Applying to Ransom Everglades Upper Campus: A Resource for Asian American Families
Navigating Grade 9–12 Entry at a Coconut Grove School Actively Growing Its Asian Student Community
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any private or public school, including Ransom Everglades School.
As Seen On
About the School
The Upper Campus Through an Asian American Family’s Lens
Ransom Everglades has publicly stated that it has seen “annual record increases in the recruitment and retention of Black and Asian students and faculty,” work led through its Office of Inclusion and Community Engagement. Third-party enrollment data estimates Asian students at roughly 7–9% of the school-wide student body, and current students maintain a Chinese Culture Club alongside Chinese-language coursework, both more established by the Upper Campus years. Serving Grades 9–12 on Main Highway, the Upper Campus is also where most new 9th-grade students, including a significant share of external applicants, join the RE community for the first time, supported by a dedicated ninth-grade transition program.
Fast Facts
Location
Ransom Campus, 3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Type
Private, co-ed, day school, college preparatory, Grades 9–12 (Upper Campus)
Parent School Enrollment
1,200 students
Asian Student Estimate
7–9% school-wide (third-party data)
DEI Focus
School-stated growth in Asian and Black student and faculty recruitment/retention
Student Clubs
Chinese Culture Club, among other affinity and interest groups
Application Window Opens
September 10, 2026
Application Deadline
Typically early January
Community & Admissions Snapshot
Asian Enrollment (Third-Party Estimate)
7–9% of the school-wide student body
School-Stated DEI Trend
“Annual record increases” in Asian and Black student/faculty recruitment and retention
Relevant Clubs
Chinese Culture Club; Chinese language coursework
Testing Required
SSAT or ISEE, plus the Character Skills Snapshot, plus a graded paper and Applicant Statement
National Ranking
Spear’s Top 10 Private Schools in North America (2024–2026)
Ransom Everglades does not publish a full ethnic breakdown by campus, so figures above reflect school-wide, third-party estimates.
Want a Full Picture?
For the full Upper Campus admissions process and requirements that apply to every applicant, see our Ransom Everglades Upper Campus Admissions Consulting.
What Families New to RE Should Know
Because a substantial share of Upper Campus students join at 9th grade rather than continuing from the Middle Campus, RE’s dedicated transition program is especially relevant to Asian American families entering the community for the first time at that point, since it’s designed to help new students build relationships and acclimate quickly rather than assuming an existing peer network. Families should ask directly how the Chinese Culture Club and similar affinity spaces operate at the Upper Campus specifically and how new 9th graders are connected to them during the transition period.
Key Dates and Events
Online Inquiry Opens
Late August
Application Windows Open
September 10, 2026
Application Windows Close
Early January
Campus Tour
September 24 – December 7, 2026 (tour dates are subject to change)
Admissions Decisions
March 1, 2027
RE Upper Campus Application Requirements
To apply to Ransom Everglades’ Upper Campus, you will need to submit the following:
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01Parent Questionnaire
Applying to Ransom Everglades requires a parent questionnaire. For the Upper Campus, this statement should focus on your student’s readiness for a rigorous high school transition and how your family fits within a mature, older student environment. Use best practices for parent statements to articulate your child’s growth and potential impactful contribution to the RE community.
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02Student Questionnaire
The student questionnaire allows applicants to share their unique voice. Upper school admissions carry higher expectations for self-awareness, intellectual maturity, and a clearly defined sense of purpose. Rather than simply listing achievements, students must demonstrate an analytical perspective on their own growth and discovery. Developing a unique writing voice is essential to meet the sophisticated standards of the Ransom Everglades admissions committee.
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03Standardized Testing
Submit SSAT or ISEE scores. Given the highly competitive nature of upper school admissions, strong testing remains a critical component of a holistic profile. Effective test preparation ensures students possess the foundational academic skills and confidence to stand out. Learn more about private school test prep to achieve scores that reflect high-school-level proficiency.
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04Character Skills Snapshot
The Character Skills Snapshot is essential for high school applicants, measuring traits like resilience, initiative, and teamwork within a secondary school context. RE recommends completion by January 15 to provide a complete picture of an applicant’s readiness for the Upper Campus community. Consult the official testing portal for current fee information.
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05Recommendation Letters
Submit two teacher recommendations (math and English) and one administrator evaluation. Choose recommenders who can speak specifically to your child’s advanced academic potential and personal maturity. To secure a strong recommendation letter, ensure your child fosters genuine relationships with educators who can attest to their readiness for high-level scholarship.
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06Graded Paper & Applicant Statement
Upper Campus applicants submit a one-to-two-page graded paper from the current school year (longer papers are accepted) and complete the Upper School Applicant Statement found on the online checklist, in addition to the standard recommendations and records. For these requirements, we recommend students utilize the Program in Writing and Reading to help students develop the critical thinking, analytical voice, and structural precision required for competitive high school applications.
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07Transcripts & Records
Submit attendance and conduct records, as well as official transcripts for the current and two previous years. If grades need strengthening, seek targeted tutoring or academic coaching months in advance. Demonstrating consistent, sustained academic improvement is vital for a competitive application file.
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08Admissions Interview
The interview is a vital opportunity to discuss intellectual interests and family fit. Approach it as a conversation. Comprehensive interview preparation helps families communicate with confidence and authenticity.
Ready to Strengthen Your Application?
Cardinal Education has worked with Asian American families across South Florida navigating RE’s Upper Campus requirements, from the graded paper and applicant statement to the ninth-grade transition experience for students joining as new 9th graders.
Our consultants help students select and polish their strongest graded paper, draft an authentic applicant statement, and prepare thoughtfully for the interview and testing requirements.
“Ransom Everglades gave our son a genuine love of learning from the very first year of Middle Campus. Cardinal Education helped us prepare for the Character Skills Snapshot as thoughtfully as the SSAT.”— Ransom Everglades Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Asian American population at Ransom Everglades?
Does the Upper Campus have any Asian culture clubs?
What support exists for new 9th graders joining from outside RE?
What extra requirements does the Upper Campus have?
What is the acceptance rate at the Upper Campus?
Considering Ransom Everglades Upper School?
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