So you’ve made the decision to apply your child to a private school. The process can seem daunting at the start. You know your child needs something different from what he’s experiencing now, but where do you find it? Follow these steps to get on the road to the admissions process.
Step 1 – Finding Potential Schools
There are a few places to start. First – Google Maps. Go there and enter your home address. Then click on Search Nearby and enter Private Schools. You’ll see a map with the private schools marked, and on the left sidebar will be a listing along with a link to get to each school’s website. If you click on the map and move it around, you’ll see more private schools pop up as your location moves.
Step 2 – Research
Once you have some school names, you can visit each school’s website and look at the images and learn about the curriculum and admission requirements. Consider your child’s age, gender, religious preference, etc., as you develop your school list. As you do this, make a note of the phone number on your list and bookmark the site. It will be easier in the coming months if you have an online folder with your possible schools bookmarked.
Step 3 – Request Information
If you’re planning to apply for the next fall, you can start the process now. Call or email the school and request their school packet that will include information about the school, an application, financial aid information/application, and sometimes a copy of the school’s alumnae magazine. The more time you give yourself to review the materials the better – it is NOT too early to start now. Just tell them you have a — age child, and you’re interested in learning more about their school.
Step 4: Build a calendar for school visits
I highly recommend you (or your spouse or both) visit each school on your list and take the official tour. You can quickly rule a school in or out by simply seeing it yourself in person. Nothing can replace that experience. Many of the tours fill up, and many require an RSVP, so check the dates and start building your calendar. The fall will be here before you know it, and it helps to have a plan ahead of time, so you don’t miss an opportunity because of poor planning.
If you’re having trouble with these steps or just want some additional guidance, consider contacting an educational consultant like myself. Consultants are familiar with schools and school programs and can offer information that will help you to find the best fit for your child’s education.
Hopefully, this provides a roadmap of how to get the admissions process started. Additional posts will follow that go into other details of the process…subscribe now if you’d like to have them delivered to your mailbox, and contact me for help in identifying schools to consider.
© Eleanor Munson, Ph.D. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Eleanor Munson, Ph.D. is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Eleanor Munson, Ph.D. with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
