We firmly believe the admissions process begins with a visit to our campus, so you and your family can discover firsthand what the Kiski experience is all about. This visit also lets us get to know you, and helps us discover how we can best help you through the application process. Find out more about visiting Kiski...

Applying to a boarding school can be a daunting process. It requires a commitment of time and resources on the part of students, parents, and the school.

However, Kiski's Admissions staff is dedicated to demystifying the process for parents and students. If you don't fully understand the application process we've outlined below, our staff will gladly answer questions by phone (1-877-547-5448), fax (724-639-8596), or email.

Because admission to Kiski is competitive, we recommend prospective students and their families begin the application process early fall the year before entry. Kiski does not, however, have a deadline for applications as many schools do.  (Back to top)

For our decision making process, we need:
1) an application completed by the parents;
2) an application completed by the student;
3) a copy of the student's transcripts;
4) an English teacher recommendation; and
5) a mathematics or science teacher recommendation.

Boys entering the ninth or tenth grade must take the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT).  Boys matriculating in grades 11-PG may substitute the PSAT or SAT. 

All necessary forms are contained within the Kiski application document PDF, which you can download and print out to complete. Please follow the instructions below:

Form 1: The Parent Statement. Filled out and signed by the parent, completely and legibly. A $50 non-refundable application fee must accompany this form. This is the primary application for admission to Kiski.

Form 2: The Student Statement. Completed by the applicant, in his own handwriting. The answers on this form provide the Admission Committee specific, personal information about the applicant from the applicant himself.

Form 3: Request For Transcript & School Evaluation. Signed by parent, and completed by the applicant's Head of School or Guidance Counselor. A comprehensive transcript, including standardized test scores, is required. Applicants for grades nine and ten must take the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) www.ssat.org . Call the Kiski School admissions office (1-877-547-5448) for SSAT. Applicants for grades eleven, twelve, and PG must submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores.

Form 4: English Teacher Recommendation.

Form 5: Math or Science Teacher Recommendation.
English and Math/Science teachers should mail or fax their recommendations directly to Kiski. Their comments are strictly confidential, and cannot be shared with parents or applicants. 
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Beginning in February, the Admission Committee meets regularly to consider applications. The applicant's file is always maintained in the strictest confidence. Applicants are considered on the basis of personal qualities, academic achievement and potential, and extracurricular interests and abilities*.

All applicants will receive a letter announcing the Committee's decision. As is consistent with most boarding schools, Kiski adheres to the March 10th National Notification date. All applicants who have met the requirements for our application deadline of January 31, will be notified by mail of the decision. Applications received after the March 10th notification date, will be considered on a space available basis.  (Back to top)

Parents interested in applying for financial aid should so indicate on the Parent Statement. Financial aid at Kiski is in the form of reduced tuition, and is awarded on the basis of demonstrated need. The method of documenting family need is through a report generated by School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS), in Pittsburgh, PA. Families complete an application, called the Parent Financial Statement, and send it, along with a small fee, directly to SSS. The SSS application is available through the Kiski admission office or online directly through the National Association of Independent Schools.

As is consistent with most boarding schools, Kiski adheres to the March 10th National Notification date.  All applicants who have met the requirements for our application deadline of January 31 will be notified by mail of the decision.  Applications received after the March 10 notification date will be considered on a space available basis.

*The Kiski School is an independent, not-for-profit school. Kiski does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed or color in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, hiring, or other school programs. It affords all students the rights, privileges, and social, academic and athletic opportunities that are generally made available at the School. (Back to top)