“Cardinal Education helped our son find his voice for Harkness-style discussion long before he ever sat at that table. He walked into his Lakeside interview ready.”
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ABOUT LAKESIDE SCHOOL
Lakeside School: Seattle’s leading 5–12 independent day school
Founded in 1919, Lakeside School is an independent, co-educational day school in north Seattle, Washington, with separate Middle School (grades 5–8) and Upper School (grades 9–12) campuses. Lakeside is non-religious and doesn’t offer AP or IB coursework – its faculty design the academic program themselves, built around the school’s own student body.
Most humanities classes use the Harkness Method, with students and teachers discussing as equals around an oval table rather than sitting through lectures, and an average class size of 17. Lakeside also offers need-based financial aid to families with incomes under $250,000.
Admission is highly selective. Grade 6 is the primary entry point into the Middle School, and Grade 9 is the primary entry point into the Upper School; a smaller number of openings can become available in other grades depending on the year.
For a complete walkthrough of the process, read our full guide to getting into Lakeside School.
~875
Total enrollment
Across the Middle School and Upper School, grades 5–12
1919
Founded
An independent, non-religious day school in north Seattle
Grade 6
Primary Middle School entry
The largest entering class in the Middle School division
Grade 9
Primary Upper School entry
The largest entering class in the Upper School division
ENTRY POINTS
Two Divisions, Two Main Entry Points.
Whether your child is applying to the Middle School or the Upper School, the approach — and what Lakeside is evaluating — shifts meaningfully between the two. We tailor our strategy accordingly.
Grade 6 — The Primary Middle School Entry Point
Lakeside Grade 6 Admissions: The Middle School’s Widest Entry Window
Sixth grade is where Lakeside admits its largest Middle School class, making it the most accessible — though still highly selective — entry point into the division. Applicants submit SSAT or ISEE scores and complete an in-person admissions activity in place of a formal interview. We help students show real academic readiness and genuine curiosity, not just polish.
SSAT or ISEE preparation and score strategy
Student essay and application coaching
Transcript and recommendation positioning
Admissions-activity preparation
Application timeline and strategy across independent schools
Grade 9 — The Primary Upper School Entry Point
Lakeside Grade 9 Admissions: The Upper School’s Widest Entry Window
Ninth grade is Lakeside’s largest single entering class across either division. The Upper School is evaluating readiness for Harkness-style, discussion-based classes, and every applicant completes a one-on-one interview with a faculty or admissions team member. We help students show they’re ready to contribute to that conversation, not just keep up with it.
SSAT or ISEE preparation and score strategy
Student essay and interview coaching
Transcript and recommendation positioning
One-on-one interview preparation
Application timeline and strategy across independent schools
WHY CARDINAL EDUCATION
We Know What Lakeside School Is Actually Looking For.
Lakeside sees far more qualified applicants than it can admit. Succeeding in private school admissions at this level isn’t only about test scores — it’s about whether a student can genuinely thrive in a discussion-driven, Harkness-style classroom and contribute to a demanding academic community.
Lakeside-specific positioning
Essay & interview coaching
Harkness-classroom readiness coaching
Relocating & Seattle-area family support
Family Testimonials
What Families Say.
Admissions outcomes start with the right story
Essay clarity
Interview confidence
Family guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Lakeside School Admissions, Explained.
Last updated: September 2026
What grade levels does Lakeside School serve?
Lakeside serves grades 5 through 12, split into a Middle School (grades 5–8) and an Upper School (grades 9–12) on two campuses in north Seattle, Washington.
What is Lakeside’s main entry point?
Grade 6 is the primary entry point into the Middle School, and Grade 9 is the primary entry point into the Upper School. A smaller number of openings can become available in other grades depending on the year. (Source: Lakeside School)
Does Lakeside School require the SSAT or ISEE?
Yes. Lakeside accepts either the SSAT or the ISEE for Middle School and Grade 9 applicants – only one set of scores is required, not both. Grades 10 and 11 have broader testing options, including the PSAT, SAT, or ACT. (Source: Lakeside School)
What is the Harkness Method Lakeside uses?
Most of Lakeside’s humanities classes use the Harkness Method, a discussion-based approach where students and teachers sit around an oval table as equal participants rather than sitting through lectures. (Source: Wikipedia)
Does Lakeside offer financial aid?
Yes. Lakeside provides need-based financial aid to families with household incomes under $250,000. (Source: Wikipedia)
Ready to Begin?
Start Your Lakeside School Admissions Journey Today.
Schedule a consultation with Cardinal Education and learn how our Lakeside School admissions experts can help your child put their best foot forward.