How to Get Into Khan Lab School: Requirements and Expert Tips

Why Families Choose Khan Lab School for Innovative Education in California

Khan Lab School is an experimental school founded by Salman Khan—the mind behind Khan Academy—to reimagine how students learn and how teachers support that learning. 

The school was conceived as an extension of Khan Academy’s mission to make learning more accessible and effective. Recognizing that traditional classroom models often don’t serve every student well, Salman Khan and his team sought to create a setting that could test and evolve innovative teaching methods.

Launched in the mid-2010s in the San Francisco Bay Area (Mountain View, California), Khan Lab School was designed as a “living laboratory” where educators, students, and researchers collaborate to experiment with new educational techniques and technologies.

Since its inception, the school has continuously refined its methods, integrating lessons from real-time classroom experimentation into broader educational practices. This ongoing evolution aims to foster a more personalized, mastery-based learning environment that could eventually inform practices in conventional schools.

In summary, Khan Lab School stands as a bold experiment in rethinking education. Its blend of personalized learning, project-based approaches, and technology integration not only offers a unique environment for its students but also contributes to a growing movement to innovate traditional educational models.

How hard is it to get into Khan Lab School?

Khan Lab School is extremely selective, given its small enrollment, roughly around 280 students across all grades, and its focus on maintaining an intimate, highly personalized learning environment. Prospective families typically participate in a comprehensive application process that may include interviews, school visits, and other evaluations to ensure the student is a good fit for the school’s experimental and mastery-based approach. This process naturally results in a limited number of admitted students relative to the number of applicants.

Khan Lab School offers primary entry points in kindergarten and 1st grade, with limited openings in higher grades. While the school accepts applications for higher grades, such as 2nd to 12th grade, these spots are limited and thus more competitive. Prospective families are encouraged to begin the admissions process early due to the tight competition in these entry points.

Khan Lab School has adopted a test-blind policy for admissions. Instead, the school evaluates applicants based on a holistic review process that includes interviews, portfolios, and assessments of a student’s learning style and fit with the school’s mastery-based, personalized learning model.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Khan Lab 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 Khan Lab School Admissions Process

Creating an account on Ravenna is the first step in the Khan Lab School application process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from Khan Lab 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

For more details and to begin your application, visit Khan Lab School Admissions.

The Khan Lab School Admission Requirements

Parent Statement: How to Write a Strong Parent Statement for Khan Lab 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.

Tips for Writing the Parent Statement for Khan Lab School

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 Khan Lab 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. 

Khan Lab School Teacher Recommendation Requirements 

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.

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 Requirements for Khan Lab School Admissions

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.

How to Improve Grades for Private School Admissions Like Khan Lab School 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Khan Lab 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. 

How to Write a Personal Statement for Khan Lab School

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 Khan Lab 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 Khan Lab School. 

Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement for Khan Lab School Admissions

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 Khan Lab 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.

Khan Lab School Video Introduction Guidelines for Applicants

Grades 6-11 applicants are required to upload a video introduction of themselves. The school prefers video introductions that are basic statements about interests and goals over thoroughly prepared or produced presentations. The introduction should be two to three minutes long.

How to Prepare a Standout Video Introduction for Khan Lab School

A compelling video introduction can set your child apart in the Khan Lab School admissions process. But what if they’re unsure how to present themselves effectively? Our admissions consultants help students craft authentic, engaging introductions that highlight their strengths and passions. We provide coaching on how to speak confidently, structure responses naturally, and showcase their personality in a way that aligns with Khan Lab School’s mastery-based approach. More than just a well-rehearsed speech, our coaching builds communication skills that will serve them well beyond the application process.

What to Expect in a Khan Lab School Admissions Interview

At Khan Lab 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 Khan Lab community. The interview is scheduled after submitting the preliminary application through Ravenna.

Interview Tips for Khan Lab School Admissions

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 Khan Lab 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. 

Khan Lab School Campus Tours and Admissions Events

Khan Lab 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.

Khan Lab School offers several opportunities for prospective students and their families to explore the campus and engage with the community:

Campus Tours

• Lower School (Grades K–6): Held at the Palo Alto campus.
• Middle & Upper School (Grades 7–12): Conducted at the Mountain View campus.

Open Houses

• Provide an overview of the school’s mission, curriculum, and community. They also include presentations from faculty and opportunities to meet current students and parents.

Virtual Information Sessions

• Webinars led by the Admissions team, featuring a presentation and Q&A session.

Student Shadow Days

• For applicants to Grades 6–12 who have started the application process. Prospective students attend classes alongside current students to get a firsthand look at daily life at KLS.

How to Register for Khan Lab School Admissions Events

To register for admissions events and begin the application process at Khan Lab School, please follow these steps:

1. Create a Ravenna Account. Visit the Ravenna portal. Click on “Create an Account” and provide the necessary information.
2. Complete the Admissions Inquiry Form. After creating your Ravenna account, fill out the Admissions Inquiry Form on the Khan Lab School website. This will help the admissions team provide you with relevant information and updates.
3. Register for Events. Within your Ravenna account, navigate to the “School Directory” and search for Khan Lab School. View and register for available admissions events, such as campus tours, open houses, virtual information sessions, and student shadow days.
4. Submit an Application. Begin the application process through Ravenna by completing the preliminary application form and paying the $100 application fee. Follow the checklist provided in Ravenna to ensure all required documents and evaluations are submitted.

For any questions or assistance during the registration and application process, you can contact the admissions team at admissions@khanlabschool.org or call 650-557-3334.

What is Student Life Like at Khan Lab School?

Student life at Khan Lab School is centered around personalized learning, collaboration, and hands-on exploration. Students follow a mastery-based approach, allowing them to progress at their own pace while working on interdisciplinary projects. With mixed-age classrooms, students learn alongside peers of different ages, fostering mentorship and leadership. The daily structure is flexible, blending independent study, teacher-guided instruction, and project-based learning to encourage critical thinking and creativity. Instead of traditional grades, students receive real-time feedback, focusing on growth and mastery rather than competition.

Beyond academics, student life is enriched with clubs, leadership opportunities, and experiential learning. Students participate in student-led clubs, STEM projects, community service, and outdoor education, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. The school emphasizes social-emotional learning, executive function skills, and collaboration, ensuring students develop resilience and self-advocacy. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, every student receives individualized mentorship, fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture.

Khan Lab School Curriculum Overview

Khan Lab School’s curriculum is mastery-based, student-driven, and interdisciplinary, designed to foster independent learning, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Instead of a traditional grade-level structure, students advance at their own pace based on demonstrated mastery of concepts, allowing for a highly personalized educational experience. Aside from core academic areas, they also have Personalized & Project-Based Learning and Social-Emotional Learning & Executive Function Development, which are as follows:

Personalized & Project-Based Learning

• No Traditional Grades: Students progress by demonstrating mastery of subjects rather than following a rigid grade-level curriculum.
• Interdisciplinary Projects: Subjects are woven together through long-term projects, where students apply knowledge in practical, real-world contexts.
• Mixed-Age Learning: Classrooms are structured around ability and interest rather than age, fostering peer mentorship and collaboration.

Social-Emotional Learning & Executive Function Development

• Self-Direction & Leadership: Students set learning goals, track progress, and take ownership of their education.
• Executive Function Skills: The curriculum incorporates time management, organization, and self-advocacy, ensuring students develop independence and resilience.
• Community Engagement: Service-learning projects and leadership roles encourage students to engage with and contribute to their communities.

Khan Lab School’s curriculum blends technology, hands-on learning, and personalized instruction, creating an innovative model that prepares students for college, careers, and lifelong learning in an ever-evolving world.

What Sports does Khan Lab School offer?

Khan Lab School offers a dynamic and inclusive athletics program designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and personal growth among students. The program is structured to cater to both Middle and Upper School students, providing a range of sports opportunities that encourage participation at all skill levels.

The athletics program at Khan Lab School is continually evolving, with plans to expand offerings based on student interest and participation. The school emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging all students to engage in physical activities that promote health, well-being, and a sense of community.

For the most current information on available sports and athletic programs, prospective families and students are encouraged to visit the school’s official Athletics page or contact the Director of Athletics directly.

Khan Lab School Arts and Music Programs

Khan Lab School offers a comprehensive Arts and Music Program designed to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deep appreciation for the arts among students across all grade levels.

Music Program

Lower School (Grades K–6): Students engage in active music-making, starting with vocal exploration and basic rhythms, and advancing to instruments like the recorder and ukulele. The curriculum integrates music theory, performance skills, and creative expression. citeturn0search5

• Upper School (Grades 7–12): Music education continues with opportunities for collaborative projects, allowing students to explore various musical genres and develop their talents further. 

Visual and Performing Arts

• Lower School: Art classes focus on developing foundational skills through various media, encouraging students to express their creativity and understand artistic concepts.
• Upper School: Students have opportunities to engage in advanced art projects, exploring different techniques and styles to refine their artistic voice. citeturn0search4

Additionally, the Inquiry Lab enrichment classes offer after-school programs in art, dance, performing arts, and more, allowing students to delve deeper into their interests and passions. 

Through these programs, Khan Lab School fosters a vibrant arts community, encouraging students to explore their creative potential and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Clubs and organizations at Khan Lab School

Khan Lab School offers a vibrant array of student-led clubs and organizations that cater to diverse interests, fostering a sense of community and personal growth. These extracurricular activities are designed to complement the school’s mastery-based learning approach, providing students with opportunities to explore passions beyond the classroom.

After-School Program

Extended Day

A complimentary program available until 6:00 p.m., where students can engage in various clubs and organized outdoor activities. This initiative encourages collaboration and the development of new skills in a relaxed environment.

Inquiry Lab

A selection of fee-based enrichment classes that allow students to delve deeper into specific interests. Previous offerings have included art, dance, performing arts, and world languages, all facilitated by KLS faculty and external organizations.

Family Association

Every parent at Khan Lab School is a member of the Family Association, an organization that collaborates closely with the administration and faculty to build a strong school community. The association supports various initiatives, including:

• Annual Fundraising Events: Organizing events to raise funds for school programs and resources.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Assisting with robotics, iGEM, speech and debate, and other student activities.
• Social Events: Coordinating gatherings that foster community spirit among families, students, and staff. 

These clubs and organizations are integral to the student experience at Khan Lab School, promoting leadership, collaboration, and the pursuit of personal interests.

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