Application Process

Application and Application Fee (All Applicants)

Your child's online application must be submitted no later than Friday, December 4, 2026.

Prekindergarten Through First Grade Applicants

Submit Application and Application Fee ($65)

Your child's online application must be submitted no later than Friday, December 4, 2026.

Schedule Your Parent Meeting

Once your child's application is submitted, a member of the admissions team will reach out to help schedule your parent meeting time. Meeting times fill up quickly as the application deadline approaches.

Submit Teacher Referrals

Following the submission of your application, please fill out the common referral request form for your child's primary teacher or non-related caregiver. This form can be accessed in your parent portal. Completed forms must be received by McDonogh no later than Friday, January 15, 2027.

We are committed to gathering as much information as we can about each of our Lower School applicants. We welcome one additional letter of support from an educator, coach, or community leader who has been involved in your child's academic and social development. Please note: this is not required but would be included in your child's application.

Request School Records

Please submit your child's report card or progress report if they receive one from his or her current school. We recognize that this may vary between school programs and depend on the age of your child.

All teacher referrals, school records, and additional submissions must be received no later than Friday, January 15, 2027.

Complete Required Assessment

Prekindergarten, kindergarten, prefirst, and first grade applicants will join members of our admissions team for a small group assessment in our Admissions Office. Additional information regarding scheduling your child for his or her assessment will be shared once your child's application has been received.

Second Through Fourth Grade Applicants

Submit Application and Application Fee ($65)

Your child's online application must be submitted no later than Friday, December 4, 2026.

Schedule Your Parent Meeting

Once your child's application is submitted, a member of the admissions team will reach out to help schedule your Parent Meeting time. Meeting times fill up quickly as the application deadline approaches.

Complete Required Testing

All applicants (grades 2–4) should complete the ISEE Primary (Independent School Entrance Exam) by Friday, January 15, 2027. The ISEE Primary, a computer-based assessment, must be taken here at McDonogh. At the time of registration, please remember to request that the results be forwarded to McDonogh School. Our school code for the ISEE is 210750. With the assistance of an admissions associate, you will use the following link to complete registration online at iseeonline.erblearn.org.

Submit Teacher Referrals

Following the submission of the application, parents can electronically request common referral/teacher recommendation forms to be sent to McDonogh School via their parent portal. Please make this request to your child's math and reading teachers. If your child has only a homeroom teacher, please ask a specialty teacher to fill out the second recommendation no earlier than Friday, October 30, 2026.

Request School Records

Following submission of the application, parents can electronically request transcripts and school records to be sent to McDonogh School via their parent portal. Please request transcripts to be sent after the first term of the current school year. Transcripts must be received no later than Friday, January 15, 2027.

We are committed to gathering as much information as we can about each of our Lower School applicants. We welcome one additional letter of support from an educator, coach, or community leader who has been involved in your child's academic and social development. Please note: this is not required but would be included in your child's application.