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Finding a Private School
Part II of a two part series

The Application Process
If you are searching for an independent or private school, we know you're looking for more than just a good school: you're looking for the right school for your child. The following information is the second part of a two part article concerning evaluating schools and proceeding through the application process. We hope you find it useful in making an informed decision about your child's education and your child's future.

The Admission Process
Independent and private schools are as concerned about their students' welfare and success as you are. They want to be sure that the match between your child and the school is a good one. After you visit several schools, create a “short list” of those you wish to pursue. Complete each selected school's application form, triggering the rest of the admission process. Most schools require a complete application file before making a decision. The following items are typically required:
a completed application form
the most recent academic transcript with grades
past standardized testing results
teacher recommendations
results of a standardized admission test and/or a school-administered entrance exam
notes from a formal interview with your child*
Depending on the applicant's age, some independent or private schools may ask for other materials, such as:
parent statements
student writing samples
student artwork/portfolios
specialized testing (e.g. results of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)
Remember, all independent and private schools have slightly different admission procedures, so review each school's requirements carefully. Do not miss individual school application deadlines, but if you do, don't panic. There are many fine schools that continue to admit students throughout the academic year and during the summer months.

Standardized Test Services (for entrance into grades 6-12)

Below are two of the most commonly used standardized admission tests; however many schools prefer using their own entrance exams.

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
Educational Records Bureau
Lincoln Center
140 West 65th Street
New York, New York 10023
1-800-446-0320

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
The Secondary School Admission Test Board
12 Stockton Street
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
(609) 683-4440

*Elementary schools often require other forms of evaluation, such as teacher observations, school administered group tests, and/or individual diagnostic tests for young children. These methods offer a more useful measurement of a child's readiness, intelligence, and developmental abilities.

Financial Facts
In recent years, independent and private schools have successfully opened their doors to students of many economic backgrounds. While financing a child's education is still considered primarily the family's responsibility, schools have increasingly provided various options to help make an education more affordable. Schools are glad to include financial aid information in their first mailing, so be sure to ask for it. When you visit, ask any remaining questions. And be careful to watch for financial aid application deadlines, just as you watch for admission and testing deadlines!
Most independent and private schools use the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) to assess a family's ability to contribute to their child's education. Many also request some certification of family finances, usually federal tax returns. Schools use the difference between their tuition and fees and your resources to determine financial need. Grants can range from small amounts up to full tuition, depending on the availability of funds.
Many schools also offer payment plans and loan programs to help families balance tuition and other financial obligations. Indeed, in recent years, a greater number of families are financing tuition through a combination of financial aid, monthly payment plans, and loans. If you do not qualify for direct financial aid, or if the school grant does not meet your needs, consider one of these other options.
While most assistance comes in the form of need-based aid, some schools also offer merit awards. Quite often, these awards are offered to students demonstrating a certain skill or talent desired by the school. Information about merit awards is available through the admission office. Remember that the school's financial aid officer is there to help. Don't hesitate to ask as many questions and explore as many options as necessary.

The Decision
Admission officers take many factors into consideration before making a decision on each applicant. Among the factors influencing your child's candidacy are the following:

results of standardized tests
personal insights from your child's essay
impressions gathered from the formal interview with your child
your alumni connections to the school
your sibling or other connections to the school
your child's potential contribution to the life of the school
number of applicants and number of spaces available
past academic performance and previous school records
recommendations from teachers/counselors
Special strengths and talents (academic, artistic, etc.)
Keep in mind that no independent or private school weighs factors in the same way, or follows the exact list printed above. While one school may highly value your child's achievement record, another might be impressed by his or her theatrical talents. It is a good idea to ask about the most important factors influencing the schools admission decisions during your visits.
While some schools notify all families on March 10, others offer rolling admission and will give you a decision once your child's application file is complete. When you receive word about your child's acceptance, you should also learn about financial aid awards. If the grant you receive does not meet your needs, or if you are not awarded any aid, contact the school's financial aid officer to learn about other options.

Your Choice
With each school's decision in hand, it is time to make your choice. While there are no hard and fast rules to guarantee your child and an individual school will be the perfect match, most families advise the following: Follow your heart. Discuss your decision as a family and revisit your wish list one last time to ensure your priorities have been met. In the end, you must feel assured that your child will not only develop but also thrive in the independent or private school community he or she joins. If you aren't entirely sure, consider a second visit to the school, meeting a few teachers, or talking to current families or alumni.
Whatever you decide, make your decision within the time frame set by the schools and inform all schools of your final decision. Often, other candidates are on waiting lists, anxious to learn whether a space will become available. Therefore, prompt responses are not only polite but also important. Once you return a signed enrollment contract together with a tuition deposit, your family will be considered part of the school community. Many schools offer “big brother and big sister” programs for incoming students who would like to communicate with currently enrolled peers; some schedule special gatherings in order to introduce new families to currently enrolled ones.