How to Apply to Private School in Miami

Applications for the 2027–28 school year are now open.

How to Become a Spartan?

During the admission process, you will meet people that will help shape your family’s future at Miami Country Day School. Our personal approach to the admission process allows us to get to know your family and explore why MCDS is the top choice for so many families. Together we ensure our mission and core values match your vision for your child’s educational journey. Our admissions application takes 20 minutes to complete.

Early Decision is available to siblings of current students, children of alumni, and families who select Miami Country Day as their first choice, in grades which are entry points. For more information, and to request your application be considered for Early Decision, contact our enrollment office.

Have questions?

Students posing with the Spartan mascot at an enrolment event

Steps to Apply

PK3, JK4, SK5 and 1st

Step 1

Complete the online application

	Completed Checklist	Admission Decision
Early Decision	November 13th	December 11th
Regular Decision	January 22rd	February 26th

Step 2

Connect with the Office of Enrollment and schedule your virtual interview.

Step 3

Provide the principal and current teachers recommendation forms (available in your electronic checklist) and previous and current year’s report cards (or progress report).

Step 4

Schedule your child’s Activity Day. Your admission officer will share upcoming on-campus Activity Day dates and registration information.

2nd through 5th Grades

Step 1

Complete the online application

	Completed Checklist	Admission Decision
Early Decision	November 13th	December 11th
Regular Decision	January 22nd	February 26th

Step 2

Connect with the Office of Enrollment and schedule your virtual interview.

Step 3

Schedule your child’s admission assessment. We require the Primary ISEE (Independent School Entry Exam) for 2nd through 4th grade applicants and the Lower Level ISEE for applicants to 5th grade. You can register for this assessment by visiting ERBlearn.org. We recommend the At-Home Testing option. Be sure to add Miami Country Day School as a score recipient when registering your child to take the test, so we may receive scores directly from ISEE in a timely manner. We are not able to accept the parent/guardian score report. Scores must be provided to us directly by ISEE. Many resources are available through ISEE for practice and preparation. You are welcome to contact the Student Sucess Network for additional test prep options.

Step 4

Provide the principal and current teachers recommendation forms (available in your electronic checklist) and previous and current year’s report cards.

Step 5

Schedule your child’s Activity Day. Your admission officer will share upcoming on-campus Activity Day dates and registration information.

6th through 12th Grades

Step 1

Complete the online application

	Completed Checklist	Admission Decision
Early Decision	November 13th	December 11th
Regular Decision	January 22nd	February 26th

Step 2

Connect with the Office of Enrollment and schedule your virtual interview.

Step 3

Schedule your child’s admission testing. We prefer the Independent School Entrance Exam Independent School Entrance Exam but also accept the Secondary School Admission Test .

Step 4

Provide the principal and current teachers recommendation forms (available in your electronic checklist) and previous and current year’s report cards.

Online School (6th-12th)

Step 1

Complete the online application

	Completed Checklist	Admission Decision
Early Decision	November 13th	December 11th
Regular Decision	January 22nd	February 26th
Rolling Decision	After February 1st	After March 15th

Step 2

Connect with the Office of Enrollment and schedule your virtual interview.

Step 3

Schedule your child’s admission testing. We prefer the Independent School Entrance Exam Independent School Entrance Exam but also accept the Secondary School Admission Test .

Step 4

Provide the principal and current teachers recommendation forms (available in your electronic checklist) and previous and current year’s report cards.

Ready to Take the Next
Step?

Your family’s MCDS journey begins with a conversation. Connect with our Enrollment team to ask a question, schedule a visit, or begin your application.

Apply Now Schedule a Tour Inquire

Contact us

Enrollment Office

Criteria

Early Childhood

Age
3 years old by August 1

Full-Day Readiness
Prepared for an 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. school day.

Toilet trained before the start of school

Self-awareness and interaction

Children should be able to recognize and begin regulating their emotions, follow instructions, and interact appropriately with others.l

Curiosity and participation Children should be able to engage in learning activities within a classroom community and demonstrate age-appropriate developmental skills.

Lower School

School Readiness

Students applying to Grades 1–5 should demonstrate age-appropriate reading and writing skills, along with mastery of grade-level concepts. They should also be able to communicate effectively, follow classroom expectations, and work both independently and collaboratively.

Social-Emotional Readiness

Students should be able to recognize and regulate their emotions, follow instructions, and interact respectfully with peers and adults.

Academic and Behavioral History

Students are expected to perform well academically in their current classroom and on the admission assessment. A strong behavioral history is also important. Empathy, kindness, and curiosity are values considered throughout the admissions process.

Middle & Upper School

Academic History

Consistent academic performance
Students are expected to perform well in their current classroom and on the admission assessment. Consistent, above-average achievement, including A’s and B’s, is highly recommended for consideration.

Social Skills

Communication and collaboration
Students should communicate effectively, work well independently, and contribute in group settings. Student interviews give applicants an opportunity to share strengths, interests, and experiences beyond academics.

Emotional Intelligence

Values in action
MCDS considers how students demonstrate alignment with the school’s core values: Purpose, Honor, Respect, Wisdom, and Compassion.

Involvement and Interests

Passions, participation, and growth
Many students come to MCDS with established passions and interests. With more than 60 clubs and 36 sports teams, MCDS values students who are eager to participate and contribute. Students still discovering their interests are supported by faculty and advisors as they explore their gifts and talents.

Upper School

English Proficiency

International students whose first language is not English are required to take the WIDA assessment to help determine the level of English language support they may need.

In Lower School, MCDS offers English language support. In Middle and Upper School, students have access to an English as a Second Language (ESOL) course.

I-20 Application

Upon acceptance and enrollment to Miami Country Day School, students entering SK5 and above who wish to request an I-20 application for an F-1 student visa may do so.

Families should visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program page for additional information.

Transcripts and Records

All official records, recommendation forms, and report cards must be translated into English and notarized.

Thank you for Your Interest in Becoming a Spartan

Steps to Apply

Step 5

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact us

Criteria

Early Childhood

Lower School

Middle & Upper School

Academic History

Social Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Involvement and Interests

Upper School

Ready to Take the Next
Step?