How to Get Into Drew School: What You Need To Know

Why Families Choose Drew School

Drew School was founded in 1908 in San Francisco, California, by John Sheehan Drew. Originally established as a tutoring center for boys who needed additional academic support, it gradually evolved into a full-fledged college preparatory high school. Over the years, Drew School expanded its curriculum and began admitting female students, becoming a coeducational institution.

Throughout its history, Drew School has maintained a focus on small class sizes, fostering a strong sense of community among its diverse student body. Its evolution from a small tutoring center to a respected independent high school highlights its adaptability and dedication to academic excellence.

Families choose Drew School for its personalized learning environment, characterized by a 1:9 teacher-student ratio that allows for individualized attention. The school offers a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum focused on critical thinking, project-based learning, and real-world application.

That said, Drew is known to foster an inclusive, diverse community where students feel supported both academically and socially. Additionally, Drew’s comprehensive college counseling program and emphasis on student wellness make it an appealing choice for families seeking a holistic, student-centered education.

How Hard is it To Get Into Drew School?

Drew has a selective admissions process that evaluates applicants based on academic performance, teacher recommendations, personal essays, extracurricular involvement, and interviews. While it may not be as competitive as some of the most elite private schools in the area, Drew seeks students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a good fit with the school’s values and community. Prospective families are encouraged to showcase their child’s unique strengths and interests to stand out in the admissions process.

The main entry points for Drew School are typically in 9th grade, which is the primary entry year, and 10th grade for transfer students. While 11th and 12th-grade admissions are possible, they are less common and more competitive due to limited available spaces. Families interested in applying should begin the admissions process early, as spots fill quickly, especially for the key entry points in 9th and 10th grades.

Furthermore, Drew School has adopted a test-blind policy for admissions, which means they don’t require standardized test scores like the ISEE/SSAT. Instead, the application focuses on components like the Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, Student Questionnaire (for grades 6-8), teacher recommendations, and transcripts. While standardized testing isn’t mandatory, applicants are encouraged to showcase their strengths through the provided materials to present a comprehensive picture of their abilities and fit for the school.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Drew School admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring that prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

The Drew School Admissions Process

Creating an account on Ravenna is the first step in the Drew School application process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from Drew School, and monitor your application progress. The steps you should take are as follows:

1. Create an Account on Ravenna Hub
2. Submit an Inquiry Form
3. Attend Admissions Events (Optional but Recommended)
4. Submit Required Documents and Complete the Application
5. Schedule and Complete an Interview
6. Submit Supplemental Materials
7. Enrollment Confirmation
   

Drew School Admission Requirements. 

Parent Statement

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Ravenna. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information. You will also be asked about your family’s goals and willingness to participate in activities that promote the values and mission of Drew School. Admissions officers want to know these things to find out if your family is a good fit for them. 

How to write a parent statement

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at Drew School. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

Teacher Recommendations/Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor are necessary for applicants. The forms can be found on Ravenna and will be sent to the admissions committee online.

How to get strong recommendation letters

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

Transcript

Transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one must be submitted by applicants. You can download the confidentiality and release forms from Ravenna and send them to your child’s present school. 

How to improve grades 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Drew School’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy. 

Personal Statement

There are questions on Ravenna that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of Drew School. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at Drew School. 

Crafting a compelling personal statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to Drew School have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

Admissions Interviews

Drew School requires applicants to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process. After submitting the parent/guardian application and paying the application fee (or completing the ABC or SMART application process), applicants will receive information on scheduling their interview. There are two interview options available:

1. One-on-One Zoom Interview: This is a live interview conducted via Zoom with a member of the Drew community. It’s designed to be conversational, allowing the school to get to know the applicant better. Applicants are encouraged to participate with their camera and microphone on.
2. Five-Minute One-Way Video Interview: In this format, applicants record themselves answering a set of provided prompts or questions. The recording should be up to five minutes long and can be done using any device. The school emphasizes that these videos should not be scripted or heavily produced; the goal is to see the authentic self of the applicant.

Once the necessary application components are submitted, the admissions office will reach out with more details on how to proceed with scheduling or submitting the interview. 

How to prepare for admissions interviews

Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they carry themselves during those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The Drew School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Campus Tours and Open Houses

Drew School offers campus tours and open houses as key opportunities for prospective students and their families to experience the school’s environment, meet faculty and staff, and learn more about academic programs and student life.

1. Campus Tours: These are typically guided by admissions staff or student ambassadors and provide an in-depth look at Drew’s facilities, including classrooms, the Cuddeback Wing, science labs, art studios, and common areas. Tours often include a Q&A session, allowing families to ask specific questions about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the admissions process.
2. Open Houses: Drew hosts open house events throughout the admissions season. These events offer a broader overview of the school, featuring presentations from school leaders, faculty, current students, and parents. Open houses provide insights into Drew’s academic philosophy, community values, and special programs.

How to register on Ravenna

To register for campus tours and open houses at Drew School, follow these steps:

1. Create an Account on Ravenna Hub: Visit www.ravenna-hub.com and create an account if you don’t already have one. This platform manages Drew School’s admissions process and event registration.
2. Search for Drew School: Once logged in, search for Drew School in the “School Directory” section.
3. View Admissions Events: On Drew School’s profile page, you’ll find a list of upcoming admissions events, including campus tours, open houses, and information sessions.
4. Register for Events: Select the event you’d like to attend and click “Register.” Complete the registration form with the necessary details for both the student and parent/guardian.
5. Confirmation: After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with event details, including the date, time, location, and any special instructions.
6. Manage Your Registration: You can log back into Ravenna at any time to view your registered events, make changes, or register for additional events.

If you encounter any issues, Drew School’s admissions office can assist with the registration process.

Virtual Panel Sessions

Drew School offers virtual panel sessions as part of their admissions events. These sessions typically feature a mix of faculty, current students, parents, and admissions staff who provide insights into the school’s academic programs, extracurricular activities, community culture, and the overall student experience. Virtual panels are especially helpful for families who are unable to visit the campus in person.

Drew School’s admissions events, including campus tours, open houses, and virtual panel sessions, are typically scheduled between late August and early January. Specific dates for these events are announced annually, with registration opening on September 5th. For the most current information and to register, please visit the Admissions Events page on Drew School’s website or contact the admissions office directly.

What is Student Life Like at Drew School?

Student life at Drew School is vibrant, diverse, and centered around fostering a strong sense of community, personal growth, and academic exploration. Located in San Francisco, Drew offers students a dynamic environment where they can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Students are encouraged to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities. Community engagement is also a cornerstone of student life at Drew. The school emphasizes service learning, encouraging students to participate in projects that connect them with local communities and social causes. This focus on civic responsibility helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world.

Additionally, Drew fosters a supportive environment through its advisory program, where small groups of students meet regularly with faculty advisors to discuss academic progress, personal growth, and community-building activities. The school’s urban location also provides access to cultural events, museums, and internship opportunities throughout San Francisco, enriching the overall student experience.

Through a combination of academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and a strong sense of community, Drew School creates an environment where students can discover their passions, build meaningful relationships, and prepare for future success.

Academic Curriculum at Drew School

Drew School’s curriculum and core academic programs are designed to provide a rigorous, college-preparatory education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, project-based assessments, and student-centered instruction, encouraging students to explore complex ideas and develop their unique interests. Aside from their core academic programs, they also have signature programs many families look forward to.

Drew School Signature Programs

• Drew Education for Active Lifelong Learning (DEALL): This program integrates experiential learning, service projects, and real-world experiences into the curriculum, helping students apply classroom knowledge in meaningful ways.
• Advanced Electives: Drew offers a wide range of elective courses that allow students to explore specialized interests in subjects like psychology, robotics, film studies, and environmental science.
• Advisory Program: While not a traditional academic course, the advisory program supports students’ personal and academic growth through mentorship, goal-setting, and community-building activities.

Drew’s curriculum is student-centered, with small class sizes that promote discussion-based learning and individualized attention. The school emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and interdisciplinary connections, preparing students for success in college and beyond.

What Sports does Drew School Offer?

Drew School Athletics offers a dynamic and inclusive program designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. As part of the Bay Counties League (BCL) in San Francisco, Drew provides opportunities for students to participate in both competitive and recreational sports, fostering a strong sense of school spirit and community.

Drew School emphasizes participation, skill development, and personal growth. The athletic program encourages students of all skill levels to join teams, whether they are experienced athletes or trying a new sport for the first time. Coaches focus on building confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic, both on and off the field.

Drew School Arts and Music Programs

Drew School’s Arts and Music Programs are integral to its curriculum, providing students with a dynamic environment to explore creativity, self-expression, and artistic growth. The school’s commitment to the arts fosters both technical skill development and creative thinking, encouraging students to take risks and find their unique voices.

Visual Arts Program

Drew offers a comprehensive visual arts curriculum that includes drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media. Students are encouraged to experiment with different styles and techniques while developing a strong foundation in the principles of design and visual storytelling. Advanced courses allow students to build personal portfolios, preparing them for college-level art programs if desired. The school’s modern studios provide ample space for creative exploration.

Performing Arts Program

Drew’s performing arts program encompasses theater, film, and dance, offering students opportunities to engage in both performance and production roles. The theater program includes acting classes, playwriting, directing, and technical theater, with student-led productions held throughout the year. The film program focuses on digital media, covering areas such as cinematography, editing, and screenwriting, allowing students to create original short films and documentaries.

Music Program

The music department offers a range of courses in instrumental and vocal music, including jazz band, rock ensemble, choir, and music production. Students can explore different genres, develop performance techniques, and learn about music theory, composition, and sound engineering. Drew’s music program emphasizes both collaborative and solo performance opportunities, fostering a strong sense of community among student musicians.

Interdisciplinary Arts

Drew also encourages cross-disciplinary projects, where students can integrate elements of visual arts, music, film, and technology. This approach allows for innovative, project-based learning experiences that connect the arts with other academic disciplines.

Exhibitions and Performances

The school hosts regular art exhibitions, concerts, theater productions, and film screenings, showcasing student work to the broader community. These events celebrate student creativity and provide real-world platforms for artistic expression.

Through its diverse arts and music programs, Drew School cultivates an environment where students can explore their passions, develop their talents, and gain confidence in their creative abilities.

Clubs and organizations at Drew School

Drew School offers a wide range of clubs and organizations that reflect the diverse interests and passions of its student body. Many of these clubs are student-led, encouraging leadership, creativity, and community engagement. The offerings may vary from year to year based on student interest, but here are some examples of clubs and organizations commonly found at Drew School:

Students at Drew are encouraged to start new clubs if they don’t find one that matches their interests, fostering an environment of creativity, leadership, and community involvement.

Who are some famous alumni from Drew School?

Drew School, known for its strong academic and arts programs, has a number of notable alumni who have excelled in various fields. Some of the school’s distinguished alumni include:

1. Ezra Miller – Actor known for roles in films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, We Need to Talk About Kevin, and The Flash in the DC Extended Universe.
2. Max Minghella – Actor and filmmaker recognized for his roles in The Social Network, The Handmaid’s Tale, and as the director of Teen Spirit.
3. Zoe Kazan – Actress, playwright, and screenwriter known for films like Ruby Sparks and The Big Sick, as well as her work on HBO’s The Plot Against America.
4. Alexander Wang – Fashion designer and former creative director at Balenciaga, renowned for his edgy, modern designs in the global fashion industry.

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