Admissions & Financial Assistance

Our admission process is holistic and competitive. We look for strong academic preparation, intellectual curiosity, disciplined work habits, and a genuine willingness to engage fully in community life. Grades and teacher recommendations matter, as do character, resilience, and readiness for responsibility. If you’re unsure whether Midland could be a strong fit, schedule a call — we’re glad to speak candidly about your child’s potential to thrive here.

Our academics rival top private and boarding schools across the country. Courses are college-preparatory and writing-intensive, and teachers expect careful thinking, sustained discussion, and meaningful revision. Our transcript reflects both content mastery and cross-disciplinary skill development, including quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and scientific thinking. Graduates go on to institutions such as Middlebury College, the University of California, Berkeley, Dartmouth College, Pomona College, and other highly respected universities each year.

Absolutely. Our program features small class sizes and a fully residential campus which together create daily, meaningful interaction between students and faculty. Midland students build close relationships with peers, form lasting friendships, and experience genuine joy in shared traditions, play, and responsibility. They are challenged academically while also growing socially and personally in a community that knows them well.

Emphatically, yes! College counseling begins early and remains individualized throughout your child’s time at Midland. Our students graduate with strong academic records, well-developed writing, and extracurricular involvement rooted in real responsibility. Colleges recognize both the rigor of the program and the depth of student engagement. Acceptance rates at Midland tend to be about twice the national average for colleges with under a 25% acceptance rate.

The majority of our students start as freshmen and grow confidently into boarding life through our intentional program and curriculum. And, some families choose to begin later — that’s perfectly okay, too! A conversation with our team can help determine what timing will serve your child best, and we’re always glad to connect prospective families with current parents to hear firsthand perspectives.

Absolutely. We welcome transfer applicants each year and work closely with families to ensure a smooth academic and residential transition. Whether you’re considering joining us as a sophomore or as a senior, we’re excited to hear from you!

A shadow day is the best starting point for a family interested in applying to Midland this year. You’ll get to participate in classes, meet students and faculty, walk the property, and sit down for a focused conversation about your student and next steps. If you’re considering Midland a few years in advance and want to visit as a 6th or 7th grader, campus tours can be a great first engagement! When in doubt, send us an email at admissions@midland-school.org and we can help you book the best fit visit for your family.

Of course! Most families begin the admissions process with a call or text before ever stepping foot on campus or submitting an application. We’re here to help you decide whether Midland aligns with your dreams for your child’s high school experience. You can reach us at: 805.686.2469, email us at admissions@midland-school.org, or schedule a virtual call with our team.

We believe tuition should never be a barrier between a student and access to their best fit high school experience. More than half of Midland students receive need-based financial assistance each year, with awards ranging from partial tuition to full support. We review each family’s circumstances carefully and confidentially — email us at admissions@midland-school.org or schedule a call if you’d like to learn more about our process and your family’s unique circumstances.