Lakeside Admissions Consulting for Middle School

For 2027–2028 entry into grades 6 through 8, Lakeside accepts either the SSAT or the ISEE. Scores must come from a test taken between September 1, 2026 and January 28, 2027, and the school will accept only one set of scores per applicant. The SSAT code is 4462 and the ISEE code is 481120. Lakeside publishes no minimum score and admits students across a wide range. Because families now have a real choice between the two exams, it is worth reading our comparison of the SSAT and the ISEE before registering. Our private school test preparation runs tracks for whichever exam suits your child.

Both are PSIS common forms completed inside Aryval and due January 14, 2027. Students choose from several essay prompts and must stay within the stated word limit. The interests and activities form covers extracurriculars, jobs, and responsibilities outside the classroom. Lakeside asks explicitly that students complete these without help from parents, guardians, or teachers, and because PSIS forms are shared with every PSIS school you apply to through Aryval, the writing needs to stand on its own rather than being tailored to one school.

Also due January 14, this form asks parents to describe the applicant’s strengths and opportunities for growth, within a set word limit. The instinct to present a flawless child works against you here. Admissions readers are looking for self-aware families who can name what their child is still working on. Our parent statement guidance walks through how to strike that balance.

Lakeside requires exactly two teacher evaluations, due January 28. One must come from a humanities teacher in English, history, or social studies, and one from a math or science teacher, with at least one from a current teacher. If the same teacher covers humanities, math, and science, submit a current-year math evaluation and a prior-year humanities evaluation. A separate personal reference form must be completed by a teacher, administrator, or coach who has observed your child in a group setting within the past two years. Additional letters beyond these will not be accepted.

Records must come directly from your child’s school through a request submitted in Aryval, and are due January 28. Lakeside asks for the first complete report card from 2026–2027 plus the full-year transcript from 2025–2026. The PSIS school administrator form, which reports attendance, is completed by a registrar, principal, or division head. If your school releases report cards after the deadline, Lakeside will not penalize the application for that delay.

Every Middle School applicant must register for and attend an admissions activity after submitting the preliminary application. It is a hands-on small-group session that replaces the interview entirely. Students visit a Lakeside classroom, meet faculty, and work with peers while admissions staff observe how they collaborate. Nothing needs to be prepared in advance. While students take part, parents and guardians attend a concurrent information session and question-and-answer with the admissions team.