10. How do I find a school near me?
Start with our Private School Finder. This will take you to lists of private schools in your state. Many of these listings have detailed profiles. All have links to the individual schools' websites.
9. How do I get my child into a private school?
Getting into private school is a process. And you have to start the process early. It involves identifying the right school for your child. Then you have the interview, admissions tests and applications to get through. Fortunately there are plenty of resources to help you get through it successfully.
8. How do I pay for a private education?
A variety of options are available. Every parent should complete the financial aid forms. Most schools offer scholarships so that families which otherwise might not be able to afford a private education can do so. Several school offer a free education if a family makes less than $60,000-$75,000 a year.
7. How do I get my child into a school for this fall?
While most parents begin the admissions process a year or so in advance, many have no choice but to find a school at the last minute. The truth is that every school has unexpected places to fill. It's always worth a call to an educational consultant who will have a pretty good idea of which schools might have a place or two open. Also be sure to check the SCCA (Schools Currently Considering Applicants) list on the SSAT site.
6. How do I start my own school?
Depending on where you live and what schools are available, starting your own school just might be the way to go. It is not a project for the fainthearted. And it most certainly won't happen over night. But there is nothing to match the thrill of opening day of your own school. I know. I did it.
5. Should a school be accredited?
Accreditation is the educational equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. There are several nationally recognized accrediting organizations together with many organizations which claim to grant accreditation. Most schools will list the accreditation they currently hold.
4. Aren't private schools elitist?
Once upon a time private schools indeed were elitist. In most cases elitism was not a value which the founders would have found compatible with their idealistic, even altruistic, aims of educating the future leaders of this country. MAny private schools became bastions of privilege. Fortunately private schools have moved with the times and are now remarkably diverse communities as a rule.
3. Can I choose a school on my own?
Of course you can choose a school on your own. But I don't recommend doing it. Been there. Done that. It's just not worth it. Too much is at stake.
2. Why are some schools so competitive?
Several factors can make some schools very competitive. A few of the top schools accept less than 15% of their applicant pool. Some schools like Exeter and Andover are simply world-famous for their excellent academics, their superb sports and their generous financial aid programs. Like Harvard and Yale they receive far more applicants than they possibly can accept. Sometimes local market conditions can create a huge demand for places in a day school. The most competitive schools certainly offer a fine education. But they aren't the only game in town. That's why it's so important to use a consultant to identify schools which offer everything you are looking for in a private school but are not so competitive.
1. Which is the best school in....?
It is the question which parents ask most often. The reason why is because you cannot rank private schools. Each school is unique. So the way you find the best school is to look for a school or schools which fit your needs and the needs of your child. Get the fit right and you will have success and, most importantly, a happy child.
You might also want to scan Reader's Comments And Emails as well as review the discussions in the Private Schools Forum.
