A Parent’s Guide to the Private School Admissions Process

When you search for information on getting into private schools, you'll often see a general outline that includes researching schools, completing applications, and participating in assessments and interviews. This usually involves submitting academic records, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores, along with interviews for both students and parents.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Research and Selection:

Identify schools: Begin by researching schools that align with your child's needs and your family's values.

Visit schools: Attend open houses and tours to experience the school environment firsthand.

Understand the process: Be aware that each school has its own specific application requirements and timelines.

2. Application Process:

Online Application: Most schools use online platforms for applications, where you'll provide information about the student, their academic history, and extracurricular activities.

Essays: Both students and parents may need to write essays to highlight the student's personality, interests, and goals, as well as the family's perspective.

Standardized Tests: Many schools require standardized tests like the SSAT or ISEE to assess academic readiness.

Letters of Recommendation: These letters from teachers or mentors offer insights into the student's academic performance and character.

Interviews: Interviews with students and parents allow the school to assess the student's personality and provide an opportunity for your family to learn more about the school.

3. Assessment and Decision:

Admission Assessment: Some schools may require additional assessments to evaluate a student's strengths and weaknesses.

Financial Aid: If needed, apply for financial aid and scholarships as early as possible.

Review and Decision: Schools review all application materials and typically make admissions decisions in the spring.

Beyond the Basics: Key Factors to Consider

While this information is a solid guide to what to expect from schools, we believe there are a few other important factors your family should also consider throughout your search for the appropriate school for your child.

1) As a parent, do you feel confident that you can place your trust in the people you encountered during your school visits and throughout your admissions process?

If not, perhaps you can seek out additional meetings or opportunities to know the teachers, coaches, and school leadership a bit better.

2) Was it clear to you that your child will be a good fit for the school's academic curriculum, extra-curricular offerings, and culture?

If you haven't already, it may be helpful for your child to shadow classes with current students or talk with members of the school community about their experiences at the school. These less-formatted interactions and conversations will likely offer deeper insights into the school experience for you and your child.

3) Based on what you are seeing, hearing, and experiencing, does it seem like the school will deliver the value you are expecting?

Again, if you need to ask clarifying questions about class size, academic outcomes, school safety, etc., be sure you dig into these topics so they are thoroughly addressed to your satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

We encourage you to follow the admissions process(es), stay inquisitive, trust your instincts, respect your child's reality, and decide if you want to wholeheartedly pursue admission to "that" school or seek out other schools that may be a better fit for you and your budding superstar!