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Timeline and process

How to Apply

First-consideration applications are due by January 17, 2025. You’ll need to complete all parts of the application by this date to receive first review for available vacancies.

Middle School and Upper School applicants meeting this deadline will be notified of admissions decisions in early March. Students and families who apply after the first consideration deadline will be notified of admission decisions on a rolling basis as space allows.

Library from quad

We’re excited to get to know you.

Welcome!

Community is at the heart of CA and we welcome applications from those that can make meaningful contributions to ours.

Tours and Events

How to Apply

Complete Pre-Application*

Prospective families applying for the current admissions season year must complete a pre-application*.A member of the Admissions team will process your pre-application* within one (1) business day, then you will receive an email with your link to your unique application portal.

*The pre-application is for current year applicants only; if you are an applicant for a future year admission season, please submit a  Request for Information. Current CA families: Do not complete a pre-application; please use the application link included in your Blackbaud parent portal.

Complete Application Forms

Submission of your application forms and fee are initial steps in the application process and initiate your applicant record. This record will allow our Admissions team to most effectively assist you throughout the application process.

Complete application forms include the following:

  • Applicant Information Form
  • Parent Questionnaire
  • Student Questionnaire
  • Application Fee ($85)*

* If this fee poses a hardship for your family, please contact us at admissions@caryacademy.org.

Optional – Financial Aid Application
Apply for financial aid.
Schedule Visit and Interview

We encourage you to schedule your visit and interview day as early as possible; our self-scheduling tool referenced on your checklist opens in early October and is available only after you have completed your application forms (see list above). Spaces fill quickly and are not guaranteed for application forms received after January 1. 

For out-of-state families, a virtual interview can be arranged. Please contact admissions@caryacademy.org.

Schedule Testing

Cary Academy requires all applicants to take an admissions entry exam. Applicants have the choice to take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT).

To meet Cary Academy’s first consideration deadline, the applicant must sit for the ISEE or SSAT test on or before January 17, 2025.

You can register to take the ISEE or SSAT test at home, at a Prometric test center, or on-site at a local school that is offering the exam. Cary Academy will not offer the exam on site.

Testing accommodations are available; please reach out to ISEE or SSAT directly if you have questions. Typically, testers who may need accommodations are asked to schedule their exam four to six weeks in advance.

 

To ensure that your application is complete, Cary Academy must be listed as a recipient for the test results using the appropriate test school code.

To register, please visit one of the following sites:

ERB-ISEE Admissions Test
School Code: 344646
Register for ISEE

SSAT Admissions Test
School Code: 2138
Register for SSAT

Submit Supporting Documentation

Required items include

  • three (3) years of academic transcripts — including the current academic year
  • two (2) confidential recommendation forms from core academic teachers. One must be completed by a current teacher, while the other can be completed by a recent teacher within the past two (2) years

Optional items include

  • one (1) additional, non-academic recommendation
  • one (1) video statement
  • up to 3 (three) additional miscellaneous items (such as certificates of achievement, portfolios, performance videos, etc.)