How to Get Into The Evergreen School: What You Need To Know

Is The Evergreen School a Good High School?

The Evergreen School, established in 1963, is an independent institution in Shoreline, Washington, serving highly capable students from preschool through 8th grade. With a fairly low teacher/student ratio of 1:7 and 508 enrolled students, faculty and staff can serve the students in a more individualized approach. Evergreen School graduates have been accepted into prestigious institutions such as Phillips Academy (Andover), Choate Rosemary Hall, Milton Academy, Lakeside School, and The Overlake School.

The Evergreen School is committed to maintaining diversity in its student demographics. 58% of students are people of color, including African American, Asian American, Latino American, Middle Eastern American, multiracial American, and Native American. And no, this isn’t some woke attempt. Diversity is one of their cornerstones. It’s often an overlooked aspect of schools, but with a more diverse student population, kids are exposed to different perspectives and develop cultural awareness that allows them to grow as responsible members of our global society. 

Is It Hard To Get Into The Evergreen School? 

To put it simply, yes, admissions to the school are highly competitive. This is largely due to the school’s very high standards and target students who have exceptional intellectual ability. Unlike most schools, Evergreen uses an IQ test, among other requirements, to narrow down the applicant pool. Only students with a score at or above the 95th percentile are even considered for admission. 

Another factor that makes admissions to Evergreen difficult is its limited enrollment capacity. The largest entry points are kindergarten and grades 1 and 6. These grades have more spots available because they are natural starting points for students. However, for grades 2-5 and 7, new students are only accepted if a current student leaves, which is called attrition. Since the school cannot predict how many students will leave each year, the number of openings in these grades is uncertain and always limited. 

Unlike larger schools that may admit hundreds of students annually, Evergreen carefully manages its class sizes to maintain a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized instruction and a tight-knit learning community. This means that even highly qualified applicants may be waitlisted or turned away simply due to space limitations. Lastly, the school does not admit students coming in the 8th grade. 

Knowing how hard it is to get into Evergreen School, let’s now break down the admissions process and go over each application requirement. 

What are the Steps in The Evergreen School’s Admissions Process?

The admission process for The Evergreen School is comprehensive and involves several key steps to ensure a thorough evaluation of each applicant. Here’s an overview of the school’s admissions process:

• Set Up an Online Application Account
  Families begin by setting up an account on Ravenna, the online application system. Ravenna is often used by many American private schools. You only need one account to apply to every school you wish, so if you already have an existing Ravenna account, you can move on to step 2!

• Arrange an IQ Assessment (K-7 Applicants Only)
  Applicants for kindergarten through 7th grade are required to take an IQ test and submit their scores. Note that preschool and pre-K applicants do not need to take this test.

• Book a Virtual Meeting with the Admissions Team
  After submitting the application, parents/guardians must schedule a virtual meeting with the school’s enrollment team. These types of meetings can range from 30 minutes to an hour, so be prepared!

• Submit Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
  Families must provide a Parent/Guardian Statement, which helps the admissions team learn more about the applicant’s background. Guidelines on how parents complete the statement can be found in the school’s Ravenna portal. 

• Provide Teacher Evaluations and Academic Records
  Teacher evaluations and school records are requested to evaluate the student’s academics and behavior. 

• Complete Additional Requirements (5th-7th Grade Applicants)
  For older applicants, they are required to take either the SSAT or the ISEE and complete the PSIS Common Forms

• Attend a Student Visit Day
  After completing all required application steps, students must participate in an Applicant Visit at the school. During this visit, they engage in activities that help assess their readiness and fit for Evergreen’s academic program.

What are the application requirements for The Evergreen School?

IQ Test: High Standards for Excellent Students

The Evergreen School asks students applying to kindergarten through 7th grade to take an IQ test, with scores usually needing to be in the 95th percentile or higher. Accepted tests include the WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, or KABC-II, which must be given by a licensed psychologist since the school does not offer testing. Kids must be at least four years old to take the test, and the results are valid for two years. Families need to have the psychologist send the test report directly to the school before the application deadline. Preschool and prekindergarten students don’t need to take an IQ test, but it is required for those moving into kindergarten. The school understands that IQ tests aren’t perfect and may not always be fair to every student, so they encourage families with concerns to reach out to their admissions team.

Parent Statement

Parents or guardians of all applicants are required to submit a parent/guardian statement, which can be found on Ravenna. This statement gives parents an opportunity to share their insights about their family and the reasons why they want to be a part of the school community. It serves as a way for the admissions team to better understand your family’s educational priorities and how they align with the school’s mission. 

How To Write A Parent Statement

The parent statement is one of the most important parts of the application. This is because it can highlight your child as well as the reason why the school is perfect for your kid. When choosing what to write about, dig deep and write honestly. Focus on your child’s unique characteristics (what they can bring to the school), and provide anecdotes to support your story. For more detailed tips on how you can write a powerful parent statement, click here.

Teacher Evaluation 

The Evergreen School requires a teacher evaluation from the student’s current school-year classroom teacher as part of the application process. These forms give admissions officers a clearer picture of your academic abilities, character, and potential for success at the school. Students applying to Grades 4-7 are required to request two teacher evaluations, one from the current school year classroom teacher and another from another current-year teacher or last year’s grade-level/homeroom teacher.

4 Tips for Choosing a Teacher Evaluation

1. Pick a Teacher Who Knows You Well – A teacher who knows you well can accurately and authentically capture the essence of your character. 
2. Choose a Teacher that Aligns with Your Aspirations – If you show Evergreen School that you’re someone who thrives in STEM fields, a great way to supplement that is to have a recommendation from a STEM teacher. 
3. Consider a Teacher Who Writes Well – A teacher who can effectively write can effectively convey your strengths through the recommendation. 
4. Ask Early and Ask Politely – Teachers get many requests, so ask in advance, provide necessary details, and express gratitude.

SSAT or ISEE 

Despite being test-optional in many schools, standardized tests can still make a difference between acceptance and rejection. This, of course, is true for the Evergreen School 5th-7th grade applicants. However, preparing and taking the SSAT or ISEE can be overwhelming for families, but the right preparation can make a significant difference in a student’s performance. We consistently provide our families with guidance to help them understand which test best suits their child’s strengths and what the best strategies are in taking the SSAT or ISEE.

If you’re looking for resources, check out our SSAT practice test and ISEE practice test!

Student Short Answers

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, interests, and expectations of Nueva. 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 The Ever Green School.

Student Essay

The Evergreen School requires a student essay as part of the admissions process. The essay is meant to be a reflection of the student and their aspirations. This helps admissions officers evaluate if the students align with their own aspirations as an institution. Prompts of the student essay are available to applicants on the Ravenna portal. 

Crafting a Compelling Student Essay

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 Nueva 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

What Student Life Is Like At Evergreen School and Why Families Choose It

Choosing the right school for your son is an important decision. Evergreen School offers a remarkable setting that builds on children’s moral, social, and intellectual growth. Through coursework, exciting extracurricular activities, worthwhile volunteer work, and a competitive athletic program, Evergreen School helps mold boys into self-assured, well-rounded people who are ready for success in college and beyond.

The Evergreen School Academics

The Evergreen School creates a learning environment where highly capable students from preschool through 8th grade can explore ideas, think critically, and grow both academically and emotionally. The curriculum is designed to build on itself as students move through different stages—Early Childhood, Primary, Intermediate, and Middle School—giving them the chance to dive deep into subjects and make meaningful connections across disciplines. Learning is hands-on and collaborative, with projects and discussions that encourage curiosity and creativity. While the school doesn’t offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, its challenging curriculum is designed to meet students where they are and push them to think in new ways. More than just academics, Evergreen focuses on developing well-rounded students who are prepared to lead with confidence, compassion, and an open mind.

The Evergreen School’s Learning by Doing approach transforms education into an interactive and immersive experience, making learning truly come to life. By engaging students in hands-on projects, outdoor exploration, and real-world problem-solving, this method fosters deep understanding and long-term retention of academic concepts. Programs like Adventure Days, overnight trips, and the innovative BIG Lab (Build Imagine Grow) allow students to develop creativity, resilience, and critical thinking skills. This experiential approach not only enhances academic learning but also cultivates confidence and independence, making The Evergreen School an exceptional environment for students to thrive intellectually and personally.

Extracurricular Activities

Education at The Evergreen School goes way beyond the classroom. Students are given the chance to join extracurricular programs which are available at the school to support students. These programs range from athletics to numerous enrichment classes designed to help your child achieve their potential. 

After-School Enrichment Classes

Evergreen provides a variety of after-school enrichment classes catering to different interests and age groups, from prekindergarten through 8th grade, offered in three sessions throughout the academic year: fall, winter, and spring. Recent offerings have included Chess, Magical Dress-Up, Lego Engineering, Machine Sewing, Magic: The Gathering, Philosophy, Creative Rhythm & Dance, Debate, Parkour, Youth Kickboxing, Creative Drama, and Painting & Drawing. These programs allow students to explore new skills, express creativity, and engage in hands-on learning experiences in a supportive environment.

Amazing Summer Programs

Even during the summer break, Evergreen continues to serve its community through summer programs! The program features a wide range of activities designed to engage and inspire learners from preschool to rising 9th graders. Programs include STEM workshops, arts and crafts, sports camps, writing workshops, cooking and baking classes, and musical theater, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests in a fun and immersive setting. Each week presents different themes and activities tailored to various age groups, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience throughout the summer. In addition to hands-on learning, the summer program fosters social connections and personal growth, helping students develop new skills while making lasting memories.

Athletics: What Sports Does The Evergreen School Offer?

​The Evergreen School offers a fun and engaging athletics program emphasizing skill development and, of course, sportsmanship. Although not as comprehensive as other schools, the relatively small selection of sports allows Evergreen coaches to be more focused on the students and their psychomotor development. 

Seasonal Sports Offerings:

Related Articles:

The Evergreen School’s Fantastic After-School Program

Service Learning at The Evergreen School: How Students Make a Difference

The Evergreen School’s Summer Program: Engaging Learning Beyond the School Year