How to Apply
Almost every step of the process begins with logging in to your child's account in Ravenna, our online application tool.
Our procedures vary depending on the grade to which you apply. The lists below walk you through the recommended and required application steps for that grade. We follow The Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY) admissions schedule and procedures.
Procedures for Fall 2021 Admission
PreK3 and PreK4
Applicants to our Pre-K Threes program must be 3 years old by June 30, 2021.
PreK Threes
Click on the steps below for more information.
- Create an Account in Ravenna
- Optional: Register for an Open House (Fall)
- Submit Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and Fee (by Fri Dec 4)
- Optional: Upload a Photograph
- Receive Notification (by Thurs Feb 25)
- Submit Your Enrollment Contract (by Thurs Mar 4)
- For Further Information
Create an Account in Ravenna
Create an Account in Ravenna
To begin the application process, families must create an account in Ravenna at www.ravenna-hub.com.
Through Ravenna, you will be able to start the application process, register for a virtual information session, email teacher recommendation forms directly to your students’ teachers, submit all admissions materials, check the status of your application, and receive admissions decisions.
Note: Your Ravenna login and password are your gateway to the entire application process, so please keep this information handy.
Optional: Register for an Open House (Fall)
We encourage Pre-Threes applicant families to register via Ravenna to attend a virtual information session. You will have an opportunity to meet the admissions team, chat with some community members, view and "Inside Packer" video, and participate in a question-and-answer session.
Submit Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and Fee (by Fri Dec 4)
Create a Ravenna account and complete the online application. Once your Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and non-refundable payment of $125 are submitted, your application will automatically be entered into the lottery pool.
Due: Friday, December 4, 2020. If necessary, we reserve the right to close applications before this date.
Notification
In early December, Packer will select by lottery a limited number of applicants proportionate to the number of spaces available. These families will be notified via Ravenna and invited to participate in virtual parent/child interviews scheduled throughout the month of January.
Optional: Upload a Photograph
We would gratefully appreciate a current photograph of your child (uploaded to Ravenna). It will not be used for selection purposes.
Receive Notification (by Thurs Feb 25)
Submit Your Enrollment Contract (by Thurs Mar 4)
For Further Information
Please contact Yvonne Menard, Coordinator of Preschool and Lower School Admissions, at ymenard@packer.edu or (718) 250-0254.
Applicants to our Pre-K Fours program must be 4 years old by August 31, 2021.
PreK Fours
Please note that the Pre-K Fours Program is not a traditional entry year at Packer. Availability of new spaces is contingent upon attrition. Note: Virtual Information Sessions for the Pre-K Fours are not available as Pre-K Four is not an entry year.
Applicants must be 4 years old by August 31, 2021.
Click on the steps below for more information.
- Create an Account in Ravenna
- Submit Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and Fee (by Fri Dec 4)
- Submit ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet and School Records (by Fri Jan 8)
- Optional: Upload a Photograph
- Receive Notification (by Thurs Feb 25)
- Submit Your Enrollment Contract (by Thurs Mar 4)
- For Further Information
Create an Account in Ravenna
Create an Account in Ravenna
To begin the application process, families must create an account in Ravenna at www.ravenna-hub.com.
Through Ravenna, you will be able to start the application process, email teacher recommendation forms directly to your students’ teachers, submit all admissions materials, check the status of your application, and receive admissions decisions.
Note: Your Ravenna login and password are your gateway to the entire application process, so please keep this information handy.
Submit Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and Fee (by Fri Dec 4)
Complete the online application on Ravenna by submitting your Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and non-refundable payment of $125.
Due: Friday, December 4, 2020.
Submit ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet and School Records (by Fri Jan 8)
Fill out the required information in Ravenna to send the ISAAGNY (Independent School Admissions Association of Greater New York) report to your child's current teacher.
Due date for completed form from child’s teacher: Friday January 8, 2021.
Once your complete application is received, your child will be placed in the waitpool.
If a space in Pre-K Fours becomes available, we will contact families to schedule a virtual interview.
Optional: Upload a Photograph
We would gratefully appreciate a current photograph of your child (uploaded to Ravenna). It will not be used for selection purposes.
Receive Notification (by Thurs Feb 25)
Submit Your Enrollment Contract (by Thurs Mar 4)
For Further Information
Please contact Yvonne Menard, Coordinator of Preschool and Lower School Admissions, at ymenard@packer.edu or (718) 250-0254.
Kindergarten
Applicants to Kindergarten must be 5 years old by August 31, 2021.
Click on the steps below for more information.
- Create an Account in Ravenna
- Optional: Register for an Open House (Fall)
- Submit Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and Fee (by Fri Dec 4)
- Register for the T&E Kindergarten Assessment (Required)
- Submit ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet and School Records (by Fri Jan 8)
- Optional: Submit Supplemental Materials (by Fri Jan 8)
- Apply for Financial Aid (by Fri Jan 8)
- Schedule a Virtual Interview
- Optional: Upload a Photograph
- Receive Notification (by Thurs Feb 4)
- Submit Your Enrollment Contract (by Thurs Feb 11 at noon)
- For Further Information
Create an Account in Ravenna
To begin the application process, families must create an account in Ravenna at www.ravenna-hub.com.
Through Ravenna, you will be able to start the application process, register for a virtual information session, email teacher recommendation forms directly to your students’ teachers, submit all admissions materials, check the status of your application, and receive admissions decisions.
Note: Your Ravenna login and password are your gateway to the entire application process, so please keep this information handy.
Optional: Register for an Open House (Fall)
We encourage Kindergarten applicant families register via Ravenna to attend a virtual information session. You will have an opportunity to meet the admissions team, chat with some community members, view an "Inside Packer" video, and participate in a question-and-answer session.
Submit Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and Fee (by Fri Dec 4)
Complete the online application on Ravenna. Once your Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and non-refundable payment of $125 are submitted, the Admissions Office will contact you to schedule a virtual parent/child interview.
Note: The application fee is waived for all financial aid applicants. Please enter the code FAWaiver to bypass the application fee.
Due: Friday, December 4, 2020. If necessary, we reserve the right to close applications before this date.
Reactivating an Application?
The procedure to reactivate a 2018 or 2019 application is the same as outlined here.
Please indicate in Ravenna that your application is a reactivation. No fee is required; just enter the code Reactivation to bypass the application fee.
Register for the T&E Kindergarten Assessment (Required)
Submit ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet and School Records (by Fri Jan 8)
Fill out the required information in Ravenna [delegate form] to send the ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet to your child's current teacher.
Due date for completed ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet: Friday, January 8, 2021.
Optional: Submit Supplemental Materials (by Fri Jan 8)
As we are not able to meet your child in person this admissions season, we invite you to submit up to two (2) additional items as a way to help us get a fuller picture of your child. Possible submissions include, but are not limited to:
-
an additional reference letter or school report from your child’s teacher from the previous school year
-
a brief, current (between September 1 - December 1, 2020) video clip of your child in a conversation or doing something they love (no professional recordings, please)
-
a photograph of your child at play
-
a photograph of a piece of your child’s work
Submit your supplemental materials by completing this form by Friday, January 8, 2021.
Submission of additional materials is completely OPTIONAL.
Apply for Financial Aid (by Fri Jan 8)
If you wish to apply for financial aid, please visit Affording Packer for guidelines.
The online application must be submitted to School & Student Services (SSS), a third-party organization that helps calculate an appropriate award as well as verify tax information.
Due: Friday, January 8, 2021
Schedule a Virtual Interview
Once you have submitted the application through Ravenna, the Admissions Office will contact you to schedule the interview appointment. Parent(s) and child should attend the virtual interview. This will take approximately 45 minutes: half an hour with the parent(s) followed by a friendly "chat" with your child. We will ask your child to share a toy, book or puzzle from your home with us.
Optional: Upload a Photograph
We would gratefully appreciate a current photograph of your child (uploaded to Ravenna). It will not be used for selection purposes.
Receive Notification (by Thurs Feb 4)
Submit Your Enrollment Contract (by Thurs Feb 11 at noon)
For Further Information
Please contact Yvonne Menard, Coordinator of Preschool and Lower School Admissions, at ymenard@packer.edu or (718) 250-0254.
Lower School
Open spaces in Grades 1 through 4 are very limited. Applications for these grades are automatically placed in an active wait-pool. Interviews will be conducted as spaces become available.
By August 31, 2021, applicants for...
First Grade must be 6 years old.
Second Grade must be 7 years old.
Third Grade must be 8 years old.
Fourth Grade must be 9 years old.
Click on the steps below for more information.
- Create an Account in Ravenna
- Submit Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and Fee (by Fri Dec 4)
- Submit ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet and School Records (by Fri Jan 8)
- Apply for Financial Aid (by Fri Jan 8)
- Second-Fourth Grade Only: Standardized Test Scores Are Being Waived for the 2021-22 School Year
- Optional: Upload a Photograph
- Receive Notification (on Tues Feb 9)
- Submit Your Enrollment Contract (by Tues Mar 2 at noon)
- For Further Information
Create an Account in Ravenna
Create an Account in Ravenna
To begin the application process, families must create an account in Ravenna at www.ravenna-hub.com.
Through Ravenna, you will be able to start the application process, email teacher recommendation forms directly to your students’ teachers, submit all admissions materials, check the status of your application, and receive admissions decisions.
Note: Your Ravenna login and password are your gateway to the entire application process, so please keep this information handy.
Submit Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and Fee (by Fri Dec 4)
Complete the online application on Ravenna. Once your Preliminary Application, Parent Essay, and non-refundable payment of $125 are submitted, you will be placed in an active wait-pool. If a space becomes available you will be contacted for a virtual interview.
Note: The application fee is waived for all financial aid applicants. Please enter the code FAWaiver to bypass the application fee.
Due Date: Friday, December 4, 2020.
Submit ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet and School Records (by Fri Jan 8)
For the ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet, fill out the required information in Ravenna to send the form to your child's current teacher.
Second, Third, and Fourth Grade applicants must send all school transcripts (report cards) to Yvonne Menard via email (ymenard@packer.edu).
Due date for completed ISAAGNY Confidential Information Sheet and school records: Friday, January 8, 2021.
Apply for Financial Aid (by Fri Jan 8)
If you wish to apply for financial aid, please visit Affording Packer for guidelines.
The online application must be submitted to School & Student Services (SSS), a third-party organization that helps calculate an appropriate award as well as verify tax information.
Due: Friday, January 8
Second-Fourth Grade Only: Standardized Test Scores Are Being Waived for the 2021-22 School Year
For First Grade applicants: Packer neither requires nor accepts standardized test scores.
For Second, Third, and Fourth Grade applicants: Standardized test scores are being waived for the upcoming admissions season (2020-21). If you have scores to share, we will gladly accept them, but they are optional.
Optional: Upload a Photograph
We would gratefully appreciate a current photograph of your child (uploaded to Ravenna). It will not be used for selection purposes.
Receive Notification (on Tues Feb 9)
Submit Your Enrollment Contract (by Tues Mar 2 at noon)
For Further Information
Please contact Yvonne Menard, Coordinator of Preschool and Lower School Admissions at ymenard@packer.edu, or (718) 250-0254.
Middle School
Click on the steps below for more information.
(Updated: August 2020)
- Create an Account in Ravenna
- Submit Preliminary Application and Fee (by Tues Nov 24)
- Optional: Register for a Middle School Group Tour (Virtual for the 2020-2021 Admissions Season)
- Apply for Financial Aid (by Fri Jan 8)
- Take Standardized Test and Submit Scores (Testing Waived for the 2020-21 Admissions Season)
- Submit the Student Essay (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
- Submit English and Math Teacher Evaluations (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
- Submit School Transcripts (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
- Interview by appointment (Virtual for the 2020-2021 Admissions Season)
- Receive Notification (by 4 pm Tues Feb 9)
- Submit Your Enrollment Contract and Enrollment Deposit (by noon Thurs March 2)
- For Further Information
Create an Account in Ravenna
Create an Account in Ravenna
To begin the application process, families must create an account in Ravenna at www.ravenna-hub.com. Please note that Ravenna is only an application portal. For comprehensive information about the admissions process and about Packer, please continue to explore this website.
Through Ravenna, you will be able to start the application process, register for a Middle School Virtual Information Session, email teacher recommendation forms directly to your students’ teachers, submit all admissions materials, check the status of your application, and receive admissions decisions.
Note: Your Ravenna login and password are your gateway to the entire application process, so please keep this information handy. Log in periodically to check for file updates. Please ensure that two-parent families do not create duplicate applications for their child(ren) in Ravenna.
When/if appropriate, Parent 1 and Parent 2 must utilize two (2) unique email addresses, one for each parent/guardian. Should your child(ren) be admitted to Packer, these will serve as your electronic signatures for the enrollment contract. Please do not use an “All Family Email Address” i.e. thepackerfamily@gmail.com.
Submit Preliminary Application and Fee (by Tues Nov 24)
We ask that the parent(s)/guardian(s) fill out the initial part of the application (Parent/Guardian Application), which is due by 12 pm on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, and The Parent/Guardian Statement, which is due by 12 pm on Friday, January 15, 2021.
Enrollment to the Middle School is based on attrition. While we may be likely to have a few spaces in 5th and 6th Grades, it is less likely in 7th and 8th Grades.
The application fee is $60 for families applying to 5th and 6th Grades. This fee is reduced to $30 for families who are applying for financial aid. Please email Sara Goin, at sgoin@packer.edu, for the financial aid waiver code.
Packer will not charge 7th and 8th Grade applicants the $60 application fee unless they are invited for an interview.
Again, since enrollment consideration to the Middle School is attrition-based, we will be in touch to schedule interviews for 7th and 8th Grade applicants if we learn of possible openings in those grades.
Due: 12 pm on Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Optional: Register for a Middle School Group Tour (Virtual for the 2020-2021 Admissions Season)
Packer will host Virtual Middle School Information Sessions for prospective families in the fall.
To register for a Virtual Middle School Information Session, log into Ravenna and reserve a space. Spaces may be limited.
Note: You do not need to apply to Packer to register for an information session. Information sessions are optional.
Apply for Financial Aid (by Fri Jan 8)
If you wish to apply for financial aid, please visit Affording Packer for guidelines.
The online application must be submitted to School & Student Services (SSS), a third-party organization that helps calculate an appropriate award as well as verify tax information.
Due: Friday, January 8, 2021
Take Standardized Test and Submit Scores (Testing Waived for the 2020-21 Admissions Season)
Note: Testing has been waived for the 2020-21 admissions season.
Packer requires all Middle School applicants to register for and take a standardized test to be considered for admission. We accept both the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). Applicants can take either test, or both if they desire. We do not prefer one test over the other — we view both equally.
Submit the Student Essay (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
Submit English and Math Teacher Evaluations (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
Applicants must submit teacher evaluation forms from both their current math and English/Humanities teachers. Evaluation forms can be sent straight to their teachers through Ravenna. Please give your teachers notice early so they can complete the forms before the application deadline. The teachers completing the evaluation forms must have been teaching the student for at least eight weeks.
Due: noon on Friday, January 8, 2021
Submit School Transcripts (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
School transcripts are required admissions materials. Applicants must submit a full-year transcript from the previous academic year as well as the first-term/fall transcript from the current academic year. Please ask your child's current school to upload transcripts directly to Ravenna.
Due: noon on Friday, January 8, 2021
Note: As we approach the application deadline, it takes time for us to process the incoming applications. We ask that you please be patient and refrain from calling our office to inquire as to your child’s application status. We encourage you to log in to Ravenna periodically to check your file status.
Interview by appointment (Virtual for the 2020-2021 Admissions Season)
For applicants to 5th and 6th Grades, the admissions office will be in touch to schedule an interview after you have submitted the “Parent/Guardian” application. Please plan for approximately 30 minutes to complete the interview step.
Parents of prospective students applying to 5th and 6th Grades will have an opportunity to log on to a Virtual Parent Information Session with the admissions office after your child(ren) completes the interview step.
For applicants to 7th and 8th Grades to be considered for an interview AND if we learn of potential spaces in the grade that you are applying for, applicants must complete the full application for our review. This includes the following: Parent/Guardian application, Parent/Guardian Statement, Student Essay, Transcript/Report Cards, English/Humanities and Math Teachers Recommendation Forms, and ISEE/SSAT Test Scores (Waived for the 2020-2021 Admissions Season).
At the virtual interview, an admission officer will have a one-on-one conversation with the applicant, Please allow for approximately 30 minutes to complete the interview step. No preparation is needed for the interview.
Parents of prospective students applying to 7th and 8th Grades will have an opportunity to log on to a Virtual Parent Information Session with the admissions office after your child(ren) completes the interview step.
Receive Notification (by 4 pm Tues Feb 9)
Submit Your Enrollment Contract and Enrollment Deposit (by noon Thurs March 2)
For Further Information
Please contact Sara Goin, Coordinator of Middle and Upper School Admissions, at sgoin@packer.edu or (718) 250-0385.
Upper School
Click on the steps below for more information.
(Updated: August 2020)
- Create an Account in Ravenna
- Submit Preliminary Application and Fee (by Tues Nov 24)
- Optional: Register for an Open House (Virtual for the 2020-2021 Admissions Season)
- Packer Admissions Interview by Appointment Only (Virtual for 2020-2021 Admissions Season)
- Apply for Financial Aid (by Fri Jan 8)
- Take Standardized Test and Submit Scores (Testing Waived for the 2020-21 Admissions Season)
- Submit the Student Essay (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
- Submit English and Math Teacher Evaluations (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
- Submit School Transcripts (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
- Receive Notification (by 4 pm Fri Feb 26)
- Submit Your Enrollment Contract and Enrollment Deposit (by noon Fri March 12)
- For Further Information
Create an Account in Ravenna
Create an Account in Ravenna
To begin the application process, families must create an account in Ravenna at www.ravenna-hub.com. Please note that Ravenna is only an application portal. For comprehensive information about the admissions process and about Packer, please continue to explore this website.
Through Ravenna, you will be able to start the application process, register for an Upper School Virtual Open House, email teacher recommendation forms directly to your students’ teachers, submit all admissions materials, check the status of your application, and receive admissions decisions.
VIRTUAL 9th GRADE OPEN HOUSE DATE(S):
Saturday, October 17, 2020 - 10 am - 11:30 am
Note: Your Ravenna login and password are your gateway to the entire application process, so please keep this information handy. Log in periodically to check for file updates. Please ensure that two-parent families do not create duplicate applications for their child(ren) in Ravenna.
When/if appropriate, Parent 1 and Parent 2 must utilize two (2) unique email addresses, one for each parent/guardian. Should your child(ren) be admitted to Packer, these will serve as your electronic parent signatures for the enrollment contract. Please do not use an “All Family Email Address” i.e.thepackerfamily@gmail.com.
Submit Preliminary Application and Fee (by Tues Nov 24)
We ask that the parent(s)/guardian(s) fill out the initial part of the application (Parent/Guardian Application), which is due by 12 PM Noon on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 and The Parent/Guardian Statement which is due by 12 PM Noon on Friday, January 15, 2021.
The application fee is $60. This fee is reduced to $30 for families applying for financial aid. Please contact Sara Goin, preferably by sending her an email to sgoin@packer.edu or calling 718-250-0385.
Due: Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Optional: Register for an Open House (Virtual for the 2020-2021 Admissions Season)
Packer's 9th Grade Virtual Upper School Open House will provide families an opportunity to hear more about the curriculum, student organizations, and extracurricular activities from our administrators, faculty, and students.
To register for the virtual event, log into Ravenna and reserve a space. Spaces may be limited.
Note: You do not need to apply to Packer in order to register/attend an Open House. As a precaution, Packer will not hold in-person tours/events and will be virtual for the 2020-2021 admissions season. This event is for families applying to the 9th grade only.
VIRTUAL 9th GRADE OPEN HOUSE DATE(S):
Saturday, October 17, 2020 - 10 am - 11:30 am
Packer Admissions Interview by Appointment Only (Virtual for 2020-2021 Admissions Season)
Parents/Guardians must first complete and submit the Parent/Guardian Application through Ravenna. Once our office has viewed the completed Parent/Guardian Application, the admissions office will reach out to each family to schedule the virtual interview.
We will not hold in-person events at Packer but we are going to be virtual for the 2020-2021 admissions season.
Note: Applicants must interview by the January 15 deadline. Please try to schedule your interview early due to the limited number of interview slots.
Apply for Financial Aid (by Fri Jan 8)
If you wish to apply for financial aid, please visit Affording Packer for guidelines.
The online application must be submitted to School & Student Services (SSS), a third-party organization that helps calculate an appropriate award as well as verify tax information.
Due: by noon on Friday, January 8, 2021
Take Standardized Test and Submit Scores (Testing Waived for the 2020-21 Admissions Season)
Note: Testing has been waived for the 2020-21 admissions season.
Packer requires all Upper School applicants to register for and take a standardized test to be considered for admission. We accept both the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). Applicants can take either test, or both if they desire. We do not prefer one test over the other — we view both equally.
Submit the Student Essay (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
Submit English and Math Teacher Evaluations (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
Applicants must submit teacher evaluation forms from both their current math and English/Humanities teachers. Evaluation forms can be sent straight to their teachers through Ravenna. Please give your teachers notice early so they can complete the forms before the application deadline. The teachers completing the evaluation forms must have been teaching the student for at least eight weeks.
Due: noon on Friday, January 8, 2021
Submit School Transcripts (by noon on Fri Jan 8)
School transcripts are required admissions materials. Applicants must submit a full-year transcript from the previous academic year as well as the first-term/fall transcript from the current academic year. Please ask your child's current school to upload transcripts directly to Ravenna.
Due: noon on Friday, January 8, 2021
Note: As we approach the application deadline, it takes time for us to process the incoming applications. We ask that you please be patient and refrain from calling our office to inquire as to your child’s application status. We encourage you to log in to Ravenna periodically to check your file status.
Receive Notification (by 4 pm Fri Feb 26)
Submit Your Enrollment Contract and Enrollment Deposit (by noon Fri March 12)
For Further Information
Please contact Sara Goin, Coordinator of Middle and Upper School Admissions, at sgoin@packer.edu or (718) 250-0385.
Apply Now
We use the Ravenna online application tool.
Open Houses and Tours
This fall, we will offer optional virtual information sessions for the Pre-K Threes, Kindergarten, Middle School and Upper School.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your questions.
What's ISAAGNY?
Find answers to your questions.