How to Find the Right Private School

Private schools have many advantages over public schools and that's why families choose to send their children to private schools. As a school teacher for the last 10 years I have helped many families select private schools for their children. Families choose a private education for their children for many reasons, but finding the right school takes a lot of homework (and legwork). Bottom line: The process can be grueling and requires considerable time and effort. But if you research carefully and involve your child in the process, you're likely to find a program that meets his or her goals and your expectations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Discuss tuition. This factor could immediately help you focus your search for a school by eliminating many schools out of your price range. Some schools cost $20,000 or more per year, with add-ons for inclusions in sports, art programs and more. Ask about additional financial obligations such as fundraising; before- and after-school care; and coverage during holidays and summer break. Get a copy of the school calendar and note school closures. Ask how much parent involvement is required.
2. Decide between day and boarding school options. These options differ so much that it should be the first thing decided upon so that you do not waste time contemplating one while later learning that it was never an option. Decide if a particular focus suits you and your child best, such as college preparation, religious, military, athletic, artistic, linguistic or musical.
3. Gather as much information as possible about the school. Look for external sources of information. Take into consideration teacher-student ratio, staff qualifications, counseling services and standardized test scores. Examine the curriculum to determine if it meets your child's needs. Interview the director or headmaster to get a sense of the school's philosophy and vision for its students. Find out if the school is accredited and/or affiliated with any universities. Ask about the success ratio of the graduating classes in entering secondary schools, colleges or the job market.
4. Match your child's abilities and accomplishments to particular schools. For example, if you're looking at elite prep schools, a very strong academic record in middle school, strong SSAT or ISEE scores and solid extracurricular interests will form the foundation of the application. Essays and teacher recommendations are also required. Elementary school applications are less stringent, but require a parent application and at least one interview.
5. Schedule visits and interviews during school hours so you can get a feel for the student population and the structure of a typical day. Are the students happy, engaged and lively? Do the teachers seem approachable and professional? Is there a wide range of facilities for the students to enjoy?

Tips & Warnings

• Consider hiring an educational consultant to help you narrow down your search. Check the Yellow Pages under "Educational Consulting and Services."
• Start looking in April so you'll be ready to submit applications the following January for that year's fall admittance.
• If footing the bill is a hardship, apply for financial aid. Many schools provide partial funding for qualified families who cannot afford tuition.