Admissions

Admissions Process

We have worked to design an admissions process that reflects our mission and truly puts you at the center of this journey. We want to get to know you and make this process as personalized as possible. This allows you to design your experience while allowing us to get to know you better so that we can carefully curate the most dynamic class Drew School has seen to date. 
Our application is open, apply today for the 25-26 school year! We encourage you to get started now by inquiring through Ravenna. Once you have inquired, we will be able to keep you updated via email. This platform is also where you will submit all documents (including the application), register for events, and learn of your final decision at the end of the process. 
 
If you are in 7th grade or younger and want to start learning about Drew in an unofficial capacity we invite you to inquire through Ravenna as a future applicant. 
One way you are encouraged to get to know the magic of Drew is through events. At Drew, events start big but get more focused and intimate based on your interests. Visit the "Steps to Explore" section below for more information on the types of events we offer, noting that events run from late August to early January. Your research and campus visit will prepare you well to submit your application on or before January 9th but know that once our application launches you are free to apply at any time prior to the deadline.

The process concludes with decision notifications on March 21st with your family decision and enrollment agreements due on March 28th. Before you know it you will be an official Drew Dragon! 

Steps to Explore Drew

List of 4 items.

  • Create a Student Profile

    Using Ravenna, create a student profile. Once you have created a Ravenna account, search for "Drew School" in the directory and select "Apply" to view all steps, requirements, and events.

  • Attend Admissions Events

    Exploring schools through events is an important and exciting part of the admissions experience. We know that seeing a campus and meeting members of the community is crucial for many and we also know that everyone has different schedules and commitments, that is why we are offering both in-person and virtual events this season to ensure everyone has a way of learning and experiencing the magic of Drew. 

  • Talk to Us!

    With the amount of attendees at events it can sometimes feel like it is hard to make a personal connection, but we actually want to talk to you! We are all about connecting and getting to know you at Drew so we encourage you to schedule a call, video session, or visit with someone on the team.

  • Future Applicants

    Thanks so much for your early interest in Drew. Future applicants are students in the 7th grade or younger who are therefore not yet eligible to apply. We encourage you to create a student profile on Ravenna and select “future” when prompted. This is the best way for us to stay in contact. Our admissions events are intended for 8th graders applying to the 9th grade or transfers. We encourage future applicants like you to attend community events, like our fall play, gallery walk, and our athletic events at our home gym, all of which are open to the public. We can’t wait to learn more about you when the time comes!

Steps To Apply to Drew

List of 6 items.

  • Complete and Submit an Application

    Both the Student and Parent/Guardian Applications are due by January 9, 2025. Applications are submitted through Ravenna. You can submit your application anytime on or before the deadline. Application fee waivers will be available upon request, don’t hesitate to reach out to andrearicherson@drewschool.org.

    Transfer Applications: Applicants must be exiting their prior school in good academic and disciplinary standing. Please follow the steps to apply outlined below and contact Joanna Lovett with any questions.

  • Register for and Complete a Student Interview

    Students will have two options for the required interview once families submit the parent/guardian application and pay the fee, or complete the ABC process, or the SMART application you will receive information on how to schedule or submit your interview. 
    Read More

  • Submit Recommendation Forms

    Drew requires a recommendation from your current Math teacher, English teacher, and an administrator: counselor, advisor, or Head of School/principal, etc. Please follow the instructions on Ravenna for accessing and submitting all forms. In Ravenna, you will need to provide the email addresses of your recommendation writers so they receive the forms directly from Ravenna with instructions. These recommendations will then be returned electronically directly to schools. All required recommenders must use the required forms, we cannot accept written recommendations instead of forms from required recommenders. If you wish to submit additional written recommendations from coaches, tutors, etc. please limit these to two. 

  • Request Your Transcript

    Complete and sign the Transcript Release Form and submit it to your current school. Complete transcripts (last year and the first semester of the current year) can be uploaded to Ravenna by your current school or emailed to Drew at admissions@drewschool.org. We will continue to accept transcripts until the end of January.

  • Forget that Score!

    As a reminder, we have been test-free in admissions at Drew since 2020 which means standardized testing is not required to apply nor will test results be accepted or reviewed. We believe that you are more than a number and a score. We will assess for academic readiness by reviewing your transcript, recommendation forms, and interview write-up. 

  • Apply for Tuition Assistance

    See the Tuition Assistance page for complete information about Drew’s Tuition Assistance (TA) program. Applications are due January 9, 2025, through Clarity.

Admissions FAQs

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

  • Who is a good fit for Drew?

    Drew is a co-ed, grades 9-12, college preparatory independent school seeking students who have a strong academic background coupled with a sustained and diverse set of interests in the arts, athletics, service and who will contribute to Drew's thriving learning community in a meaningful and valued way. The Admission Committee works to achieve a class composition that is balanced and diverse in many respects.

  • How many students in each grade?

    Drew has between 70-75 students in each grade with an average class size of 15. This perfect size allows for personal attention from teachers to challenge you and prepare you for college and life while also providing the robust social experience you crave in high school. 

  • Do you admit international students?

    Drew welcomes applications from International students. Applicants must be fluent in English and able to fully engage in a college preparatory curriculum. Drew does not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Families are required to find their own housing; Drew does not arrange home stays. All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must complete all application materials, including the results of the entrance exam. After an international applicant is offered admission and enrolls, Drew will assist the student by issuing the I-20 form needed to apply for an F1 Visa.

  • What does it mean if my child is waitlisted or denied admission?

    Each year, Drew receives applications from a greater number of qualified candidates than there are openings. Decisions to admit, wait pool, or deny candidates are impacted by the pool of students applying. Waitlisted candidates may eventually be re-visited if space becomes available.

  • Where do Drew students live?

    Drew students come from all over the San Francisco Bay Area with over 50 zip codes represented. Most students live in San Francisco but nearly 30% of students hail from Marin County, the East Bay, and south of the city. Drew School has a school-organized shuttle that services the North Bay. We are constantly exploring more transportation options so please inquire to learn more! 

  • Standardized testing at Drew?

    Drew went test-free in 2020 and therefore standardized testing is not required to apply nor will test scores be received or reviewed. To read our full statement on testing click here.

  • Does Drew accept transfer students?

    Yes, space permitting. Please inquire directly with Director of Admissions Joanna Lovett.

  • Should I apply if my child has learning differences that require accommodations?

    We believe that all learners are diverse learners and our program is designed with this in mind. In order for Drew to make well-informed decisions, parents and guardians are required to fully disclose in the application materials all relevant information regarding the applicant’s learning needs. We make our Director of Learning Support available to you during the application process so that you can talk things through. With that information and with the student’s best interest in mind, Drew is able to determine if this is an appropriate educational environment for each applicant. 

  • Can my child re-apply next year if not admitted this year?

    Yes, your child can re-apply in subsequent years.

  • Does Drew have a dress code?

    Students must use their best judgment and dress in a way that supports the educational goals and values of the school. We have a school handbook to provide more details, but we believe fashion is a form of self-expression. You do you, friend.

  • From what schools do your applicants come?

    We will receive applications from more than 50 different independent, parochial, charter, and public schools in the Bay Area and the world. 
Non-Discrimination Policy: The Drew School community welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The School applies all legal, non-discrimination standards in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs and activities.
An independent, nonsectarian, coeducational college preparatory school serving grades 9–12 where teenagers’ questions, self-expression, and high ambitions are respected, supported, and at the center of the experience.

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Contact

info@drewschool.org
415.409.3739

Address

2901 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
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