Step 2: AUDITION, ACADEMIC REVIEW, & SHADOW DAY

After completing Step 1, students are invited to prepare for their live audition, submit materials for Academic Review, and participate in a shadow day. For Early Decision applicants, shadow days are required and will be scheduled on the same day as their live audition.

All Priority applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to shadow and will audition on the Live Audition Day (January 10, 2026).*

  • Auditions

    • Early Decision Auditions

      • Early Decision applicants will audition on their shadow day (to be scheduled with the Admissions Office).

    • Live Audition Day: January 10, 2026

      • All Priority applicants must complete Step 1 by January 5, 2026 to be considered for the Live Audition Day.

      *If you are not able to audition in person and/or on the Live Audition Day, please reach out to the Admissions office to discuss alternative options. (Virtual auditions will be made available in special cases.)

      See specific audition requirements for each Arts Department below:

  • Academic Review

    • Early Decision Deadline: December 1, 2025

    • Priority Deadline: February 9, 2026

      Documentation for academic requirements will be sent during the application process.

    • Transcripts and attendance records from the applicant’s current year, as well as two years prior. (ex. 9th grade applicant will submit their transcripts for part of 8th grade as well as full year transcripts from 7th and 6th grade.)

    • Student Short Answer Responses

    • LMAIS Recommendation Letter from current English Teacher

    • LMAIS Recommendation Letter from current Math Teacher

    • Optional additional recommendation from an arts or academic teacher/mentor/coach

    • For applicants with three years of NWEA/MAP score testing, The Academy will not require additional ISEE or SSAT test scores. ISEE or SSAT test scores will be required for students without NWEA/MAP scores/students who are applying from homeschool/international programs. Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) results (ISEE school code: 140627, SSAT school code: 2374)

    • If applicable: any additional documentation (IEP, 504 Plan, neuropsychological evaluation, etc.)

Parent/Guardian Conversation

  • At The Academy, a strong parent/school partnership is important. Therefore, we request that all parents/guardians schedule to meet (either in person or virtually) with the Director of Enrollment Management during the admissions process for a 30 minute conversation. During the discussion, the Director of Enrollment Management will ask questions in order to get to know the family better and also provide time for the family to address their questions.

Shadow Day

  • Shadow days are a required part of the admissions process for Early Decision applicants.

  • Applicants will attend a full day at The Academy (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and shadow a student ambassador from their prospective department. This gives them the opportunity to see a typical day of academic and arts classes here at The Academy!

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Step 1