Start with the questions that change the plan

The main entry point in the Upper School is Grade 9, with 50 to 55 spaces available. Harker accepts inquiries for Grades 10 and 11 and invites an application only if a space opens in the spring, which it calls rare. Harker does not admit students into Grade 12.

Harker accepts scores from the ISEE or SSAT. Every application is read first without looking at test scores, and Harker welcomes a range of scores. Harker says results are only one part of an application, that very high scores do not guarantee admission, and that its readers review applications first without seeing scores.

Harker strongly discourages enrolling in a test prep program or spending excessive time preparing for the entrance exam, and suggests becoming familiar with the exam through its own website and sample practice test.

For Grade 9, the student contribution includes an essay, a list of activities and interests, an interview and an activity session. A parent or guardian contributes through an asynchronous virtual video interview on Kira Talent.

Tuition for Grades 9 to 12 in 2026-27 is $66,950. Tuition includes before- and after-school care, lunch and most school expenses such as the intercampus shuttle, yearbooks, local field trips and athletic uniforms. Laptops, which are required for middle and upper school students, and textbooks are not included in tuition. Specific activity choices and elective travel can add cost.

Harker says its admission process is need-blind and that applying for aid will not affect a child's chances. Aid applications are reviewed separately, after admission decisions. Harker offers need-based financial aid for kindergarten through Grade 12, and no merit, athletic or talent-based scholarships.

The wait pool has no ranked list and does not carry forward to the next admission season, so families would need to reapply. Offers of admission cannot be deferred to the following year.

International applicants meet the same standards, apply directly and not through agents or consultants, and are expected to intend to graduate from Harker. Harker does not accept the TOEFL. Harker has no boarding program and no ESL program during the school year. Students must live with a parent or guardian, and upper school homestays need a designated local legal guardian.

No. HarkerPrep by EduAvenues is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Harker School. Check every requirement and date on the school's own website before you apply.

The admissions facts on this site were last checked against the school's published pages on November 5, 2026. Schools can change requirements and dates at any time.