How to Choose a Private School for Your Child

For a variety of reasons, about 10 percent of school-age children in the U.S. attend private schools. If you are considering this option for your child, here are some things to consider.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Academic Counselings
• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Calendars
• Notebooks
• Writing Pens
• Personal Financial Software
• Notebooks

1. Plan ahead. Most private schools have made admissions decisions for the following school year by January of the current year.

2. Gather information. Resources such as the Association of Independent Schools maintain comprehensive lists and general descriptions of private schools in local areas. Also, be alert for semiannual school fairs.

3. Establish criteria for selection. Aim for a middle ground; standards that are too broad will not narrow the list enough to be helpful, but getting too specific at this point will unnecessarily limit your options.

4. Narrow your choices. A workable number is three to five schools.

5. Collate application materials. Each school has its own requirements, and some documentation (independent testing, for example) may take a while to gather.

6. Visit your short list of schools. Prepare a checklist of information you want to gather during the visit. You might want to schedule two visits - one for just you; one for or with your child.

7. Apply. Pay careful attention to admission requirements and deadlines, and be sure to submit any financial aid applications at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to get at least three references from any school you are seriously considering. Some of your best information will come from parents with students already enrolled at the school.
• Get financial aid information early in the process. Although each school has its own programs and policies and you cannot actually apply for financial aid until you apply for admission, tuition and other costs may be a factor in whether or not you choose a particular school.
• Listen to your child throughout the process. If he doesn't want to attend a particular school, for whatever reason, and you cannot fully overcome his objections, don't choose that school. If your child is determined to have a negative experience, he will.

on 11/22/2005 Never automatically rule out public schools. They're not all bad.