Are you thinking about applying your child to a Dallas private school this fall? If so, you’ve landed in the right place. And, rest assured, it’s very early in the process, so you have plenty of time to come up with a game plan. I’ve put together some tips to help get you started.
- Identify your priorities and begin making your list accordingly. Consider what’s most important to you; Single-sex? A uniform? Religious environment? Full-time school nurse? Cast a wide net and think about different types of schools (Montessori, religious, international baccalaureate, cooperative, etc.).
- Scour school websites. You’ll be surprised how much important information private schools make available on their website. It’s not uncommon for schools to publish parent/student handbooks, curriculum guides, and course catalogs. Delve in to start narrowing your list of possible schools.
- Use my Dallas private school tour schedule to put dates on the calendar for school visits. Schools typically have several events, some for parents only, some for the entire family. Be sure to follow their guidelines and rsvp, if required. I highly recommend you visit each school on your list. You can quickly rule a school in or out by simply seeing it yourself in person. Nothing can replace that experience.
- Attend the Dallas Private School Preview, September 10th, from 1-3pm at The Hockaday School and stay for either ‘Navigating the Private School Admissions Process’ or ‘Navigating the Boarding School Admissions Process’ panels afterward, at 3pm. Read more about the preview here.
- Read application instructions carefully and make a calendar or spreadsheet of deadlines, testing requirements, etc. If you’re applying to several schools, everything may overlap…or not. It’s critical to get materials in on time, so come up with a system that works for you.
If you need help forming your list or want to discuss private schools and the admissions process, please don’t hesitate to contact me for assistance. Good luck on this journey!
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