The Spence School
Manhattan, New York City · girls' school, K–12
On this page
Short answer
Spence is accepting applications for grade 6 this season; other grades, including grade 5, open only through attrition. Applicants for grades 3–12 send ISEE or SSAT scores from a test taken between August 2026 and early January 2027. The grade 6 application is due December 11, 2026, and decisions come on February 10, 2027.
At a glance · 2026–27 season
- Admits grade 5
- As space allows
- Admits grade 6
- Yes
- ISEE, grade 6
- Required
- Application deadline
- December 11, 2026
- Decisions
- February 10, 2027
- ISEE, grade 5
- Required
- Score ranges
- Not published
The SSAT is accepted instead
Glentavo has no connection with The Spence 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 Spence?
The Spence School is a K–12 girls' school in Manhattan. Its Middle School covers grades 5–8, and for entry in fall 2027 the school lists grades 6 and 7 among the grades open to applicants.
Does Spence admit grades 5 and 6?
Grade 6: yes. The school is accepting applications for kindergarten, grades 6 and 7, and grade 9.
Grade 5: as space allows. Openings in other grades are based on attrition; the school asks families to contact the admissions office.
Does Spence ask for the ISEE? Can the SSAT stand in?
Grades 5 and 6: required, either test. Standardized testing is required for grades 3–12. The school accepts ISEE or SSAT scores from tests completed between August 2026 and early January 2027. School codes: ISEE 334060, SSAT 7444.
Does Spence publish score ranges?
No. The school's pages give no score ranges or minimum scores.
This season's timeline (2026–27)
- August 2026 – early January 2027Take the ISEE or SSAT; scores from this period are accepted.
- Middle School open houseMiddle School open house for grade 5–8 applicants, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; start an application to attend.
- Financial aidFinancial aid application due (Clarity), for families applying for aid.
- Application dueGrade 6 application due.
- Fall – winter 2026Student interview and the grade 6 group experience, arranged in the portal; records release form to the current school; student essay and parent essay.
- Teacher forms; last test datesISAAGNY forms due from the current math teacher, English teacher, and guidance counselor or principal.
- DecisionsDecisions for grades 1–8 (ISAAGNY date).
As listed on Spence's Application Process and Admissions Events pages on October 25, 2026. The school's pages are the authority.
How do the interview and visits work?
The one-on-one interview takes about 25 minutes, followed by about 10 minutes with the parent or guardian. Grade 6 applicants are also invited to an in-person group experience at Spence. Both are arranged in the admissions portal.
The school asks families not to send personal letters of recommendation and does not encourage first-choice letters.
How to prepare
Spence accepts scores from tests taken between August and early January, and the application is due December 11. Grade 6 applicants who choose the ISEE take 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
Does Spence accept the SSAT?
Yes. Spence accepts ISEE or SSAT scores for grades 3–12.
Can my daughter apply to Spence for grade 5?
Grade 5 is not among this season's open grades; places in other grades depend on attrition. Contact the admissions office.
When must the test be taken?
Between August 2026 and early January 2027.
When does Spence release decisions?
February 10, 2027.