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Tour, Tour, Tour!

September 20, 2015 by Eleanor Munson, PhD

The inspiration for the title comes from a long-time principal of a North Dallas private school (now retired) who closed every holiday and end-of-school program with, ‘now remember’…. to which the kids would chime in … ‘read, read, read!’

My message today is ‘tour, tour, tour!’ If you ask me what the single most important thing you can do during the admissions process is, I would say to tour schools. Hearing about a school from a friend or reading through a website can’t compare to setting foot in the school. You will leave with concrete information, but I believe it’s the little things you notice that add up to give you the feeling that your child would be happy, or not, at a particular school.

Early fall is the prime time to go to private school open houses, coffees, tours, etc. Though many schools offer evening tours, if at all possible, try and go during the school day when you can walk into the classrooms, peek into the lunchroom, and watch the kids moving through the hallways between classes. So make your list and get started!

*For a monthly schedule of tour dates, check the private school tour schedule.

© Eleanor Munson, PhD. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Eleanor Munson, PhD is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Eleanor Munson, PhD with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

5 Tips as You Gear Up for Dallas’s Private School Admissions Season

August 30, 2015 by Eleanor Munson, PhD

The school year has started, and if you’re considering a private school for ’16-’17, it’s time to start preparing. I’ve put together some tips for the best way to get started.

Start researching schools now. Spend time looking through private school websites to start narrowing your list of possible schools. You’ll learn a lot by reviewing the curriculum and school handbook (most schools have both online though you may have to do some searching).
Use my private school tour schedule to plan your 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.
Drive the route. As you’re making your list, it’s a good idea to drive back and forth to the schools during the morning and afternoon carpool time. If the trip requires a very long commute, you may decide it’s not the right school for your family.
Consider your budget. Tuition varies dramatically among schools. Start thinking about your family’s finances and decide on a range that works for you. Or, you may want to consider financial aid.
Plan to attend the Dallas Private School Preview. The private school preview this year is Sunday, September 13th, from 1 to 3 pm at St. Mark’s School of Texas. Immediately following the preview, from 3:15-4:15 pm, the Admissions directors of the Independent Schools Admission Association of Dallas will participate in a moderated panel discussion entitled Navigating the Independent Private School Admission Process. Read my post to learn more about this informative event.

If you need help forming your list, want to discuss private schools or the admissions process, don’t hesitate to contact me for assistance! Good luck!

Making the Most of Summer Vacation

May 2, 2015 by Eleanor Munson, PhD

So how do you help your children make the most of summer vacation? I believe in having downtime, just unscheduled, lazy days. Kids work hard during the school year, both in and out of the classroom, and deserve some periods with nothing planned or going on. To me, that’s summer.

However, it doesn’t have to be all or none. Involving your child in experiences that will enrich them, stretch them, educate them, etc. is important as well. There can be a balance between scheduled and unscheduled time. Summer is also a good time to help kids with skills that may be weak. Here are some suggestions.

Preschoolers
In addition to plenty of unstructured time indoors and out, think about –

Story hour at the library (or bookstore) – for fun and to encourage a love of reading.
An art class – to stimulate creativity.
Swimming lessons – for fun, safety, and exercise.

Elementary Students
Study habits learning in these early school years stay with kids throughout high school and college. Consider –

A study skills class or tutor – if your child loses assignments, forgets to turn papers in, or has an unruly, disorganized notebook.
A summer reading program through the library – to help kids complete their summer reading and reduce screen time.

Middle Schoolers
As your child moves toward high school, help him find two or three activities that enjoys and can focus on it high school. To do this, sign up for –

One or more summer classes or camps – that look fun and interesting to them. Kids this age are old enough to pick their activities.

High Schoolers
Summers ‘count’ more as colleges like to see engaged, active students. Some possibilities might include –

Community service – Most schools let students begin their community service requirements for the next school year in the summer.
Scout badges or projects – Summer is a great time to plan or carry out Eagle or Gold projects.
SAT prep – It’s easier to prep without the demands of school.
A job – When I was in high school, most of my friends had summer jobs. Now it seems like the opposite is true. A job offers so many valuable life lessons.

I’ll leave the comments open… What do you suggest to make summer productive?

Dallas Private School Admissions, Tips For Where You Are Right Now

April 12, 2015 by Eleanor Munson, PhD

As May approaches, I’m seeing families in various stages of the private school admissions process. I’ve already consulted with a number of ‘early birds,’ families getting a jump on admissions for the 2016-2017 school year. I’ve visited with anxious families whose children are on waiting lists. And I’ve also talked with families who have decided on a school, put down their deposit, and just want to converse (and ask questions) about their child’s new school. Regardless of where you are on this journey, I have some suggestions as you move forward.

If Your Child is on a Waiting List…

Sit tight. Financial aid offers go out on May 1st and families have 1 week to accept a private school’s offer. There is usually movement around this time, as schools go to their waiting lists to fill open spots.

If Your Child Still Needs a Spot for this Fall…

Call me. Some private schools have rolling admissions. Others have grades with openings. I can help identify a private school that meets your child’s needs.

If Your Child Has a Spot for this Fall…

Sign your child up for a class or camp at their new school. A summer class or camp is a great way for a child to get acclimated to the campus, potentially meet some teachers and classmates, and feel more comfortable on the first day of school.

If You’re Looking for a Private School for Fall 2016…

Have your child try a camp or class at one or more of the schools you’re considering. While it’s not the same as attending the school, it will likely give him (and you) a taste of the school which will help you narrow your choices.
Make a list of the schools you’re considering. Then spend some time acquainting yourself with those schools by reading through their websites and following them through social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
Make a list of the testing that required for each school, and if appropriate, begin researching possible prep options.

If you decide you need assistance now or next fall, please feel free to contact me, and I’ll help you identify some good educational options for your child.

Top Strategies Once You Receive Your Child’s Private School Admission Decisions

March 3, 2015 by Eleanor Munson, PhD

For parents applying their children to private schools, this Friday can’t come soon enough. The last weeks have most likely been filled with anticipation and anxiety; waiting for a phone call this week if your child is an alumna or sibling or if not, an email Friday afternoon or letter Saturday. You’ve played out the various possibilities in your mind, “what if he gets into Good Shepherd, but not Parish?” or the nightmare of every parent “what if he doesn’t get in anywhere?”

But March 18th is here…..and you’ve gotten the email…..and now you know. Here are five potential scenarios to prepare for and some guidance on what to do for each. Know that I am here for you every step of the way. Call or email me if you need any assistance in the coming weeks.

Option #1: Your child gets into your top choice

The best possible news! Congratulations!! Take a minute to breathe a sigh of relief and relax. Then pay close attention to the deadline date the school has given you.

What to do: Be sure to respond with your acceptance, fill out any necessary paperwork, include your deposit, and get it to the school prior to the deadline. If you don’t reply in a timely manner, your child’s spot will almost certainly be given to a child who was waitlisted.

Option #2: Your child gets into multiple schools and you have to choose

It’s wonderful to have choices…..but it’s difficult to have choices. Spend the next week thinking through the pro’s and con’s of each school. It might help to make lists so you can go back and recall your decision points.

What to do: When spring break is over, contact the schools you are deciding between and ask to observe in the classroom. In my experience, you will have a good feel for what school is best for your child if you sit through a morning or afternoon in the classroom. If you have particular concerns, you may want to visit by phone or in person with the admissions counselor of head of the school to get their opinion of how your child will “fit” into their school.

Option #3: Your child gets into several schools, but is wait-listed at your top choice

Though you may be disappointed, this is a good situation to be in. You have options. If you researched your private school options carefully and applied where you felt your child would be successful, then your decision should be easy. Responding “yes” to the acceptance is a no-brainer. You have the choice of waiting to hear from the school where your child is wait-listed, which is a gamble.

What to do: It is generally a wiser decision to accept admission to a school where your child has been accepted. Remember – a bird in the hand…. There are no guarantees of admission when you are wait-listed. It is safer to put a deposit down where you have a spot and consider forfeiting the deposit if you get in at the top choice later.

Option #4: You received NO acceptances but are on several waitlists

Don’t panic! It isn’t the end of the world, but it is time to re-strategize.

What to do: Call the school(s) where your child was wait-listed and let them know of your continued interest and that you would be very pleased to have your child accepted to their school. Do not make repeated calls and pester the admissions people. You risk annoying them which could jeopardize your chance to come off the wait list. Realize that there is a lot of movement in the weeks after letters are mailed out as families make their decisions and spots open up. The days of waiting will be stressful, but may end up paying off.

Option #5: Your child was rejected at all the schools you applied to

What to do: First,breathe. Go somewhere where you can be alone. Many mothers I know have cried upon receiving bad news – it is normal. However, if at all possible, cry, yell or hit your pillow in private. It is best to approach your child with the news when you are less emotional so they don’t feel like they have failed you.

Once you are past the emotion, get into high gear. You need a plan. Start by looking at smaller schools that have rolling admissions, magnet or charter schools in your district, and/or your local public school. Sometimes districts will allow parents to petition to attend another public school in their district that is outside the boundary lines. Start the visit and application process as quickly as you can. Another option: This may sound extreme, but some parents will consider distance learning (online school), homeschooling, or finding a tutor to work with their child.

NET NET: Just remember as you open your email this week, that everything will be OK in the end. There are many schools where your child can learn and thrive. If you don’t get the acceptances you are hoping for, make an appointment with the admissions counselor and listen to what they have to say. Your child may be a good candidate for their school, they just may not have had enough spots. You may be encouraged to try again next year. Or maybe it isn’t the best place for your child and you need to look elsewhere. Either way, remember that your child’s future will not be determined by where they go to school next year. And best of luck!

originally posted March, 2011