Applying Step-by-Step

During the summer, you may create your account on Ravenna-hub and then make your 8th grader a profile, in preparation for scheduling events in late August. Please make sure to use your preferred email address, as we will utilize it for communication throughout the application process. Download the Ravenna Overview Guide for more details about how to set up accounts.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL URBAN EVENTS

Admissions events are only open to 8th graders and their families. All events are optional and can be scheduled in your Ravenna-Hub account. After creating a Ravenna-Hub account and profile for your student, you will be able to begin exploring Urban and scheduling events after you click Apply (beginning late August).

While we can’t replace experiencing first-hand the creative friction, energy and community warmth that pulses through Urban’s buildings and spaces, we are excited to creatively show you what it’s like to be a Blue. Here are the various ways you can “see” our school during the 2020-21 school year (more details and event registration information is in Ravenna!):
    
Virtual Open Houses – Families will attend two class presentations taught by Urban faculty and learn what it’s like to be a member of our community from administrators and current students.

Virtual Parent Information Sessions – Join us for an informal and intimate conversation where you will have the opportunity to learn more about Urban’s curriculum and community and get your questions answered by the Admissions Team, current Urban parents and administrators. These sessions are designed for parents/guardians only.

Virtual Affinity Night (November 9, 2020) – At Urban, we believe the best education occurs in a school community made up of students, teachers and families drawn from many different socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, races, religions and sexual orientations. We celebrate those differences while honoring and respecting students’ individuality as we learn to work together. Among our priorities as educators is to create a strong and inclusive community – academically engaging and socially supportive – that prepares students to live and work in a diverse and multicultural world. We encourage all families to attend and learn more about Urban's commitment to equity and inclusion in our curriculum, programs and student body. Participants will include students from our Multicultural Leadership Team, Students of Color Affinity Space and Gender-Sexual Alliance, as well as faculty and members of our Parent Diversity Committee. 

Admissions Team Office Hours – These informal sessions are designed for families to ask specific questions about Urban and the Admissions process. Of course, families always have access to the Admissions Team via phone or email throughout the season!

Student Admissions Committee Hangouts – Whose House? Blues House! These are fun, casual conversations where 8th graders have the opportunity to learn what it’s like to be a Blue. Hear more about Urban’s community and get questions answered by members of Urban’s Student Admissions Committee, Admissions Team members and other Urban community members. These sessions are designed for students only.

For the 2020-21 admissions cycle, Urban School will not require standardized test scores as part of your Urban application. We realize that the Fall 2020 high school search process will be fundamentally different and challenging for many of our interested 8th grade families due to ongoing concerns and educational impacts related to COVID-19. In accordance with our longtime commitment to access and equity, removing barriers around application to high school is one way that Urban can help simplify and streamline the process for students and families applying to Urban.

Our application review process is holistic and comprehensive, and a student’s capacity for success at Urban can be showcased in a multitude of ways. We continue to value students with an enthusiastic approach to learning, a clear capacity for success in Urban’s rigorous academic program, and an affinity for our deeply held mission and core values. Combined with your student-written essay, middle school grades, and teacher and counselor/principal recommendations, we are excited to learn more about you and what you will bring to Urban through your application!

Please note that while SSAT, ISEE or HSPT test scores are not required to apply next year, you may submit them as part of your overall application if you believe they provide a unique data point in your application. You will not be disadvantaged in any way in the process by not providing scores.

Recommendations are needed from your current English and math teachers, as well as your current principal or counselor. Through Ravenna, you will be directed to a message center where you can enter your teacher or principal/counselor's email address. Once you've assigned a delegate (the current teacher or principal/counselor) to complete the form, a message with instructions and the recommendation form will be sent to them, all through Ravenna.

Complete the Transcript Request Form for your current year and previous year transcripts. Official transcripts must be scanned and uploaded to Ravenna or sent in a sealed envelope to Urban by the application deadline. The Transcript Release Form must accompany the official transcripts.

In lieu of our typically fun and casual optional interviews, this year we are offering applicants a new (and still optional) opportunity to submit a five minute video about themselves using whatever device works best for them (a smartphone, computer, etc.). Students will be given a list of prompts to choose from that asks about their academic and personal interests/passions, and they are encouraged to respond candidly.

Because the applicant will have the questions in advance and there is no conversational back and forth, we believe this will allow us to get a good sense of the student and what is important to them. Again, this is an optional opportunity, and it does not hinder a student's application if they do not choose to participate.

Please, no editing, special effects, props, music, singing, dancing, pets or other people – this video should be just the student in a non-distracting environment, as if they are sitting at a table with a member of the Urban Admissions interview team. The video does not need to be perfect, nor should it be! It is just meant to be a fun way for us to learn more about you.

Submit the online Parent/Guardian Form and the non-refundable $100 application fee (waivers available upon request) on your Ravenna-hub.

Submit the Student Application Form and the separate Student Activity and Interest Form on your Ravenna-hub account by the application deadline, usually in mid-January (see our Admissions Calendar at right or main calendar for details).

If applying for financial assistance: that application is due through SSS by NAIS the same day as the student application. More details can be found on the Financial Assistance section of our website.