While our main entry points are in 6th and 9th grade during the fall term, we accept applications for 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades and occasionally have openings for transfer students.
Transfer Application Process and Timing
Applications for transfer admission (and optional financial aid) are due January 8, 2026. By this date, all parts of the application—other than the interview—should be submitted.
In early February, we conduct a preliminary review of complete applications. Well-qualified candidates are then invited to campus for a Student Visit Experience and Interview.
February 24, 2026: Every transfer applicant will hear from us by email with an update on their application. Only those invited to interview at this stage will move forward in the admission process.
March 20, 2026: Admissions decisions are shared by email with all interviewed candidates.
Transfer enrollment depends on space available after our returning student enrollment period concludes in early March. After that time, applicants may be offered admission or a place in our wait pool, which remains active through the summer.
We do not consider mid-year transfer applications for any grade.
Middle School Transfer Requirements (Grades 7 and 8)
All Menlo Middle School students are enrolled in one of our four world language offerings. Due to the pace and structure of our World Language program, applicants must currently be studying one of Menlo’s offered languages—French, Mandarin, Latin, or Spanish—or be heritage Spanish speakers to apply.
Please note the following policies before applying:
All middle school transfer applicants must select a World Language on the Pre-Application Form. If admitted, students are required to study the language chosen throughout Middle School.
Applicants invited to interview in March will complete an assessment in their chosen language. We also welcome applications from heritage Spanish speakers.
Upper School Transfer Recommendations (Grades 10, 11, and 12)
Applicants must have taken courses that put them on track to meet Menlo’s graduation requirements in their remaining high school years.
Past courses should include:
English, History, and Math in each previous grade level
Chemistry (for 11th-grade transfers)
At least ONE year of a world language offered at Menlo School—either French, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish
Some progress towards Arts credits (for 11th and 12th grade applicants)
Some Health/PE classes or participation in sports (for 11th and 12th grade applicants)
Science requirements: Transfer students who have taken Biology in 9th grade will need to take Chemistry and Physics at Menlo.
Math placement: Students may be asked to take a math placement test after enrollment, as Menlo’s math curriculum may differ from their current school.
Athletics eligibility: Transfer students hoping to participate in athletics at Menlo should keep in mind that there may be eligibility restrictions under the rules of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and Central Coast Section (CCS). We strongly encourage families to review the current CIF and CCS guidelines before completing a transfer application and finalizing enrollment to understand their student-athlete’s eligibility to participate in their desired athletic programs.
MENLO SCHOOL Since 1915
