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Junior High Admissions

Applying to Seventh Grade

Thank you for choosing our junior high school!

We are thrilled that you are interested in applying to Abbott Lawrence Academy (ALA)'s Junior High School. 

We offer students in Lawrence an opportunity previously unavailable to most: the chance to experience a rich and rewarding honors education in the tradition of the most prestigious independent schools in the country, free of charge. ALA provides equal opportunity to all students in the city, leveling the playing fields for Lawrence students who want to accelerate their learning. ALA promises a first-of-its-kind experience: the personalization of an accelerated academic program combined with access to the robust enrichment programs. The result is a school that challenges its students every day and ultimately prepares them for high school and beyond.

Application Deadline

December 16, 2026

How does the admissions process work for junior high school?

Admissions for Abbott Lawrence Academy Junior High School is open to current Lawrence Public School sixth graders. ALA admits up to 100 students for seventh grade annually. Students must complete the application process in its entirety to be considered for admission. Through our rigorous evaluation process, only applicants who meet our criteria will be placed into a qualified lottery pool. Final selection is determined by the admissions lottery. 

Students who are admitted in seventh grade will be guaranteed admission to ninth grade at Abbott Lawrence Academy upon successful completion of eighth grade.

Stage 1

Recommendations

Applicants need to ask their current Math and English teachers to each fill out a recommendation form on their behalf.

Teacher recommendations must be submitted by the application deadline date.

Stage 2

Preparation

It is strongly recommended that applicants prepare their short answers ahead of time and have the relevant information below ready before filling out their application. 

  • Student ID (lunch number)
  • School Counselor name and e-mail
  • Sixth Grade Math Teacher name and e-mail
  • Sixth Grade English Teacher name and e-mail

Stage 3

Apply

Applicants must complete an online application to apply to Abbott Lawrence Academy.

By applying, all applicants authorize Abbott Lawrence Academy to contact their school to confirm/request release of attendance, grades, discipline records, IEP, 504, and other related documentation needed for enrollment. 

Stage 4

Admissions Lottery

Following the application due date, student applications, transcripts, NWEA MAP testing scores, and teacher recommendations will be reviewed as part of our holistic and rigorous evaluation process. Only applicants who meet our criteria will be placed into our qualified lottery pool. 

Please note that applying does not guarantee a spot in the admissions lottery.

LPS Students Only

Abbott Lawrence Academy's Junior High School is currently accepting applications exclusively from 7th-grade students within the Lawrence Public Schools system.

Things to Have Ready Before Applying

  • School Counselor name and e-mail
  • STEM Teacher name and e-mail
  • Humanities Teacher name and e-mail

Additional Things for Lawrence Public Schools Students

  • School ID

Ask Your Teachers to Fill Out Your Recommendation Forms

ELA Recommendation Form

Prospective seventh grade students must ask their current English Language Arts (ELA)/English teacher to complete this Humanities Recommendation Form.

As a reminder, these recommendation forms are not sent to recommenders automatically once the application has been submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant and their family to provide their teacher with the link to this form.

Humanities Recommendation Form
Short link to copy:
https://tinyurl.com/ALAHumRecFall26

Math Recommendation Form

Prospective seventh grade students must ask their current Math teacher to complete this STEM Recommendation Form.

As a reminder, these recommendation forms are not sent to recommenders automatically once the application has been submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant and their family to provide their teacher with the link to this form.

STEM Recommendation Form
Short link to copy:
https://tinyurl.com/ALASTEMFallRec26

All recommendations must be filled out and submitted by the Application Deadline Date.

Junior High School Short Answer Questions

Applicants are encouraged to prepare responses to the questions listed below before beginning their applications. Applications must be completed in a single sitting.

All responses to the questions below should be roughly 5 - 7 sentences. Responses are limited to 1,000 characters.

  1. Why do you want to attend ALA? What are you most excited about and why? Please provide specific examples that pertain to ALA in your response.

  2. Describe a project or activity (does not have to be school related) that you are passionate about. What have you learned from your involvement?

Junior High School Applications Are Now Open

Admissions for School Year 2027 - 2028
students wearing uniform and discussing a project with each other next to a half bookshelf filled with books

Abbott Lawrence Academy (ALA) is proud to launch its very first Junior High School, creating a seamless pathway all the way from 7th to 12th grade!

ALA Junior High School provides challenging, accelerated academics, enriching experiences, and a supportive community—preparing their students to thrive in high school and beyond.

Ready to start your journey?
Press the button below to apply today!
Junior High School Application

2027

Junior High Founded

100

Available Seats Per Year