Step 1
Begin with Private School Web Sites . This is a collection of about 2,000 private schools which have their own Web sites. I have grouped the schools by country, by speciality, by state and so on. Make your list of schools in the location which you desire. Be sure to include the email and snail mail addresses, as well as phone numbers, to save time later.

If you don't find what you want, look under School Directories. This is a comprehensive listing of private school associations and directories both in the United States and abroad.

Two commercial print publications are also available: Peterson's Private Schools or Bunting & Lyons Blue Book.

How many schools should you have on your list? That really depends on your wishes and needs. I would suggest three to five is probably the maximum number which you can seriously research and conveniently visit. If a family member has attended a private school, you probably will want to include it on your list, if only to appease the relative. Other than that consideration, choose schools which offer the courses, the facilities, the location, and the nurturing which you want your child to have. 

Step 2
The next step is to order the Admissions Package. This will usually include a catalog and an application form. Phone the Admissions Office. Talk to one of the Admissions Officers. Ask lots of questions about things like student-teacher ratios, special programs, living arrangements, sports -- in short anything which concerns you and your decision about that school. Alternatively you can order the admissions package via e-mail. While e-mail is fast and anonymous, you won't have the voice contact which is such a useful way to gauge what kind of school it is. Personally, I am always impressed positively or negatively by the telephone manner and responses of the person on the other end of the line. Since I am considering entrusting my own little darling to that institution, I want to know that there are real, live, caring souls to look after her at all times!

Many schools will send you a video giving you a tour of the school. This is an excellent way of getting the feel for a school. Even though it is obviously a "perfect" view of everything the school wants you to see, it will give you a good idea of the school community and its setting. 

Step 3
One caveat, and it is just a common-sense bit of advice: be sure that at least one school on your short list is a "safe" school. Some schools are very competitive, and depending on the quality of the applicant pool that year, might not have a place for your child. To avoid disappointment, then, find out what percentage of applicants are typically accepted. Incidentally, this is where the professional educational consultant is so useful. She will usually be able to say with some assurance whether your child stands a good chance of getting into a particular school.

Step 4
When you and your child have thoroughly reviewed all the materials, eliminate the schools which don't meet your needs. Remember: the TABS' Checklist will be very useful at this stage. You should end up with a short list of three to five schools. There are no hard and fast rules in this process. Be flexible. If you end up with only two schools which meet your needs, that's fine. If the list includes half a dozen, that's fine too -- more work, but worth it!

Next step: The Tour.

Be sure to visit the Private Schools Forum before you leave! Did you sign up for your copy of the Private Schools Newsletter? It's a weekly publication which will keep you informed about the private school educational scene! Read it online too.

Rob