Application Process

List of 7 items.

• Step 1: Submit an Inquiry

  When you submit an inquiry through the Bentley website, you are creating a Ravenna account. Ravenna serves as Bentley's admissions application portal.
  
  Throughout your search, if you have questions, please contact the Admissions Office. We are happy to help you.
  
  To begin your process with Bentley School, please start by completing the online inquiry form.

• Step 2: Complete and submit the online application

  Through Ravenna, applicants fill out required forms, submit supplemental materials, and track application progress. Please visit the Bentley Application Portal in Ravenna to create a profile for your student or access your established account.
  
  

  *If you are interested in exploring admission to the current school year, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

• Step 3: Submit teacher recommendations online

  Kindergarten Applicants
  One preschool teacher recommendation is required. 
  
  Grade 1-8 Applicants
  Two separate teacher recommendations are required: one from the current classroom teacher and one from the prior year’s teacher. 
   
  Grade 9-12 Applicants
  Three recommendations are required: one from the applicant's current English teacher, one from the current Math teacher, and one from the Principal or Counselor. 
  
  **All recommendations are easily delegated and submitted through the applicant’s existing Ravenna account.

• Step 4: Submit transcripts

  Kindergarten
  Optional: A current transcript should be sent directly from your student’s school to admissions@bentleyschool.org if available.
  
  Grade 1-5
  We require a transcript from the current year, including attendance, standardized testing - if applicable, and grade reports from both current and previous years. Transcripts should be sent directly from your student’s school to admissions@bentleyschool.org.
  
  Grade 6-12 Applicants
  We require transcripts, including attendance, standardized testing, and grade reports from both current and previous years. Transcripts should be sent directly from your student’s school to admissions@bentleyschool.org. 
  
  NOTE: Transcript requests can also be completed through Ravenna. (Directions are provided in your applicant profile.)

• Step 5: Complete a Standardized Assessment

  The Bentley School admissions process requires families to complete a standardized assessment(s) for the 2024-25 admissions cycle. Requirements differ depending on the grade of entry. More information about your student's specific standardized assessment requirement is detailed once a family starts the application in Ravenna Hub.
  
  Lower School (Grades K-5)
  Kindergarten applicants must participate in a playdate in December, January, or February. Sign-ups will be available in October through Ravenna Hub.
  
  Families with students applying to 1st grade must complete an assessment with a Bentley faculty member. This assessment will take place in February for applicants applying in our priority process. An admissions team member will reach out to you once you have completed the admissions application.
  
  Families applying for 2nd grade through 4th grade are required to complete the ISEE Primary exam and submit results to Bentley School. Additional guidance is available in Ravenna Hub.
  
  Beginning in the 2024-25 admissions cycle, applicants applying to the 5th grade will be required to complete the ISEE Lower assessment through the ERB.
  
  Middle (Grades 6-8) and Upper Schools (Grades 9-12)
  Bentley School provides options for applicants seeking admissions to 6th grade through 12th grade for the 2024-25 admissions season. Applicants are required to submit results from one of the three options below:
  
  

  • Option #1: Complete and Submit ISEE Results
  • Option #2: Complete and Submit SSAT Results
  • Option #3: Complete the online essay administered by Test Innovators. During the same sitting, middle school applicants will also be required to complete a short 15-minute analytical exercise. Registration for these sessions is available through a link directly in Ravenna Hub. 

  For assistance with Bentley's standardized assessment requirements, please contact the Admissions Office.

• Step 6: Schedule a Family Interview

  Interviews for all grades are scheduled once an applicant has "Applied" status in Ravenna.
  
  Lower School Applicants (Grades K-5)
  Parents and guardians will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a member of the Bentley faculty to discuss their child through an interview. While the student is not required to be present, the interview provides parents/guardians with an opportunity to learn more about Bentley. The faculty interviewer will also ask questions about the student and family.
  
  Interviews will be added for K-5 applicant families by November 8. 
  
  Middle and Upper School Applicants (Grades 6-12)
  Bentley interviews for Middle and Upper School applicants include the applicant and parents/guardians. The interview will begin with a question and answer session for the whole family and conclude with a 15-20 minute interview with the student applicant. At least one parent/guardian is required to attend the interview.
  
  All interviews are scheduled through Ravenna.

• Step 7: Decisions Released

  For families who completed the application process during the priority notification period, admissions decisions are made available in Ravenna in mid-March.