How to Get Into Spence School: Helpful Tips

Why Families Choose Spence School: An All-Girls Education in NYC

The Spence School is a highly respected, independent, all-girls K–12 school located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in New York City. Known for its academic excellence, leadership development, and commitment to the liberal arts, Spence prepares young women for college and beyond through a challenging and enriching curriculum. With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 6:1, Spence emphasizes individualized attention, inquiry-based learning, and community responsibility.

Spence was founded in 1892 by Clara B. Spence, a visionary educator, suffragist, and advocate for women’s rights. She believed in the power of educating women to be intellectual, confident, and capable leaders. The school started with just ten students in a brownstone on West 48th Street before moving to its current home on East 91st Street.

From its earliest years, Spence stood out for its progressive educational philosophy. It was one of the first schools in the country to offer a classical education to girls equivalent to that provided to boys. Over the decades, it has evolved into a leader among private girls’ schools, integrating innovation, global perspectives, and a strong arts and science program into its offerings.

Spence is renowned for its robust academic curriculum, including advanced coursework in STEM, humanities, and the arts. The school fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and social engagement. Students are encouraged to think critically, speak confidently, and collaborate meaningfully.

How hard is it to get into Spence School?

Gaining admission to The Spence School is highly competitive, reflecting the institution’s strong academic reputation. The school maintains an average class size of around 18 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 6:1, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

The admissions process involves several key steps: submitting an online application form, paying a non-refundable application fee (automatically waived for families applying for financial aid), providing supplemental materials, and scheduling both student visits and parent/guardian conversations. Applicants are also required to submit teacher recommendations and school transcripts, depending on the grade level.

Spence accepts new students primarily at key entry points: Kindergarten, Grade 6, and Grade 9. Applications for other grades are considered based on space availability. For the 2025–26 academic year, applications are due by December 1, with admission decisions released in mid to late March. In certain cases, the school may review applications on a rolling basis if openings arise, though financial assistance may not be available at that stage.

Standardized testing is required for applicants entering Grades 5 through 11. However, Spence follows a holistic admissions process where test scores are only one part of the evaluation. Greater emphasis is placed on elements such as the Parent/Guardian and Student Questionnaires, teacher recommendations, and academic transcripts.

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

Spence School Admissions Process

​Spence School utilizes its own dedicated application portal for admissions. To begin the application process, applicants must create an account on Spence’s application portal. This portal allows families to submit applications, monitor application steps, and receive updates regarding admissions events.

Application Steps:

1. Submit Preliminary Application: Complete the online application form by the specified deadline. 
2. Application Fee: An application fee is required; however, this fee is automatically waived for families applying for financial aid.
3. Schedule Required Appointments: Arrange for student assessments and parent/guardian conversations as outlined in the application checklist.
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Provide necessary materials such as teacher recommendations and school transcripts.
5. Standardized Testing: Applicants to Grades 5 and higher are required to submit standardized test scores, such as the ISEE or SSAT.

The Spence School Application Requirements

Spence Parent Statement

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Spence’s application portal. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information.

Tips for Writing a Strong Parent Statement for Spence

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 Spence 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. 

Spence Teacher Recommendations

Applicants must submit recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor. The forms can be found on Spence’s application portal and must be submitted online via the same platform.

Securing Powerful Teacher Recommendations for Spence

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.

Spence Transcript Requirements

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.

Improving Grades for Spence Admission 

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

Spence Personal Statement

There are questions 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 Spence 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 Spence School. 

Expert Advice for Your Spence 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 Spence 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.

Standardized Test Scores

Applications from Grades 5-11 must include ISEE or SSAT results. Admissions personnel can better assess each applicant’s academic preparedness and likelihood of succeeding in the school’s demanding environment with the use of these exams.

How to prepare for standardized tests

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child through customized test preparation strategies based on our years of expertise working with families applying to Spence School. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure that your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. We offer individualized SSAT practice tests and ISEE practice tests to make sure your child submits impressive scores. 

Spence Admissions Interviews

Interviews are a required component, varying slightly by grade level. For applicants to the Lower School (Kindergarten through Grade 4), students take part in small group assessments or playgroups during a scheduled visit. These sessions are designed to observe developmental and social readiness rather than conduct formal interviews.

For applicants to the Middle and Upper Schools (Grades 5 through 11), students participate in a formal one-on-one interview, normally conducted by a faculty member or admissions staff. These interviews may also include a brief writing sample or academic activity to assess the student’s communication and thinking skills.

Furthermore, all applicant families to The Spence School are required to participate in a Parent/Guardian Conversation. All interviews and student visits are scheduled through The Spence School’s admissions portal once the application has been submitted. Since appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, families are encouraged to complete the initial application promptly to secure preferred dates.

 Ace Your Spence Interview

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 Spence 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. 

Visiting Spence: Tours, Open Houses & Virtual Options

The Spence School offers a range of opportunities for prospective families to learn more about its programs and community through campus tours, open houses, and virtual information sessions.

Spence Campus Tours: Explore the Upper East Side

Campus tours are available by appointment and provide families with a firsthand look at the school’s facilities, classrooms, and overall learning environment. These tours are typically led by members of the admissions team and occasionally include student ambassadors. Tours allow families to observe the school in action and ask specific questions about academic offerings, student life, and school culture.

Spence Open Houses: Experience the Community

Open houses are scheduled throughout the admissions season and serve as broader, more comprehensive events. These often include presentations from school leadership, faculty, and current students. Open houses are designed to give an in-depth overview of the Spence experience, including curriculum highlights, extracurricular opportunities, and community values.

Spence Virtual Information Sessions: Learn Online

Virtual information sessions are also offered for families who may not be able to visit in person. These sessions often mirror the content of open houses and provide a chance to engage with admissions staff and faculty in a live, interactive format. They are particularly helpful for out-of-town or international applicants seeking a meaningful introduction to the school.

Families are encouraged to register for these events through Spence’s official admissions portal, as space may be limited and dates fill up quickly. Participating in one or more of these opportunities is a valuable step in understanding whether Spence is the right fit for your child.

How to Register

To register for campus tours, open houses, student visits, interviews, or virtual information sessions at The Spence School, families must follow a few simple steps through the school’s official admissions platform:

1. Create an Account on the Spence Admissions Portal
   • Visit spenceschool.org and navigate to the Admissions section.
   • Select “Apply” or “Admissions Process” to access the application portal.
   • Create an account using a parent or guardian email address. This will give you access to the full admissions checklist and event registration tools.
2. Submit the Preliminary Application
   • Families must complete and submit the preliminary application before gaining access to the scheduling system for interviews, visits, and events.
   • This includes the basic application form and the application fee.
3. Access the Admissions Checklist
   • Once the preliminary application is submitted, you will see a personalized checklist that includes links to register for parent/guardian conversations, student visits, campus tours, open houses, and virtual information sessions.
4. Select and Schedule Events
   • Use the portal calendar to view available dates and times.
   • Event slots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged.
5. Confirmation and Reminders
   • After registering for each event, you will receive a confirmation email and follow-up reminders with details about what to expect and any preparation needed.

If you have any trouble registering or need accommodations, the admissions office at Spence is available to assist by phone or email.

What is Student Life Like at Spence School?

Student life at The Spence School is dynamic, enriching, and designed to nurture both intellectual growth and personal development. With a strong emphasis on community and leadership, students are encouraged to explore a wide range of interests through academics, the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The school fosters a culture of curiosity and confidence, where girls are empowered to speak up, take initiative, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. From the Lower School to the Upper School, students benefit from small class sizes, close relationships with faculty, and a supportive peer community.

Beyond the classroom, Spence offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved, including clubs, affinity groups, student government, service initiatives, and cultural events. Whether participating in Model UN, writing for the school newspaper, performing in theater productions, or competing on athletic teams, students find outlets that align with their passions and values. The school also emphasizes wellness and balance, providing resources for physical and emotional health. Overall, student life at Spence is vibrant, inclusive, and purposefully designed to help students grow into confident, thoughtful, and capable young women.

Spence School Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at The Spence School is thoughtfully designed to provide a strong academic foundation while nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Spanning Kindergarten through Grade 12, the curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, integrating traditional academic disciplines with modern educational practices. Spence emphasizes depth over breadth, encouraging students to explore subjects in meaningful ways through close reading, discussion-based learning, and hands-on exploration.

In the Lower School, the curriculum focuses on building essential literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills through an interdisciplinary approach. The Middle School expands upon this foundation with more departmentalized instruction, allowing students to delve deeper into subjects like history, math, science, and world languages. In the Upper School, students engage in a rigorous college-preparatory program, including advanced coursework in STEM, the humanities, and the arts. Offerings include AP-level classes, electives in ethics and global studies, and robust programs in visual and performing arts. Across all divisions, Spence encourages inquiry, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students not only for academic success but also for thoughtful, purposeful lives.

What Sports does Spence School offer?

The Spence School offers a competitive and well-rounded athletics program that promotes teamwork, leadership, and physical wellness. Students can participate in a variety of sports across three seasons, with opportunities at the varsity, junior varsity, and middle school levels. The athletics program is a key part of student life and encourages students to develop discipline, resilience, and school spirit.

Spence competes in the Athletic Association of Independent Schools (AAIS) and emphasizes both skill development and competitive excellence. The school also supports physical education across all grade levels and encourages lifelong fitness habits.

Spence School Arts and Music Programs

The Spence School offers a vibrant and expansive Arts and Music program that plays an integral role in the school’s academic and extracurricular life. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students are exposed to a wide range of visual and performing arts, fostering creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness. The curriculum is structured to help students explore artistic disciplines deeply, while also encouraging interdisciplinary connections and personal interpretation.

Visual Arts at Spence

In the visual arts, students engage in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and digital media. As they progress through the grades, they have access to advanced studio electives and opportunities to showcase their work in exhibitions.

Performing Arts at Spence

In the performing arts, Spence offers comprehensive programs in theater, dance, and music. Students participate in choral and instrumental ensembles, theater productions, and dance performances, with instruction provided by experienced professionals.

Music and Theatre at Spence

The music program includes vocal and instrumental instruction, music theory, and ensemble performance, while the theater program gives students opportunities to act, direct, and work on technical production. Whether through a Lower School chorus or an Upper School art portfolio class, Spence’s arts and music programs are designed to cultivate artistic excellence and inspire lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Clubs and organizations at Spence School

The Spence School offers a wide array of clubs and student-led organizations that reflect the diverse interests and passions of its student body. These extracurricular activities play an important role in building leadership skills, fostering community, and encouraging personal growth beyond the classroom. Students are empowered to take initiative, form new clubs, and take on leadership roles that align with their academic and creative pursuits.

Whether participating in a long-standing organization or launching a new initiative, students at Spence find many ways to engage, lead, and make an impact.

Who are some famous Spence School Alumni?

The Spence School has a long history of distinguished alumni who have made notable contributions across a variety of fields, including the arts, media, philanthropy, and public service. Here are some of the most well-known Spence alumnae:

• Gwyneth Paltrow – Academy Award-winning actress and founder of the wellness brand Goop.
• Eloise Spencer – Inspiration for the Eloise book series by Kay Thompson (fictional character said to live at the Plaza Hotel, but based loosely on a Spence girl).
• Marina Rust – Author and contributing editor at Vogue magazine.
• Sheila Nevins – Longtime president of HBO Documentary Films and a multiple Emmy and Peabody Award winner.
• Nan Kempner – Legendary New York socialite and fashion icon.
• Maggie Betts – Award-winning filmmaker and director (Novitiate, The Burial).
• Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece – Businesswoman and crown princess, founder of the Marie-Chantal children’s clothing line.

These alumnae reflect Spence’s legacy of cultivating leadership, creativity, and excellence in its students.

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