The Brearley School
Manhattan, New York City · girls' school, K–12
On this page
Short answer
Brearley is accepting applications for Classes V through VIII for 2027–28, so both grade 5 (Class V) and grade 6 (Class VI) are open; the school does not publish how many places. All applicants take the ISEE or the SSAT. Applications and financial aid forms are due December 1, 2026, the file must be complete by January 8, 2027, and decisions come on February 8, 2027.
At a glance · 2026–27 season
- Admits grade 5
- Yes
- Admits grade 6
- Yes
- ISEE, grade 6
- Required
- Application deadline
- December 1, 2026
- Decisions
- February 8, 2027
- ISEE, grade 5
- Required
- Score ranges
- Not published
The SSAT is accepted instead
Glentavo has no connection with The Brearley School. This page summarizes what the school publishes; the school's own pages are the authority, and dates can change during the season.
What kind of school is Brearley?
The Brearley School is a girls' school in Manhattan, from kindergarten through Class XII. Brearley numbers its grades as Classes; its Middle School is Classes V through VIII, so Class V is grade 5 and Class VI is grade 6.
Does Brearley admit grades 5 and 6?
Grade 5 (Class V): yes. For 2027–28 the school is considering applicants for kindergarten and Classes V through IX.
Grade 6 (Class VI): yes. The school does not publish the number of places. It expects no space in Classes I through IV, and keeps a wait pool through the end of June.
Does Brearley ask for the ISEE? Can the SSAT stand in?
Grades 5 and 6: required, either test. The school says all applicants are required to take the ISEE or SSAT. School codes: ISEE 333475, SSAT 1799. It suggests registering for a test date no later than December 2026.
Does Brearley publish score ranges?
No. The school's pages give no score ranges or minimum scores.
This season's timeline (2026–27)
- Teacher forms openLinks to the required English and math teacher reference forms open in Ravenna.
- Application and aid dueApplication and financial aid application due.
- Interview bookedInterview registration due.
- By December 2026The school's suggested latest month to register for the ISEE or SSAT.
- File completeAdmission file complete: teacher references, transcripts and test scores.
- DecisionsDecisions.
- Reply by noonReply by noon (Eastern).
As listed on Brearley's Apply to Middle School page and Admission FAQ on October 25, 2026. The school's pages are the authority.
How do the interview and tour work?
The interview is required and in person, and it must include the applicant and at least one parent or guardian. Register for it by December 7, 2026. The school says there are no virtual alternatives.
Campus tours are optional: a 45-minute small-group tour, or an individual tour before the interview.
How to prepare
Brearley asks every applicant for a test score and suggests a test date no later than December 2026. A grade 5 or grade 6 applicant taking the ISEE sits the Lower Level. How often a child may sit the ISEE is covered in our ISEE guide.
Glentavo's practice tests follow the ISEE Lower Level format.
Common questions
Is grade 5 an entry point at Brearley?
Yes. For 2027–28 Brearley is accepting applications for Classes V through VIII; Class V is grade 5.
Does Brearley accept the SSAT?
Yes. All applicants take the ISEE or the SSAT.
Is there a virtual interview?
No. The interview is in person with the applicant and at least one parent or guardian.
When does Brearley release decisions?
February 8, 2027.