Admission Criteria

Lower School Students (1st - 5th)

School Readiness

Children should demonstrate age-appropriate writing and reading skills as well as mastery of grade-appropriate concepts. Children should have excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to work both independently and in groups.

Social and Emotional Intelligence

Children should demonstrate the ability to recognize and regulate their own emotions and follow instructions while interacting with others.

Academic History

Children are expected to perform well academically on both the admission assessment and in their current classroom and have excellent behavioral history. Empathy, kindness, and curiosity are all values we measure in our process.

Upper School Students (6th - 12th) 

Academic History

Students are expected to perform well academically on both the admission assessment and in their current classroom. Showing consistent, above-average achievement (A’s and B’s) is highly recommended for consideration.

Social Skills

Students should have excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to work both independently and in groups. We offer student interviews to highlight abilities and interests outside of academics which showcase the student’s value and how they add to our community.

Emotional Intelligence

Purpose, Honor, Respect, Wisdom and Compassion are our core values and we review students’ inclination towards them in the admission process.

Involvement and Interests

Many students already come to MCDS with a variety of passions and interests, which is why we offer over 60 clubs and 36 sports teams. We are interested in learning about your child’s existing passions during the admission process. If a student has not yet found their passion, our dedicated faculty and advisors will help them explore their gifts and talents.

International Students

English Proficiency

International students whose first language is not English will be required to take the WIDA test to determine the level of English support they need. In Lower School, we offer English language support. In both Middle and Upper School, students will 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 to obtain an F-1 Students visa may do so. Please visit the Student and Exchange Visitor Program page for more information ( https://www.ice.gov/sevis)

Transcripts

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

Learning Resource Program

Learning Difference

Students with above-average intelligence and a language-based diagnosed learning difference are eligible for the program. The program does not serve students with emotional or behavioral challenges. We welcome applications for students in the Middle through Upper School.

Evaluation

We require a full educational evaluation from a licensed psychologist performed in the last two years to help determine if our program is a good fit for your child.

Lower School Resources

We offer limited extra support options to students in fourth and fifth grade with a language-based diagnosed learning difference. Student Success Network on-campus tutoring is an option for extra support before or after school for additional fees.