Admissions FAQs

Applicants apply the year before the expected grade of entry. For instance, students wanting to attend Latin for the 2026-2027 school year begin the application process in early September of 2025. For the 2026-27 school year, the application deadline for JK and grades 5-12 is November 26, 2025, while the SK-grade 4 application deadline is January 16, 2026.

Latin seeks students who are curious explorers, inclusive collaborators, critical thinkers, and creative communicators eager to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond.

Of the nearly 1,200 children who attend Latin, approximately 46% of them identify as students of color.

The main entry points are junior kindergarten for the Lower School, fifth grade for the Middle School, and ninth grade for the Upper School.

Enrollment in senior kindergarten through fourth grade is based on attrition.

We enroll a small number of students into sixth, seventh, eighth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades every year. We also do not accept mid-year transfers.

The ISEE is the Independent School Entrance Exam. Applicants for grades five through 12 must take the ISEE. You may register for the ISEE at any time, but are encouraged to do so at least three weeks prior to the test date. The ISEE is administered at a variety of locations, including Latin.

Visit the ISEE testing site.

For the 2026-2027 school year:

• JK - 63 spaces available
• SK-4th grade - based on attrition
• 5th grade - approximately 10-15 spaces available
• 6-8th grade - 2-3 spaces per grade
• 9th grade - approximately 50-60 spaces available
• 10th-12th grade - based on attrition

The natural entry points for admission to Latin are JK, fifth grade and ninth grade.

Latin is home to students from 46 Chicago zip codes and 24 suburbs.

The admissions process for the Latin School of Chicago typically begins through the online admissions platform, Ravenna. You will need to create an account there to start your application, register for events, and manage all application requirements. Access Ravenna and start your application here.

The online application is the initial part you complete, containing demographic information, parent/guardian statements, student essays/short answers, and student interests. Supplemental materials are the items that are submitted separately by other parties or at a later date, such as:

●      Teacher and/or Administrator Recommendations
●      Academic Transcripts/School Records
●      Standardized Test Scores (e.g., ISEE), if required for the grade level
●      Financial Aid Application (if applying for aid)

No. Generally, the online application has an earlier deadline (November 26, 2025), and the supplemental materials (like recommendations, transcripts, and financial aid forms) are due at a later date (January, 16, 2026). Please refer to the official application calendar on our Admissions page for the precise dates for your child's entry grade.

Yes. Latin offers Open Houses and division-specific Information Sessions in the fall. These events are a great way to tour the campus, meet faculty, staff and current families, and learn more about the school. You must register for these events. You can find more information about our admissions events here.

Shadow Days give applicants in certain grade levels the chance to experience a typical day at Latin. They are required for Middle School applicants and highly encouraged for Upper School applicants so that students can get a true feel for the school community.

To view availability and to see whether a Shadow Day is required for your child’s entry grade, please check the Visit Us section of our Admissions website or your Ravenna portal.

●      Lunch will be provided for all shadow students.
●      Please note: a Preliminary Application must be submitted before registering for a Shadow Day.

Yes. If your child is approved for a Shadow Day, the Enrollment Management Office will typically provide a confirmation or attendance letter that your child can submit to their current school for an excused absence. Please request this documentation from the Enrollment Management Office.

There are many options for parking near Latin. Please reference the directions and parking section of our Contact Us page. Look for the tab labeled "Parking Near Latin".

The ISEE testing organization limits students to one test administration per testing season - Fall (August-November), Winter (December-March), and Spring/Summer (April-July). Latin School of Chicago will only accept the scores from one ISEE test administered in a given application season. Please consult the ISEE website and Latin's specific testing policy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Latin does not offer academic, athletic, activity-based, or merit-based scholarships. Latin only offers need-based financial aid.

Latin School of Chicago is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of its admitted students. The financial aid application is a separate process from the admissions application and typically requires submission of materials through a third-party service, Clarity. The deadline for the financial aid application is often the same date as the deadline for supplemental documents (e.g., in January). Please see the "Tuition and Financial Aid" section of Latin's website for detailed instructions and deadlines.

Yes. Latin School of Chicago is typically willing to grant application fee waivers to families who demonstrate financial need. If you are applying for financial aid, the fee is often waived automatically or can be waived upon request by contacting the Admissions Office. Information regarding fee waiver qualification and instructions can be found within the online application platform. Please contact Associate Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid, Jovita Monarrez, jmonarrez@latinschool.org.

Yes. The Enrollment Management  Office is available to answer your questions and provide guidance throughout the process. We often host application workshops and support sessions to help families navigate the application platform, understand requirements, and complete the various application components. Check the events section in Ravenna or the school's Visit Us page for scheduled support events.