SOLVED. Grade-school novel: girl attending boarding school for children with paranormal talents; read in mid-1970s from school library; protagonist's father is dead; fire at end of book; think word "stairs" or "staircase" might have been in title [s]

[Susan]

Girl's friend talks her into applying for a scholarship for fancy boarding school. Both take test and protagonist wins scholarship while "smarter" friend does not. Girl's father is dead. She attends school and it comes to light children there have unique/paranormal talents. There is a fire at the end of the novel. I believe "stairs" or "staircase" might be in the title - but am uncertain. SPOILER ALERT: protagonist's dead father helps guide her out of the fire.

[Andria]

Sounds like Down a Dark Hall

Edit: I just pulled my copy off the shelf and confirmed the details you gave. Best friends apply for same school but only MC gets in, weird school with paranormal stuff happening, fire at the end, saved by father's ghost.

[Susan]

Oh my gosh - that's it !!! Thank you so much! I have been searching for the title for years. I really appreciate you getting back to me!

[Andria]

You're welcome! I also read it as a kid in the mid-70s and it sticks in my mind as the first book I was too scared to finish. FYI -- Lois Duncan released an "updated" version in 2011, in which the MC has a cell phone, but there's no service at the school. :D

[Susan]

I just ordered a copy of the original. I have seached for this for YEARS. It really made an impact on me as well (I think I was in 5th grade when I read it). Anyway - excited to share it with my daughter. Thank you again. I hope I can help someone else out on this site; what a great thing.