Applying to GMS

The Girls’ Middle School uses Ravenna, an online web-based application, to manage the admission process. In Ravenna, you can track your steps during the admission process, register for admission events, and submit an application. To begin, create a Ravenna account. 

GMS believes in making all aspects of the application and admission process equitable and fair. Admission events are open to all families - you do not need to submit an application or application fee to participate in any of our events. Our application requirements are outlined in the Ravenna system. Please note that we do not accept standardized test scores (ISEE, SSAT, etc.).

The Application Process

LEARN MORE ABOUT US 

We invite you to learn more about GMS by exploring this website. In addition, we offer a number of admission events to help you get to know our school and community. Our Open Houses, Campus Visits, and Parent/Guardian Gatherings are great places to ask questions and learn more about what makes GMS special. Families are encouraged to participate in as many of these events as feels comfortable for you. Attendance at all events is optional. You do not need to submit an application or application fee to attend our events. Please register for all events through the Ravenna system.

ENTRANCE TESTING 

The following forms in Ravenna are required to complete an application to GMS. The application deadline is January 9, 2024. All forms must be submitted or delegated by this date.

• Application for Admission - Complete and submit with a $75 application fee (please contact our office if this poses a financial hardship).
• Parent Questionnaire(s) - Each parent or guardian living with the applicant completes a questionnaire.
• Teacher Recommendations - Please request two teacher recommendations, one from the applicant’s current teacher and one from last year’s teacher.
• Principal or Counselor Recommendation - Please request a recommendation from your daughter’s principal or school counselor.
• Personal Recommendation - In addition to your daughter’s teachers, we appreciate a recommendation from another adult who plays a significant role in her life.
• Transcript Release and Confidentiality Form - Please delegate this form to the principal’s office at your daughter’s elementary school. Her school should follow the instructions printed on the form and send the transcript directly to Ravenna.

THE FAMILY INTERVIEW

We look forward to meeting with each applicant family. Our Family Interviews are conversational and take place with all parents or guardians and the applicant. We provide a comfortable setting for your family to ask questions and learn more about the school. We ask each applicant to bring something special or meaningful to share during the interview. Family Interviews are held on Zoom during January and February each year. Families who submit an application may schedule a Family Interview through the Ravenna system beginning on January 10, 2024.

Tuition ASSISTANCE

GMS offers two types of tuition assistance: Financial Aid and The Bennett Scholars Program. We encourage all families to learn more about these programs and contact our office with any questions. We are committed to enrolling students from all backgrounds and we make admission decisions independent of a student’s application for tuition assistance. 

All families are invited to attend a Tuition Assistance Information Session on December 12, 2023. Please register to attend through the Ravenna system.

A reminder email with instructions on how to apply for tuition assistance will be sent to all GMS applicants on January 10, 2024. Financial aid forms are due on February 2, 2024.

If you have questions about Financial Aid, please contact Sue Kramer at 650-968-8338 x123.

To learn more about The Bennett Scholars Program, please contact María Pérez at 650-968-8338 x102

DECISIONS

Acceptance letters are mailed to applicants on March 14, 2024.

All decisions are posted in Ravenna on March 15, 2024 at 4:00 PM.

Enrollment contracts are due at noon (12:00pm) on March 22, 2024.