Learn More & Apply

Thank you for your interest in Dexter Southfield.

We are so glad you’d like to learn more about our community. Our Admission Team loves connecting with families—whether in person, by email, or over the phone—and we are happy to answer any questions as you explore Dexter Southfield.

Please feel free to reach out to the Admissions Office by email or phone (617-751-3600). We look forward to getting to know your family and sharing all that makes Dexter Southfield a special place to learn and grow!

Getting Started

The first step to learning more about Dexter Southfield is to create an account in Ravenna, our online application system.

Create your profile using an email address you will have access to throughout the admission process.
Select Dexter Southfield as your school of interest.
Click “Explore” to receive more information about our programs and the admission process. We will email you with information to book your campus tour and interview via our online calendar.
Click “Apply” when you are ready to begin your application. This does not require you to submit or pay a fee right away. All application materials are due by January 15.

Through Ravenna, you may:

Track your application progress
Complete required forms
Request teacher recommendations and school records
View your admission decision

Lower School (PreK–Class 5)
Middle & Upper School (Classes 6–12)

Lower School (PreK–Class 5)

After selecting Dexter Southfield in Ravenna as the school you are exploring, you will receive an email with directions to complete the following steps:

Book your Parent/Guardian Tour and Interview (required).
Book your Lower School Student Observation (required).

Application Checklist

The completed application is due by January 15 and is comprised of the following:

Biographical Information
Application Fee: $65
Parent/Guardian Tour and Interview
Student Observation
Parent Statement
Recommendations: submitted online by current teachers (Note: School Administrator and Current Classroom Teacher are required; Personal and Special Interest recommendations are optional)
Transcript (Classes 1–5 only): must include current and prior year grades

Middle & Upper School (Classes 6–12)

After selecting Dexter Southfield in Ravenna as the school you are exploring, you will receive an email that provides access to our online booking calendar, where you can book your Campus Tour and Student Interview (required).

Application Checklist

The completed application is due by January 15 and is comprised of the following:

Biographical Information
Application Fee: $65
Student Interview
Standardized Test
- Applicants to Classes 6–8: Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE)
- Applicants to Classes 9–12: Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) or PSAT/SAT/ACT (Submit directly to the Admissions Office in the form of a PDF).
Student Essays/Candidate Statement (see more information below)
Parent Statement
Recommendations: submitted online by current teachers (School Administrator, English Teacher, and Math Teacher are required; Personal and Special Interest recommendations are optional.)
Transcript: documents must include current and prior year grades

short-essay questions on the application

We encourage Middle and Upper School applicants to review these topics in advance and be thoughtful in their responses.

Describe either an academic or extracurricular event/activity that has influenced your way of thinking about yourself and/or the world around you. What did you learn from that experience?
Each person has unique characteristics that define who they are. Choose three words that best describe you as a person, and explain how they represent you.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? From whom did you receive the advice, and how did you apply it?
Learning to step outside their comfort zone, students at Dexter Southfield learn by doing and develop a willingness to take measured risks. Tell us about a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. How did it affect you? What did you learn from the experience?

2026 Important Dates

Applications for Admission and Financial Aid: due Thursday, January 15
Admissions Decisions: released Tuesday, March 10
Admissions Deadline: reply by Friday, April 10

Lower School Congratulatory Coffee with Head of School: Thursday, March 26
Middle School and Upper School Admitted Student Visit Day: Thursday, April 2, or Tuesday, April 7
Admitted Student Reply Deadline: Friday, April 10, at 12:00 p.m.

Please see Tuition & Financial Aid for more information.

Late Application FAQs

My application was submitted on or before January 15, but some of my materials have not been submitted. Am I too late?

Occasionally, recommendations, transcripts, or test scores may arrive after the application deadline. As long as the application was submitted by January 15 and the late materials arrive no later than February 1, applicants can expect to receive an on-time decision on March 10.

Can I apply after January 15?

You may still apply to Dexter Southfield as long as the Ravenna application is live. Our Interview Calendar will allow booking until the end of January. Beyond then, please email admissions@dextersouthfield.org.

What if I just missed the deadline?

If all materials are received by February 1, we will make every effort to render a decision by March 10. Applications received after that time will receive consideration as time allows.

Can I apply in the spring?

Late applications may be submitted through the spring; however, applicants should be aware that applications received after March 10 will be considered only as opportunities are available.