How to Get Into Rye Country Day School: Everything You Should Know Before You Apply

Is Rye Country Day School A Good School?

Absolutely! Rye Country Day School is more than just a place to collect A’s and perfect attendance. Located in Westchester County, it welcomes bright, motivated students from K-12 who are eager to think critically, lead thoughtfully, and learn deeply. Yes, the academics are strong, but what really sets RCDS apart is how it blends challenge with care. Students dive into real-world projects, lead discussions, and develop the kind of curiosity that sticks with them long after the final bell rings.

Founded in 1869, Rye Country Day has a long history of helping students grow into thoughtful, capable individuals. Teachers here don’t just teach. They know their students, support them, and cheer them on whether they’re coding an app, painting a mural, or preparing for a Model UN debate. Character, creativity, and community are just as important as coursework, and by the time students graduate, they’re ready for college—and ready to make an impact.

Student Diversity

According to data from Niche, Rye Country Day School has a diverse student body that reflects a broad range of backgrounds and identities. White students make up 52.8% of the population, followed by Asian students at 17.6%, and Multicultural students at 17.2%. African American students represent 6.4%, Hispanic students account for 4.6%, and International students make up 1.3%. A small percentage, 0.1%, is listed as Unknown. 

How Hard Is It To Get Into Rye Country Day School?

Getting into Rye Country Day School isn’t exactly a casual stroll through the quad. It takes effort, planning, and a whole lot of heart. This isn’t the kind of school where you just drop off a transcript and hope for the best. It’s selective for a reason, and here’s why:

A Selective and Holistic Admissions Process

RCDS is serious about finding students who will thrive in their vibrant, high-energy community. They look beyond just grades and test scores. Sure, strong academics matter, but so do glowing teacher recommendations, personal essays, school records, interviews, and maybe even a little sparkle. They want to know how your child thinks, how they handle challenges, and what excites them about learning. If your application is all polish and no personality, it might not stand out in a crowd. They’re not looking for perfect. They’re looking for real.

Big Demand, Big Expectations

Rye Country Day isn’t your average independent school. With exceptional academics, a dynamic arts scene, top-tier athletics, and a deep commitment to community values, it’s easy to see why it’s at the top of many families’ wish lists. That level of excellence attracts a lot of applications every year, which means the competition is real. Everyone wants in—and for good reason.

So yes, getting into RCDS is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. With a strong application, a thoughtful story, and a genuine connection to the school’s mission, your child can absolutely make their mark. And if you need a little help crafting a standout application, you know who to call.

What’s The Rye Country Day School Admissions Process?

Applying to Rye Country Day School might feel like a big step, but don’t stress—it’s a thoughtful, well-laid-out process that’s all about getting to know your child beyond the transcripts. Here’s how to navigate it, one step at a time:

Step 1: RCDS Application: Submitting Your Initial Form 

First things first—head to the RCDS application portal and fill out the online form. Once that’s done, you’ll get a personalized checklist with everything you need to submit. It’s best to get this part out of the way before booking your interview so that they can get to know your child more personally.

Step 2: The RCDS Interview & Campus Tour: What to Expect 

After submitting your application, the next step is to schedule your on-campus interview. It’s required for all applicants, and it’s also a great way to get a feel for the school. You’ll get to ask questions, meet admissions staff, and take a student-led tour of campus.

Just remember: interviews are booked through the application portal after you’ve submitted your application.

Interview breakdown:

• Pre-K to Grade 2: Parents/guardians only. The whole visit takes around 90 minutes.
• Grades 3 to 12: Both the student and parents attend. Students and parents are interviewed separately, and it all takes about 90 minutes.

Step 3: Completing the RCDS Questionnaires: Parent & Student Insights

Parents need to fill out a questionnaire for all applicants. Students applying to Grades 5–12 have their own questionnaire too. Both are available through the application portal.

Prefer paper? You can download and send in the forms instead.

Step 4: Standardized Testing for RCDS Admissions: ISEE & SSAT

For Pre-K to Grade 2:

These kids have a short, 25-minute assessment on campus. You’ll hear from the school within 48 hours of applying to schedule it. If you’re applying to Pre-K or Kindergarten, there’s also a required group visit in December or January—RCDS will contact you about that in November.

For Grades 3–4:

Applicants for Grades 3 and 4 need to take the ISEE Primary. RCDS is offering in-person testing for Grade 4.

Parents are responsible for registering via the ERB website. Make sure results are sent to RCDS (code: 334965). If your child is applying to Grade 4, you can also schedule a classroom visit by contacting Lexi Massey. It’s optional, but a great way to see how your child fits in.

For Grades 5–12:

These applicants can take either the ISEE or the SSAT. The school doesn’t prefer one over the other. Just make sure your child’s test is done during the current school year and before January 10. Use these codes when registering so scores go to RCDS:

• ISEE: 334965
• SSAT: 6208

Step 5: Submitting Transcripts & Recommendations to Rye Country Day School

You’ll need to ask your child’s school to send transcripts and recommendation forms directly to RCDS. They don’t accept them from parents. You can do this all through the online portal—or print and email/mail if the school prefers.

RCDS doesn’t take full SAO applications, but they will accept recommendation forms from the SAO if you’re applying to other Fairchester Consortium schools. In that case, have the teacher or school send a PDF of the SAO form to admissions@ryecountryday.org.

Step 6: RCDS Decision Day: What Happens Next 

You’ll get your admissions decision online around February. If you applied for financial aid, the award will be included too.

What are the application requirements for Rye Country Day School?

RCDS Parent/Guardian Questionnaire: Sharing Your Perspective

Think of this as your chance to tell RCDS who your child really is beyond the application. This isn’t a trick question or a trap. The admissions team genuinely wants to hear from you—how your child learns, what excites them, how they handle challenges, and what kind of environment they thrive in.

How to nail it:

Be specific. Instead of saying “Emma is a great student,” say something like, “Emma reads three books a week and taught herself to code over the summer because she wanted to build a website for her dog.” Include stories, habits, quirks, and passions that show personality and growth. The more personal and authentic your responses, the more your child stands out as a real human being—not just a collection of grades.

Also, don’t wait until the last minute to fill this out. You’ll want time to think, revise, and maybe ask someone to read it over (ideally not your dog).

RCDS Student Questionnaire: Your Child’s Voice (Grades 5-12)

This is where the spotlight shifts to your child. RCDS wants to hear from the student directly—what they’re interested in, how they view school, and how they handle responsibility. It’s not graded, but it does matter.

How to stand out:

Encourage your child to answer in their own voice. It doesn’t need to sound like a college essay. If your kid is funny, let them be funny. If they love robotics, marine biology, or writing fantasy novels, let that passion shine through.

One smart move? Help them brainstorm before they write. Ask them questions out loud like, “What class do you look forward to the most and why?” or “What’s something that made you feel proud this year?” Once they start talking, jot down ideas to shape their written answers.

Bonus tip: Avoid generic responses like “I like school because I learn a lot.” That’s like telling someone your favorite food is “food.” Be real. Be memorable.

The RCDS Interview & Campus Tour: Making an Impression

The interview is where your family moves from “applicant” to “actual people we’re getting to know.” It’s also your chance to see the campus, meet a student tour guide, and get a feel for whether RCDS feels like home.

How to prep (without over-prepping):

For parents, come with a few thoughtful questions. Maybe ask about how students balance academics and extracurriculars, or how the school supports different learning styles. Show you’ve done some research, but keep it conversational.

For students, this isn’t a test. It’s just a friendly chat. Practice a few basic questions like, “What’s a class you’re enjoying right now?” or “What do you do outside of school?” Encourage them to be polite, speak clearly, and most importantly, be themselves.

And yes, this is a great excuse to wear something nice-but-comfy and smile like you mean it. First impressions matter, but so does authenticity.

Assessments & Testing for RCDS Admission

This is where RCDS gets a sense of where your child is academically—but don’t panic. These tests aren’t designed to make anyone cry into their cereal. They just help the school understand how your child thinks and where they might fit best.

For the littles (Pre-K to Grade 2):

They’ll have a short on-campus assessment, kind of like a meet-and-greet with a friendly evaluator. It’s usually around 25 minutes and is low-stress. If you’ve got a Pre-K or K applicant, there’s also a group visit where kids get to interact with others, play, and just be their curious, energetic selves. It’s less about perfect answers and more about how they engage.

How to help them shine:

Don’t drill them on flashcards the night before. Instead, get a good night’s sleep, have breakfast, and treat it like an exciting school day adventure. Talk them through what to expect using gentle, positive language. “You’re going to show a teacher how awesome you are at puzzles and listening” usually works better than “This is a Very Important Evaluation.”

For Grades 3–4:

They’ll need to take the ISEE Primary. RCDS offers test dates, or you can schedule your own. If you’re applying to Grade 4, there’s also an optional classroom visit that we definitely recommend. It helps your child get a feel for the environment, and it lets the school see them in action.

Pro tip: Make sure to register early for the ISEE and have scores sent directly to RCDS (code: 334965). That one little checkbox during registration saves you a major headache later.

For Grades 5–12:

Here’s where it gets a bit more flexible. Students can choose between the SSAT and ISEE. RCDS doesn’t prefer one over the other. Choose whichever plays to your child’s strengths.

Smart strategy:

Take a practice test of both if you have time, and go with the one where your child feels most confident. Then register early, find a quiet test center (or sign up for the at-home version), and allow time for a retake if needed.

Transcripts & Recommendations for Rye Country Day School

Now we’re getting into the “other adults in your child’s life” section. RCDS wants to hear directly from your child’s school and teachers about their academic progress, classroom behavior, and overall personality.

How to make this smooth and strong:

Talk to your child’s current teachers early. Ideally, pick teachers who know your child well and can speak to their growth, effort, and character. A glowing but generic letter won’t do as much as a specific one that shares real stories.

Once the forms are ready, make sure the school sends them directly to RCDS. Parents can’t send these in themselves. Everything goes through the application portal or can be emailed or mailed from the school if that’s easier.

If you’re using the SAO for other schools, RCDS won’t accept the whole application—but they will accept the recommendation forms. Just ask your teachers or school admin to send a PDF copy of the SAO recs directly to admissions@ryecountryday.org. Easy.

What Student Life Is Like At Rye Country Day School and Why Families Choose It

What Are Academics Like In Rye Country Day School?

Lower School at RCDS: Foundational Learning

In the Lower School, learning starts with joy and curiosity. From Pre-K to Grade 4, students get their hands into everything from storytelling to science experiments. They build a strong foundation in math, social studies, and language arts through engaging lessons and interdisciplinary projects. Specials like music, visual arts, library, computer science, and PE are part of every week, and starting in Grade 2, students choose between French or Spanish. There’s also a big focus on metacognition—kids are taught how to think about their thinking, stay organized, and manage their time. With a student-to-teacher ratio as low as 6:1 in Pre-K, each child is truly seen. And thanks to Responsive Classroom practices and daily morning meetings, social-emotional learning is just as important as academics.

Middle School at RCDS: Exploration & Growth

Middle School is where structure meets exploration. Students in Grades 5 through 8 move through a rich academic program that includes core subjects, modern languages, and hands-on science labs. They start to flex those abstract thinking muscles in humanities and algebra while learning how to take solid notes, research online, and advocate for themselves. Electives in visual arts, robotics, coding, and performing arts let them experiment and take creative risks. There’s a strong advisory program, and grade-level deans help students stay on track both academically and socially. Middle Schoolers also compete on interscholastic sports teams and can join everything from the debate club to service initiatives. It’s a time to try new things, make mistakes, and figure out what lights them up.

Upper School at RCDS: College Preparation

In the Upper School, students take the lead in shaping their academic journey. The course offerings are broad and deep, with AP and advanced electives in every department—from Multivariable Calculus to Comparative Government to Advanced Studio Art. There’s a full STEAM program with classes like Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Design, and Data Science, plus access to a Makerspace where students bring ideas to life. Languages include Spanish, French, Latin, and Mandarin. The English curriculum dives into everything from Shakespeare to contemporary global literature, and history includes case studies, seminar-style discussions, and original research. Students can also be part of high-level performing arts, a nationally ranked Model UN team, and over 50 clubs. College counseling starts in 10th grade and goes way beyond a checklist. Here, students aren’t just preparing for college—they’re building the habits, skills, and mindset to thrive wherever they go next.

How Does Rye Country Day School Support Its Students?

What sets Rye Country Day School apart isn’t just its academics or arts programs—it’s how seriously the school takes student support. While most schools might have one counselor or a general learning resource center, RCDS has an entire team dedicated to helping kids thrive in every part of their school life. Learning specialists work with students from every grade level, identifying challenges early and putting practical strategies in place to help them succeed. Whether it’s building executive functioning skills, boosting reading confidence, or managing the leap to more independent work, the goal is to equip students to handle challenges on their own with the right tools in hand. It’s proactive, personalized, and genuinely student-centered.

And that’s just the academic side. On the emotional front, the school has psychologists, a social worker, and a mental health counselor available across all three divisions. That level of access is rare, especially in Pre-K to 12 schools. These professionals support students through everything from friendship bumps to family transitions and more serious mental health concerns. They offer short-term counseling, work closely with teachers and families, and run developmentally appropriate programs that build self-awareness, resilience, and emotional literacy. At RCDS, support isn’t something students ask for when things go wrong—it’s already there, baked into the system, ready whenever they need it.                                                                                               

What sports does Rye Country Day School offer?

Athletics at Rye Country Day School are kind of a big deal—in the best way. Sports here aren’t just about trophies; they’re about teamwork, growth, and having a blast while breaking a sweat. With a 45,000-square-foot Athletic Center packed with basketball and squash courts, a full fitness center, and a training room that looks like it belongs in a college, students have everything they need to move, compete, and recover like pros.

From soccer to sailing, lacrosse to basketball, there’s a team (or three) for everyone across all three seasons. Whether your child dreams of playing in college or is just curious about trying something new, the program welcomes all levels. No matter what, every student finds their spot, their team, and probably a new favorite sport along the way.

Fall Sports	Winter Sports	Spring Sports
Cross Country	Basketball	Baseball
Field Hockey	Fencing	Golf
Football	Hockey	Lacrosse
Soccer	Squash	Sailing
Volleyball	Track	Softball
	Wrestling	Tennis
		Track

What Type of Arts Program does Rye Country Day School Offer?

Drama and Dance at RCDS

Drama and dance at Rye Country Day aren’t just about the spotlight—they’re about finding your voice, moving with purpose, and maybe even surprising yourself. Students learn to take creative risks, collaborate like pros, and lean into both the triumphs and the awkward stumbles that come with performing. From the Middle School Musical to the Upper School Fall Play and the Winter Choreography Showcase, there’s always something in motion. These programs aren’t just polished productions, they’re full-on growth experiences where students learn to lead, express, and step into someone else’s shoes—sometimes literally.

Visual Arts at RCDS

In the visual arts studios at RCDS, creativity is the assignment. Whether students are working with clay, charcoal, or digital tools, they’re encouraged to experiment, problem-solve, and develop their own artistic voice. The classes are both challenging and energizing, offering a break from the school day that’s productive in its own colorful, sometimes paint-splattered way. With the Cohen Center for the Creative Arts as their playground, students in Middle and Upper School dive deep into personal projects, art history, and museum visits. Regular exhibitions throughout the year give everyone a chance to show off their work and celebrate the creative process with the school community.

Music at RCDS

Music at RCDS isn’t just about mastering scales—it’s about making meaningful connections and feeling the joy of performance. From Festival Chorus to chamber ensembles, students explore music as both an individual and shared experience. They’re taught to listen closely, perform confidently, and collaborate with care. Whether it’s private lessons or group performances, students are guided by teachers who see music as a bridge between disciplines, people, and ideas. And when it all comes together on stage or in the classroom, the result is something that sticks with them far beyond the final note.

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