Frequently Asked Questions
- Does The Knox School have parent interviews?
Yes, the Knox School includes a parent or guardian conversation as part of its admissions process. While the primary interview is conducted with the student, the admissions team also values input and engagement from the family.
During this parent conversation, families may be asked about their child’s academic background, learning style, interests, and what they’re seeking in an educational environment. It’s also an opportunity for parents to ask questions about the school’s curriculum, values, community, and support systems.
This dialogue helps the admissions team better understand the applicant’s overall support system and ensures that both the student and family are aligned with the school’s mission and expectations.
- What documents are required for the Knox School application?
The Knox School requires several documents as part of the admissions process. While most requirements are consistent across grade levels, there are slight differences depending on whether the student is entering middle school (Grades 6–8), high school (Grades 9–12), or the Post-Graduate program.
Here is a breakdown of required documents by grade level:
Grades 6–8 (Middle School Applicants):
- Completed online application (via Knox portal or SAO)
- Student essay and short-answer responses
- Current year and the two previous years of academic transcripts
- Three recommendation forms:
- Current English teacher
- Current Math teacher
- One additional school official (advisor, counselor, or principal)
- Interview with admissions representative (in-person or virtual)
- Optional: SSAT scores
- Required for international students: TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS scores
Grades 9–12 (Upper School Applicants):
- Completed online application (via Knox portal or SAO)
- Student essay and short-answer responses
Current year and the two previous years of academic transcripts - Three recommendation forms:
- Current English teacher
- Current Math teacher
- One additional school official
- Interview with admissions representative (in-person or virtual)
- Optional: SSAT scores
- Required for international students: TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS scores
Post-Graduate Program:
- Completed application (Knox or SAO)
- Application fee
- Transcripts for all four years of high school
- Three recommendations are listed above
- Interview
- Optional: Standardized test scores
Required for international students: TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS scores
- What is The Knox School's ranking?
The Knox School, located in St. James, New York, has received various rankings from Niche. They are as follows:
- Best Private High Schools in New York: Ranked 110th out of 303.
- Best Boarding High Schools in New York: Ranked 22nd out of 31.
- Best College Prep Private High Schools in New York: Ranked 118th out of 291.
Note that these rankings are based on factors such as academic performance, college readiness, and reviews from students and parents. Overall, these accolades reflect The Knox School’s dedication to fostering not only academic excellence, but also leadership and a passion for lifelong learning among its students.
- What is The Knox School Known For?
Beyond the friendly faces and pretty views, The Knox School boasts some seriously interesting programs that help them stand out from the crowd. For starters, their global student body isn’t just a fun fact, but also creates a real melting pot of ideas and perspectives in the classroom and beyond!
Academically, Knox isn’t just about rote memorization. They pride themselves on small class sizes (think cozy learning circles!) and a personalized approach where teachers actually know how your brain works best. They offer a solid college preparatory curriculum, including a decent number of AP courses for those who like a good intellectual challenge. Plus, they’ve got some unique offerings like a “Dual Enrollment Program” where qualified students can snag college credits while still in high school – talk about a head start! Their commitment to integrating arts and athletics isn’t just lip service either; they offer a wide range of opportunities to get creative and break a sweat.
So, while they might not be the biggest school on the block, The Knox School carves out a unique niche with its global community, personalized academics (including those cool dual enrollment options), commitment to a well-rounded experience, and a pretty sweet waterfront backdrop. They consistently earn solid rankings, especially within their local area and for specific program strengths. It’s a place where you can broaden your horizons (literally and figuratively!) without getting lost in the shuffle.