Admissions FAQ

At Providence, we are seeking student who are academically capable, active and involved, kind and compassionate, and open to learning.  Students at Providence have diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents. We are looking for students who will make the most of a Providence experience and contribute to our community. 

Decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, which looks carefully at all application materials. Each student’s academic record, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, teacher recommendations, essay responses, and interviews are all taken into consideration.

No. Providence neither requires nor accepts entrance exam scores as a part of the application process. This is a very intentional policy based on a number of important factors. Please read our full rationale behind this decision in our announcement to middle school families.

Input from your child’s current teachers is an important part of the application. Our confidential, online recommendation forms give teachers the opportunity to provide valuable information about a student’s academic strengths and challenges as well as the many other characteristics that will help them succeed at Providence.  

These sections of our online application offer students the opportunity to tell the Admissions Committee about their interests, passions, and accomplishments. We highly encourage students (and parents/guardians in questions directed at them) to take the time to think deeply and provide thorough responses. Students should view these as opportunities to help us get to know them.  

Yes. All students applying to Providence must take part in an on-campus interview.  

Interviews are meant for both students and parents/guardians. First, the interviewer will meet with the student and then meet separately with parents/guardians. The interview is a great opportunity for us to get to know your family and for you to ask questions and get to know Providence better. 

Providence offers need-based financial assistance to qualifying families who have completed the separate financial assistance application by the February 1, 2021 deadline. For more information, please visit our Financial Assistance page. 

In lieu of scholarships, Providence does offer merit awards, which are based on a student’s entire application. All students are eligible to receive a merit award, and no additional materials are required. For more information, please visit our Merit Award page. 

There are a number of admissions events throughout the year that offer families the opportunity to visit our campus (either in person or virtually). For a comprehensive and interactive look at our school, we recommend taking a campus tour. Tours are given weekly beginning in September and cover all aspects of our school. To register for a campus tour, please visit our Campus Tours page.

Providence High School does accept a small number of international students. Please be aware that we do not provide or facilitate housing. International students applying to Providence must be planning to live locally with parents or legal guardians.  

Please note that we do not work with international placement agencies. All communication must be between parents/guardians and our office.  

International students are encouraged to apply through our International Students Application page. 

We believe that a campus tour gives students and parents/guardians a more comprehensive look at our school. Late in the admissions season, under certain circumstances, shorter shadow opportunities can be arranged. 

Providence offers specialized Focus Program in Cinema Arts, Medical, and Technology. These programs are opportunities for students who have a particular interest in and commitment to one of those areas. All are four-year programs and have additional requirements in addition to the PHS academic curriculum. If you are interested in applying to one of the three programs, you can make that choice in the online application. Additional materials will need to be submitted, and those are outlined in the online application itself.  

Please note that you do not need to apply to a focus program. Approximately 50% of Providence High School students are enrolled in Focus Programs. 

For more information about these program, visit our Admissions Process page. 

For students applying to the 2021-2022 school year, families will be notified of admissions decisions on Friday, March 5, 2021