Admission tips from trusted independent admissions consultants in the Bay Area.
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Keys School, an independent co-educational institution serving Kindergarten through 8th grade, was established in 1973 by Palo Alto public school teachers Betsy Danon and Inge Zumwalt. Their vision was to create a school that upholds high academic standards while nurturing the “whole child.”
The school maintains an average class size of approximately 18 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1. This structure supports personalized attention and fosters a supportive learning environment.
As of recent data, Keys School enrolls around 320 students across its two campuses in Palo Alto, California. The school is known for its commitment to social and emotional learning, integrating these principles into its robust academic curriculum to develop well-rounded, reflective, and driven critical thinkers.
Gaining admission to Keys School is competitive. The school maintains an average class size of about 18 students, resulting in a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1. The admission process involves several steps, including submitting an application form, paying a $100 application fee, providing supplemental materials, scheduling student visits and parent/guardian conversations, and obtaining teacher and head recommendations along with transcripts for grades 1-8.
Keys School primarily admits new students at two main entry points: kindergarten and sixth grade. While these are the primary grades for new admissions, the school also considers applications for other grades based on available space. The admissions process includes several steps, such as completing an application form, submitting supplemental materials, scheduling student visits and parent/guardian conversations, and providing teacher recommendations and transcripts. The application deadline is typically in early January, and decisions are released in March.
Keys 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 Keys 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.
Creating an account on Ravenna is the first step in the Keys School application process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from Keys School, and monitor your application progress. The steps you should take are as follows:
For more details and to begin your application, visit Keys School Admissions.
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.
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 Keys 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.
Applicants must submit recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor. The forms can be found on Ravenna and must be submitted online via the same platform.
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.
Applicants must submit transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one. Once submitted, the school will handle the process directly through Ravenna.
The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Keys 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.
At Keys School, the admissions interview is highly valued. It allows the admissions team to learn more about the applicant’s personality, hobbies, and potential fit with the Keys community. The interview is scheduled after submitting the preliminary application through Ravenna.
Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they conduct themselves on those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The Keys School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and teach them how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values.
Keys School offers campus tours, open houses, and virtual information sessions which are 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.
Keys School offers several opportunities for prospective students and their families to explore the campus and engage with the community:
Open Houses at Keys School
Curriculum and DEIJ Nights at Keys School
Keys School Campus Tours
Keys School Virtual Tours
For a comprehensive overview of all admission events and to register, please refer to the Admission Process page on the Keys School website.
To register for admissions events at Keys School in Palo Alto, such as open houses, campus tours, and curriculum nights, please fo
llow these steps:
For detailed information on the admissions process and event schedules, please refer to the Admission Checklist and Admission Process pages on the Keys School website.
If you have any questions or need assistance, the Admission Office is available at 650-328-1711 x2 or via email at admission@keysschool.org.
Student life at Keys School in Palo Alto is built around a strong sense of community, academic engagement, and personal growth. The school emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating rigorous academics with social and emotional learning (SEL). Small class sizes and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio foster an environment where students receive individualized attention and develop critical thinking skills. Hands-on learning experiences, such as science labs and art projects, encourage creativity and collaboration. The school also prioritizes SEL, helping students build self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence, which are essential for their overall development.
Beyond the classroom, Keys School offers a variety of extracurricular activities and events that strengthen student connections and community involvement. Clubs, sports, and school-wide gatherings, such as Skate Night, create opportunities for students to explore their interests and engage with peers. The after-school program provides structured homework support, enrichment activities, and social time, ensuring a well-rounded experience. With a dedicated support team of learning specialists and counselors, Keys fosters an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere where every student is known and valued, making it a place where they can thrive academically and personally.
Keys School in Palo Alto offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster intellectual growth, creativity, and social-emotional development for students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The school emphasizes a holistic approach, nurturing the mind, heart, body, and spirit of each student.
Keys School Lower School (K–5):
In the Lower School, the curriculum is designed to encourage exploration and hands-on learning. Students engage in activities such as building model cities, prototyping inventions during Maker Time, and composing music with digital tools like GarageBand. This experiential approach allows students to tackle real-world problems collaboratively, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Language acquisition is also a key component, with students choosing either Mandarin or Spanish tracks to build language skills and cultural awareness.
Keys School Middle School (6–8):
The Middle School curriculum builds upon the foundational skills developed in earlier years, promoting greater independence and self-awareness. Students take ownership of their learning by setting personal and academic goals and developing effective time management strategies. The academic program includes a rigorous study of mathematics, utilizing the Singapore Math approach, which progresses from concrete to pictorial to abstract concepts. This method challenges students to apply mathematical concepts to new contexts, enhancing problem-solving abilities.
Throughout all grade levels, Keys School integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum, helping students develop self-awareness, resilience, and empathy. The school also offers enrichment classes, technology, and media literacy programs, as well as opportunities for creative expression, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for future academic endeavors and personal growth.
At Keys School in Palo Alto, the athletics program is designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship among students. The offerings vary by grade level, with a structured progression from foundational physical education in the Lower School to a diverse array of competitive sports in the Middle School.
Athletics Programs at Keys Lower School (Grades K–5):
In the Lower School, physical education classes focus on developing fundamental motor skills, coordination, and an understanding of healthy physical activity. Students engage in a variety of activities that emphasize teamwork, movement, and the joy of active play. While specific sports teams are not formed at this level, the curriculum is designed to instill a love for physical activity and prepare students for future athletic endeavors.
Athletics Programs at Keys Middle School (Grades 6–8):
The Middle School athletics program offers a range of sports for both girls and boys, focusing on skill development, team play, and competitive enjoyment. The program is inclusive, welcoming all interested students to participate fully in practices and games. The sports offered include:
This comprehensive program aims to develop physical skills, strategic understanding, and a lifelong appreciation for active living.
At Keys School in Palo Alto, the arts and music programs are integral to the holistic development of students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. These programs are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and a deep appreciation for the arts.
Music Program at Keys School
The music curriculum at Keys is based on the Orff approach, a developmental method that combines music, movement, drama, and speech into engaging lessons. This approach encourages students to explore and create music in a collaborative environment. Throughout the year, students participate in various performances, showcasing their musical growth and teamwork. Notably, the school hosts seasonal concerts, such as the Lower School Spring Art Show and Concert, where students present their musical and artistic talents to the community.
Visual and Performing Arts at Keys School
Visual arts education at Keys emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing students to experiment with different mediums and techniques. The curriculum is designed to develop artistic skills and encourage personal expression. In addition to visual arts, theater arts are a vital component of the school’s offerings. Students engage in drama activities that build confidence and public speaking skills. Annual events, such as the Middle School Musical Parent Performance, provide platforms for students to showcase their theatrical abilities.
Overall, Keys School’s commitment to arts and music education ensures that students receive a well-rounded experience, nurturing their creative talents alongside academic pursuits.
At Keys School in Palo Alto, students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities designed to complement their academic experience and foster personal growth. While specific offerings may vary annually based on student interest and faculty availability, the school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, encouraging participation in diverse areas.
Extracurricular Clubs and Classes at Keys School
Keys School offers a range of extracurricular clubs and classes that cater to various interests. These activities provide students with avenues to explore new passions, develop leadership skills, and collaborate with peers. While detailed information about specific clubs is not provided in the available sources, the school’s commitment to a well-rounded education suggests offerings in areas such as arts, technology, and academics. For the most current and comprehensive list of available clubs and activities, it’s recommended to contact the school directly or visit their official website.
Community Engagement at Keys School
Beyond clubs, Keys School fosters a strong sense of community through various events and programs. The active and inclusive family/guardian association organizes a wide range of community events, including casual playdates in the park for each grade and all-school events such as Skate Night, Fall and Spring Picnics, and an all-school Halloween Parade. These events provide students and families with opportunities to build lasting connections and engage with the broader school community.
For detailed information about specific extracurricular offerings and upcoming events, prospective and current families are encouraged to reach out to the school’s administration or consult the Keys School website.
The school encourages students to “fail forward”—meaning they celebrate mistakes as part of the learning process.
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