Applying to Hopkins

Set Your Curiosity Free

Hopkins seeks highly self-motivated applicants who are academically prepared and whose talents and intellectual curiosity will enable them to take advantage of the challenging curriculum and rich resources offered by the School.

Applications for the 2022-23 school year are now closed. The application process for the 2023-24 school year will begin in September. To learn more about Hopkins, please complete the inquiry form.

Thank you for your interest in Hopkins School.

We know that choosing a school is an important decision and we encourage you to learn all you can about our values, our programs and our community. Please know that we are committed to working together to make the admission experience as seamless as possible for you.

Application Process

Applicants are expected to demonstrate an ability to complete a demanding course of study. Although the majority of new students are admitted to the 7th and 9th grades, applications from qualified students for other grades will be considered as space permits.

The Hopkins admission process is designed to provide the best possible opportunity for an applicant and their family to understand our school community and, at the same time, to give the Admission Committee an understanding of each applicant’s educational background and interests. The goal is to satisfy each that the right match has been made for a student’s successful education.

Step By Step Application Process

Completed between September and January 15

Research to see if Hopkins would be a good fit for your child.

Join us online or in-person to learn more about Hopkins.

Submit application for admission and, if requesting, financial aid.

Arrange for an interview (required).

Complete application by January 15.

Application Deadline

The deadline for admission is January 15. Complete and return the application, including both the Parent and the Applicant Questionnaires, and the application fee as soon as possible, but no later than January 15.

International applicants should review additional requirements before applying.

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Required Application Materials

We accept two common applications, the SAO and Gateway. We have no preference which one you use. If you prefer, you can request a print application by calling the Admission Office at (203) 397-1001.

All applications require a $75 application fee. If you need a fee waiver, please contact the Admission Office at (203) 397-1001.
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Once we receive the application, we will schedule an interview with the applicant and at least one parent or guardian. For Fall 2021, depending on the latest COVID-19 guidance, interviews may be in-person or via Zoom. A member of the Admission Team will work with you to discuss the best way to facilitate an interview with your family.

The best interviews are guided by the responses to the candidate questions in the Hopkins supplement for both the SAO and Gateway applications, so we strongly recommend submitting those prior to the interview.

In addition to your application, please have the following documents sent directly to the Hopkins Admission Office by January 15:

1. Official transcript from the current school
Please submit the Authorization for Release of School Records Form to the appropriate person at your current school. Students who are only able to present pass/fail grades or other similar marks on their transcripts from last year will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process.

2. English and Math Teacher Recommendations
Please submit these to the teachers at the end of the first marking period.

3. Administrator Recommendation
Please submit this to a Principal, Guidance Counselor or Secondary School Placement Director at the end of the first marking period.

4. Admissions Testing
Hopkins has adopted a Standardized Testing Recommended format for the coming year, meaning we prefer to receive standardized test scores as an additional assessment tool to the admission profile, but understand it may not be possible in all cases. Applicants should contact the Admission Office to discuss alternative testing options.

We will accept either version of standardized test — the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). There are a variety of options to take either the SSAT or the ISEE, including in-person and at-home, online testing. Questions about testing requirements at Hopkins can be directed to Elliot Faust at (203) 397-1001 ext. 209 or efaust@hopkins.edu.

5. Optional Extracurricular Recommendation
Applicants who have had a longstanding commitment to a particular athletic, artistic or community service-oriented endeavor are welcome to submit an additional letter of recommendation from an appropriate adult.

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Admission Testing

Admission testing is a required part of the application process, with Standardized Testing being the preferred test. We accept either the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Both organizations provide in-person testing, a Prometric, computer-based option for taking the exam, as well as computer-based SSAT At Home Option and ISEE At Home Option. All reservations and payments are made directly with the testing agency.
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When registering, please enter the Hopkins School code, for the SSAT use 3995 or for the ISEE use 070490, so that scores can be sent directly from the testing organization to the Admission Office. Test scores must be received by January 15.

TESTING DATES:
Hopkins will be offering on campus testing for the SSAT on November 6, December 10, and January 7 and the ISEE on November 12, December 3, and January 14, and registration is limited to 50 students per testing date. Please register directly via SSAT and ISEE's websites, and if you have test related questions, please contact Elliot Faust at efaust@hopkins.edu or (203)397-1001 x209.

FEE WAIVERS:
Fee waivers are available for both SSAT and ISEE. Please contact the Admission Office at (203) 397-1001 to request one.

TEST PRACTICE RESOURCES:
SSAT offers an Online Practice Program, and information on what to expect on the ISEE can be found here.

Further information on the SSAT and ISEE can be found at Independent School Admission Testing Guide.

OTHER TESTING OPTIONS:
If you are unable to find an available SSAT or ISEE exam, applicants should contact Elliot Faust in the Admission Office to discuss alternative testing options.

Parent and Student Admission Interview

Every applicant, and at least one parent or guardian, must meet with a member of the Admission Committee. Upon receipt of the application, a member of the Admission Team will contact you to schedule an interview and discuss the best way to facilitate the interview with your family, either in-person or via Zoom, depending on guidelines in place at the time.

Visiting Day

We may be providing opportunities for prospective students to meet our current students virtually throughout the Fall and Winter. We will try to provide a virtual format, and we will work with you to schedule one or two classes that may be of particular interest.

International Student Requirements

While Hopkins School is able to accept applications from families living outside of the United States, it is important to clarify that we are not a boarding school, nor do we provide homestays. In general, our program is not suitable for students moving to the New Haven area unless they are moving with at least one parent.

International applicants will find more information here.

Financial Assistance

Hopkins recognizes that many families are unable to pay the full tuition. Accordingly, the School has a need-based financial aid program. Details for applying for financial aid can be found here on our website and at www.solutionsbysss.com. Financial aid applications are due at the same time as the application for admission, no later than January 15.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Hopkins School actively seeks and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion as vitally important to our present and future success, and it is inseparable from our dedication to academic excellence. The Office of Equity & Community at Hopkins, led by Becky Harper, (bharper@hopkins.edu) is responsible for promoting a warm, welcoming culture through self-awareness, mutual respect and integrity, on and beyond the Hill. We uphold caring, compassionate and critical community members as essential to an inclusive school. Further, we seek to elevate and center historically marginalized perspectives while celebrating Hopkins’ storied history, recognizing the productive tensions held within a school both forward-thinking and rich in tradition. Accordingly, we empower our community through activities, clubs and programming; hold each other accountable to Hopkins’ core values and institutional vision; and embrace one another as lifelong learners.