Open House
DISCOVER SEVERN
OPEN HOUSE
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OpenHouseBanner
At Severn, every student is known and valued, not just for who they are, but for who they aspire to be. Therefore, every experience at Severn is thoughtfully designed to help students define their personal values, discover their "why", build their personal leadership skills, and prepare for success in the next grade, through to college and beyond.
Community is at the heart of the Severn experience. The result is an active student body eager to challenge themselves, explore new ideas, and use their voices as they begin to understand the impact they can have on the world around them.
But don’t just take our word for it. Come see for yourself the many ways there are to be an Admiral and decide if Severn is right for you.
CHESAPEAKE CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE (Preschool - grade 5)
Lower School Open House (Preschool to grade 5)
October 9, 2026 - 9 AM
LOCATION - 1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Arnold, MD 21012
During the Chesapeake Campus Open House you will meet our admission team, talk with current parents, tour the newly renovated school, and get a sense of daily life on the Chesapeake Campus.
This event is for parents of children entering preschool through grade 5. Please note that this is event is designed for adult family members only, not prospective students.
October 9, 2026 - 9 AM
LOCATION - 1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Arnold, MD 21012
During the Chesapeake Campus Open House you will meet our admission team, talk with current parents, tour the newly renovated school, and get a sense of daily life on the Chesapeake Campus.
This event is for parents of children entering preschool through grade 5. Please note that this is event is designed for adult family members only, not prospective students.
TEEL CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE (GRADES 6-11)
Teel Campus Open House (grades six to eleven)
October 15 at 7 p.m.
LOCATION: 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146
During the Open House, current Severn students lead the way, giving prospective families - parents and students - a true student's-eye view of what it's like to be a part of our learning community. Through a variety of information sessions hosted throughout campus, student guides will help you discover more about our performing arts, athletics, academics and student life programs. Attendees also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with current students. Most of all, it's an opportunity for you and your child to picture themselves as an Admiral.
While this is a combined Upper and Middle School event, your Open House experience will be tailored to the Division to which you/your student would be applying.
October 15 at 7 p.m.
LOCATION: 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146
During the Open House, current Severn students lead the way, giving prospective families - parents and students - a true student's-eye view of what it's like to be a part of our learning community. Through a variety of information sessions hosted throughout campus, student guides will help you discover more about our performing arts, athletics, academics and student life programs. Attendees also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with current students. Most of all, it's an opportunity for you and your child to picture themselves as an Admiral.
While this is a combined Upper and Middle School event, your Open House experience will be tailored to the Division to which you/your student would be applying.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
Middle School Parent Information Session
September 22, 9:30 AM
LOCATION: 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146
Open to Parents Only; Limited Space Available
The middle school years represent a critical time in a student's development. And it can be challenging. Independence. Distractions. Growth. All of which are new, both to students and parents. It is during these formidable years that Severn focuses on meeting students where they are.
At this special information session, you’ll learn how Severn helps students successfully navigate the middle school years by building an academic foundation and supporting the social and emotional growth that takes place from sixth to eighth grades. You’ll hear from faculty and current students about how Severn facilitates academic skill building, the adjustment to independence and increased accountability, and the integration of adolescent health and wellness topics into the curriculum.
The event includes a conversational panel session followed by an optional campus tour. This small group style event is for parents only and limited space is available. Please also note that this event is a supplement to the MS Open House on October 15, not a replacement. Here we offer a more in-depth look into Severn's MS philosophy and programming and the opportunity to get your questions answered.
September 22, 9:30 AM
LOCATION: 201 Water Street, Severna Park, MD 21146
Open to Parents Only; Limited Space Available
The middle school years represent a critical time in a student's development. And it can be challenging. Independence. Distractions. Growth. All of which are new, both to students and parents. It is during these formidable years that Severn focuses on meeting students where they are.
At this special information session, you’ll learn how Severn helps students successfully navigate the middle school years by building an academic foundation and supporting the social and emotional growth that takes place from sixth to eighth grades. You’ll hear from faculty and current students about how Severn facilitates academic skill building, the adjustment to independence and increased accountability, and the integration of adolescent health and wellness topics into the curriculum.
The event includes a conversational panel session followed by an optional campus tour. This small group style event is for parents only and limited space is available. Please also note that this event is a supplement to the MS Open House on October 15, not a replacement. Here we offer a more in-depth look into Severn's MS philosophy and programming and the opportunity to get your questions answered.
EXPLORE THE ARTS - ANNOUNCING NEW DRAMATIC ARTS ADMISSION EVENTS
New in 2026, Severn is offering two arts-focused admission events: an Improv Workshop on Oct. 21 (for prospective students only) and an Invited Dress Rehearsal on Nov. 18 (open to prospective students and parents). See below for full details.
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Improv Workshop - Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Have you ever watched improv comedy and wondered ‘how do they do that???’The skills that allow actors to create magical and amazing live improv are also the skills that allow our students to take risks, to self-regulate, to express themselves, to engage, follow, and lead. Improv skills are not just about making better actors: they are about making better people. They’re about making people (of all ages!) who can communicate, share space, listen, work together, and collaborate effectively within a wide range of contexts and contents.
Prospective Upper School students are invited to join Dr. Patterson and members of the Severn School Improv Club for an hour of games, laughter, and collaboration. Learn core principles of improv comedy including “yes and…”, accepting offers, and the “cop in the head” in a fun, relaxed, and creative environment, and hear more about the many amazing opportunities in the Upper School Theatre Program at Severn School! Click here to register. -
Invited Dress Rehearsal for She Kills Monsters - Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.
On the evening of November 18, the Water Street Players, Severn’s student theatre group, will hold its final dress rehearsal for the fall production of She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen. She Kills Monsters tells the story of high schooler Agnes Evans as she deals with the death of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes stumbles upon Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge.Prospective students and parents are invited to attend this final dress rehearsal – where anything can, and often does, go wrong – and then stay to talk with the cast and crew at the end. While not a performance, observing a dress rehearsal offers an authentic look at the whole process of producing a show.
IMPORTANT DATES AND PROCESS INFORMATION FOR 2027-28
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Important Dates for 2027-28 School Year
The online application for the 2027-28 school year opens on September 3. If you wish to inquire about a grade-specific opening for the upcoming school year (2026-27), please contact the Admission team.
To inquire about Preschool (age 3) through Grade 5, please call Sue Richburg at 410-647-7701 x2040 or email her at s.richburg@severnschool.com.
Please email Emilyn Chavez at e.chavez@severnschool.com to inquire about Grades 6 through 12 or call her at 410-647-7701 x2267.
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The important dates for the 2027-28 school year application process are:- September 3, 2026 - Online Application Opens for the 2027-28 school year.
- September 14, 2026 - Campus Tours Begin
- September 22, 2026 - Middle School Information Session
- October 9, 2026 - Lower School Open House
- October 15, 2026 - Middle/Upper School Open House
- November 2, 2026 - Early Application Due (6th/9th Alumni, Siblings, Faculty Children)
- November 14, 2026 - ISEE Test Administered at Severn School
- November 16, 2026 - Recommendations, Testing, Transcripts, and Interview Due for Early Applicants (6th/9th Alumni, Siblings, Faculty Children)
- November 16, 2026 - Financial Aid Application Due for Early Applicants
- December 5, 2026 - ISEE Test at Severn School, Chesapeake Campus (Only for second, third, fourth grade applicants)
- December 18, 2026 - Financial Aid Application due for Current Families
- January 4, 2027 - Application Deadline
- January 9, 2027 - ISEE Test Administered at Severn School
- January 15, 2027 - Recommendations, Testing and Transcripts Due
- January 15, 2027 - Financial Aid Application due for New Families
- February 18, 2027 - Enrollment Decisions Released
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Pre-school-Grade 1: Admission Process
COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
Once you are ready to apply, you will complete the Online Application (this includes a $60 application fee). The application deadline for the 2027-28 school year is January 4, 2027.
REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS
For students applying for kindergarten and first grade, records from their current school are required. This is all done electronically. Once you apply online, login and go to the checklist. Click on the Transcript Request button and email the request directly to your child's current school after the first term of the current year. Transcripts must be submitted directly to Severn School.
REQUEST TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONSPreschool-Grade 1: If your child is enrolled now, or has been enrolled in a previous school, or daycare, we request a teacher recommendation for all students applying. Once you apply online, login and go to the admission checklist. Click on the “Teacher Recommendation” button and email the request directly to your child's teacher after the first term of the current year.
CLASSROOM VISITSAll applicants are required to participate in a classroom observation of their current grade level. Ms. Sue Richburg will provide more details.
Please note: All applicants for Preschool and Prekindergarten must be potty trained by the start of school.
CONVERSATION WITH ADMISSION REPRESENTATIVESo we may learn more about your child/children, a conversation with an Admission Officer is scheduled for all parents. The interview will be conducted during the same time that your child is visiting with us.
TESTINGApplicants entering Preschool through First Grade will complete an assessment that will be administered at the Lower School during their visit with us. Ms. Sue Richburg will provide more details for each grade level.DECISIONS
To be considered for regular admissions Transcripts, Recommendation, Conversation, Testing/Assessments, and Classroom Visits must be completed no later than January 15, 2027 for our Admission Committee to review. When reviewing our applicant pool, The Admission Committee gives first consideration to prospective students of siblings, alumni, and faculty. Decisions are released on February 18. -
Grades 2-5: Admission Process
COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
Once you are ready to apply, you will complete the Online Application (this includes a $60 application fee). The application opens on September 3. The application deadline for the 2027-28 school year is January 4, 2027.
REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS
This is all done electronically. Once you apply online, login and go to the checklist. Click on the Transcript Request button and email the request directly to your child's current school after the first term of the current year. Transcripts must be submitted directly to Severn School.
REQUEST TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONSGrades 2-5: Once you apply online, login and go to the application checklist. Click on the “Teacher Recommendation” button and email the request directly to your child's teacher after the first term of the current year.
CLASSROOM VISITSAll applicants are required to participate in a classroom observation of their current grade level. Ms. Sue Richburg will provide more details.
CONVERSATION WITH ADMISSION REPRESENTATIVESo we may learn more about your child/children, a conversation with an Admission Officer is scheduled for all parents. The interview will be conducted during the same time that your child is visiting with us.
TESTINGApplicants entering Second through Fourth Grade are required to complete an Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). The test will be administered at Severn on Saturday, December 5. Information on how to register will be provided from the Admission Office.Applicants entering Fifth Grade should complete the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) by Friday, January 15, 2027. There are several testing options available, including online, paper-based, and at-home administrations. If you opt totake the test on a scheduled test date, these tests do not have to be taken at Severn, and may be taken at any school offering the exam. However, you must request on the registration form that the results be forwarded to Severn. Our school code for the ISEE is 21095. In-person testing registration closes three weeks prior to the testing date, and many test sites will fill up so please register early. Walk-ins are accepted, space permitting, although there is an additional fee.DECISIONS
To be considered for regular admissions Transcripts, Recommendation, Conversation, Testing/Assessments, and Classroom Visits must be completed no later than January 15, 2027 for our Admission Committee to review. When reviewing our applicant pool, The Admission Committee gives first consideration to prospective students of siblings, alumni, and faculty. Decisions are released on February 18. -
Grades 6-12: Admission Process
Read MoreCOMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION
Once you are ready to apply, you will complete the Online Application (this includes a $60 application fee). The application for 2027-28 opens on September 3. The application deadline for the 2027-28 school year is January 4, 2027.
Please note that the application is a multi-part process and interviews and class visits will not be scheduled until the online application has been submitted. We strongly recommend that prospective students participate in a class visit (Shadow Day) in order to better understand what it's like to be a Severn Admiral. There is a fixed number of these class visits available and they will fill up, so we encourage families who are applying to submit the online application as soon as possible so that we may proceed with planning a personalized and meaningful visit.REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS
For students applying for grades 6-12, records from their current school are required. This is all done electronically. Once you apply online, login and go to the checklist. Click on the Transcript Request button and email the request directly to your child's current school after the first term of the current year. Transcripts must be submitted directly to Severn School. Transcripts must be received no later than January 15, 2027.
REQUEST TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
For students applying for grades 6-12, two teacher recommendations are required - one from your child's current English teacher and one from your child's current Math teacher to be submitted directly to Severn School. This is all done electronically. Once you apply online, login and go to the checklist. Click on the Teacher Recommendation button and email the requests directly to your child's teachers after the first term of the current year. Recommendations must be submitted directly to Severn School online. Recommendations must be received no later than January 15, 2027.
SCHEDULE INTERVIEW
A scheduled interview is required of all applicants. This is a casual conversation that allows time for us to learn more about your family, your child and your expectations.
If your child is joining us for a class visit, the interviews will be scheduled for that day. Once we receive your application, an admission officer will contact you to arrange a date and time.
TESTING
Applicants should complete the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) by January 15, 2027. There are several testing options available, including online, paper-based, and at-home administrations. If you opt to take the test on a scheduled test date, these tests do not have to be taken at Severn, and may be taken at any school offering the exam. However, you must request on the registration form that the results be forwarded to Severn. Our school code for the ISEE is 210945. Click here to learn more about testing options and for registration. In-person testing registration closes three weeks prior to the testing date, and many test sites will fill up so please register early. Walk-ins are accepted, space permitting, although there is an additional fee.
The ISEE Test will be administered at Severn School on November 14, 2026 and January 9, 2027.DECISIONS
To be considered for regular admissions Transcripts, Recommendation, Conversation, Testing/Assessments, and Classroom Visits must be completed no later than January 15, 2027 for our Admission Committee to review. When reviewing our applicant pool The Admission Committee gives first consideration to prospective students of siblings, alumni, and faculty. Decisions are released on February 18.
12th GRADE
Please note that it is highly unusual for Severn School to consider admission to a student entering twelfth grade. If there are extenuating circumstances surrounding a student entering their senior year, we recommend that you contact the Admission Team directly to discuss.
