial aid is available to qualified applicants who file a separate application to Rivers through School and Student Services (SSS).

Rivers admits academically qualified students of any race, religion, sex, disability, or national origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to its students. Rivers does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, color, ethnic, or national origin in our admissions policies, educational policies, financial aid and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

How to Apply

Step #1

Please complete our inquiry form by clicking on the green "Inquire Online" button on the left. 

Step #2
 
We encourage all families to set up an appointment for a campus tour and admissions interview. Please call as soon as possible in order to ensure an interview time that works well with your schedule.

Step #3

Register for the required standardized tests. If you are applying for grades 6, 7 or 8, please register for the ISEE. If you are applying for grades 9, 10 or 11, please register for the SSAT. The Rivers School code for the ISEE is 220610. The Rivers School code for the SSAT is 6058.

You can register for the ISEE on-line at www.iseetest.org.
You can register for the SSAT on-line at www.ssat.org.

Step #4

Complete the online Candidate Application Form and the Parent Application Form through www.ravenna-hub.com. The application fee is $50.00.

Step #5

Request your official and current transcript to be sent to the Admissions office.

Step #6

Request recommendations from your English teacher, math teacher and guidance counselor/next school counselor. (Optional: distribute Special Interest form.) Forms are available at ravenna-hub.com.

Step #7

If you are applying for financial aid, please follow the financial aid application guidelines outlined in the financial aid page. Be sure to submit all required paperwork by January 15th.

Timeline

September - December
• Contact the Rivers Admissions Office by phone or online to request our viewbook.
• Attend Discover Rivers on Sunday, September 22, from 1-3:30 p.m.
• Schedule your admissions interview and tour of our campus.
• Register for and take standardized testing required for admission. If you plan to apply for grades 6, 7 or 8, you need to take the ISEE. If you plan to apply for grades 9, 10, or 11, you need to take the SSAT.
• Attend our Open House on Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
• At the end of your first quarter or trimester, ask your school to send us a copy of your official transcript.
• Attend one of our Regional Evening Receptions. Dates TBA. 
• Request recommendations from your English Teacher, Math Teacher and Guidance Counselor or Next School Counselor. (Optional: Special Interest form). Forms are available at www.ravenna-hub.com.

December - January
• Work on your Candidate Application Form and be sure your parents complete the Parent Application Form.
• Schedule your interview and campus tour if you have not done so yet.
• Attend either the Middle School Admissions Evening on Tuesday, Jan. 7th, from 7-8:30 p.m. or the Upper School Admissions Evening on Thursday, Jan. 9th, from 7-8:30 p.m.
• Complete your standardized testing requirements.
• Check with your teachers to make sure that they have submitted your recommendations and that your school has sent in your official transcript.
• Applications for admission are due on January 15th.
• Applications for Financial Aid are due on January 15th.


March - April
• Notification of all admissions decisions will be available electronically on March 10th through ravenna-hub.com. 
• All admitted students are invited to visit Rivers and attend classes with a student host. The 2020 Visiting Days are March 30th and April 6th and 7th. Admitted students will receive an invitation to these events with their admission packets.
• On Wednesday, April 1st, all admitted students and parents are invited to the Reception for Admitted Families (5-7 p.m.)
• April 10th is the Student Reply Date and the date by which all families must make their enrollment decisions.