Keys School Admissions Timeline: Key Dates and Deadlines

Your Guide to the 2027-28 Keys School Admissions Cycle.

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In This Guide

Navigating the admissions process for a selective school like Keys School can feel overwhelming, but knowing the important dates and deadlines can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and timely application. Here’s your guide to the key milestones for the 2027-28 admissions cycle, covering both the Lower School (K-4) and Middle School (5-8) campuses.

Quick Answer for Busy Parents

Keys School’s 2027-28 applications open September 1, 2026, are due January 7, 2027, with recommendations and transcripts due January 22, 2027, and decisions published March 11, 2027. Open Houses and Guided Virtual Tours run October through December 2026, and dates differ by campus (Lower School K-4 or Middle School 5-8).

1. Application Period Opens

September 1, 2026: Keys School’s online application portal opens on Ravenna, allowing families to begin submitting applications for the 2027-28 school year. Getting a head start on gathering recommendations and transcripts is highly recommended, since both are due before the application deadline.

2. Open Houses and Campus Tours

Before submitting an application, attending an Open House or Guided Virtual Tour is a great way to learn more about Keys’ programs and community. Event dates and formats differ by campus:

Keys also hosts Keys Highlight/Curriculum & DEIJ Nights via Zoom on October 8 and November 18, 2026 (6-7 pm), and offers limited in-person campus tours booked through Ravenna.

3. Key Application Deadlines

All applicants complete the same core application by January 7, regardless of grade or campus, with supporting documents following two weeks later.

4. Campus Visits

Visit requirements vary by grade band: a Campus Playdate for Kindergarten and 1st grade applicants, a School Visit Day for Grades 2-8 (optional for Grade 6), or an After School Activity session for Grade 6 applicants. These visits are scheduled as part of the application process, alongside the required Parent/Guardian Conference.

5. Admission Decisions Released

March 11, 2027, after 12:00 pm: Admission decisions are published on Ravenna. Families should check the portal and their email for updates around this date.

6. Enrollment Contracts Due

March 18, 2027: Families with an accepted student confirm their enrollment by submitting the enrollment contract, securing their child’s place for the 2027-28 school year.

7. New Student Registration

April 2027: Keys hosts new student registration for families who have enrolled, helping incoming students and their families get familiar with school policies, academic expectations, and campus culture ahead of the school year, part of choosing the right private school for a family’s specific needs.

Cardinal Education Can Get You Into Keys School!

Keys School’s admissions timeline runs on a single, campus-wide calendar: the application opens September 1, with a submission deadline of January 7, supporting materials due January 22, and decisions released March 11. Families weighing Keys against other Bay Area schools should also confirm each school’s own accreditation and calendar, since deadlines vary widely. Cardinal Education helps families stay organized around each of these dates.

Staying on Top of Keys School’s Deadlines?

Cardinal Education helps families build a timeline and application strategy around Keys’ specific deadlines.

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Are you from an Asian American family? Check how these same fundamentals apply to Asian American applicants in our dedicated guide to Keys School for Asian American families.

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How to Get Into Keys School in Palo Alto: Complete Admissions Guide
Best Guide to Keys School’s Selective Admissions Process

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