Mirman School Admissions for Asian American Families
What Asian American Families Should Know Before Applying to This Los Angeles School for Highly Gifted Learners
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About the School
Mirman School and Asian American Applicants
Mirman School is a private, independent day school in Los Angeles, founded in 1962 and designed specifically for highly gifted learners with a qualifying full-scale IQ of 138 or above, reflecting a distinctive educational philosophy. According to U.S. News, Asian or Asian Pacific Islander students make up 23.1% of Mirman’s student body, part of a genuinely diverse community. Mirman serves 430 students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, currently led by Head of School Dr. Marina Kheel, with a 5:1 student-teacher ratio and class sizes of 20–24 students, backed by accreditation from CAIS and WASC.
Fast Facts
Location
16180 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Type
Private, Co-Educational, Independent Day School (K–8)
Total Enrollment
430 students
Student Diversity
23.1% Asian or Asian Pacific Islander (U.S. News)
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
Academics at a Glance
Niche Overall Rating
A+ for Academics
Ranking
Top 20% of private schools in California
Testing Requirement
Full-scale IQ score of 138 or above (WISC-V or Stanford-Binet)
Athletics
6 sports across 11 teams
Athletics & Beyond the Classroom
Mirman fields 11 teams across 6 sports, part of a broader extracurricular program, and is known for MirmanX, a program supporting student-led passion projects, and LEAP, seminar-style classes taught by real-world professionals.
For a full walkthrough of Mirman’s admissions process and student life, see our Mirman School Profile.
Admissions Timeline
I.Q. Test Results Due
December 4, 2026
Applications Due
December 11, 2026
School Records & Recommendations Due
January 8, 2027
Decisions Released
March 12, 2027
See our guide to private school open houses and tours for how to make the most of a campus tour.
Why Mirman’s IQ Requirement Matters for Preparation
Families should note that Mirman requires a qualifying full-scale IQ score of 138 or above for every applicant, a genuinely distinctive requirement compared to most private schools. While families cannot study for an IQ test in the traditional sense, thoughtful preparation can help a child feel more comfortable with the types of thinking and problem-solving the assessment covers.
Top Tips for Applying
- Schedule the required IQ test early with one of Mirman’s approved psychologists.
- Apply for Kindergarten or 1st grade if possible; these are Mirman’s primary entry points.
- Choose a teacher recommender who knows your child well and can speak to both academic strengths and personal qualities.
Best Practices for Families
- Attend a campus tour or Admission Open House to experience Mirman’s community firsthand.
- Submit school records and recommendations well ahead of the January deadline.
- If applying to Grades 5–8, understand that openings depend on attrition and are genuinely limited.
What the Application Involves
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01Testing Policy
A full-scale IQ score of 138 or above, as measured by the WISC-V or Stanford-Binet, is required for every applicant.
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02Recommendations
Two recommendations are required: one from the student’s current teacher and one from a school administrator, such as a principal or division head.
How Cardinal Education Helps Asian Americans Get Into Mirman School
Cardinal Education’s private school admissions consulting helps Asian American families understand the testing process, prepare for the parent interview, and present their child as a strong candidate for this highly specialized school. For the full picture of Mirman’s academics, admissions process, and requirements, see our main Mirman School Admissions Consulting page.
Families evaluating Mirman may also find our results and guidance on what schools look for in applicants useful.
“Mirman was new territory for us, being a school for gifted kids. Allen helped us understand what mattered beyond just test scores, and worked with our daughter to put together an application that reflected how gifted she is. We’re genuinely thankful for how much easier that made things.”— Parent from Mirman School
Frequently Asked Questions
How diverse is Mirman School’s student body?
Does Mirman School require an IQ test?
What grade levels does Mirman accept new students into?
Does Mirman accept mid-year transfers?
When are admissions decisions released?
Considering Mirman School?
Our consultants build a preparation plan around your family’s specific priorities.