Tough questions. But they are the same questions all of us parents must face when we begin to look for a school. Here's how to proceed.
1. Hire an educational consultant
In Michelle's case she has access to plenty of advice and experts on DC private schools. You and I can have the same kind of expert advice by hiring an educational consultant. Since your child's happiness and future success is at stake, pay the fee and hire a professional educational consultant. You will appreciate the sage counsel and experience which this professional brings to the table. You can find a qualified consultant on the IECA site. Or ask a trusted attorney or other professional for the name of a consultant in your community.
2. Make a list of schools you like.
I am sure Michelle didn't have too much time to spend on this step. Besides, with her girls in one of Chicago's top prep schools she probably asked which schools would offer a similar kind of education and philosophy so that Sasha and Malia would have the smoothest of transitions. After all they are changing schools in the middle of the year. That's never easy to pull off.
For you and me making lists of schools is the fun part of the process. Most private schools have websites with great photos and tours. So you and your child can surf the Internet together and find plenty of schools to consider. It is a very efficient way of making that first cut. I recommend saving the schools to your Favorites as you find them. It will make a serious discussion of each school easier later on. Private School Finder has thousands of schools for you to look at.
It is really important that you and your child understand each other's needs when it comes to choosing a school. By all means, guide the process. But don't impose your ideas on your child. Otherwise she's not going to buy into the idea of going to a private school or will be resistant to the school you think is right for her. Michelle did exactly that on November 18 as she took the girls on a tour of the schools she thinks will be a good fit for them.
Discuss the schools on your list with your consultant. She will know what your chances of acceptance are for each school on your list. Then make a short list[/link of 3 to 5 schools. Most likely your consultant will recommend choosing at least one [link url=http://privateschool.about.com/od/secondaryschools/g/safeschool.htm]safe school. Heed her counsel concerning applying to the more competitive schools. They really are competitive.
3. Visit the schools on your short list.
This is critical.You simply cannot rely on the opinions of others or a website to tell what a school is really like. Also schedule an overnight visit for your child whenever possible. It will give her a good feel for her prospective new home away from home. Michelle visited the schools on her short list. As a parent concerned for her daughters' happiness and educations, she wanted to see for herself exactly what makes these school tick and why they would be good choices.
Make sure you personally visit and inspect each school on your list. The schools want to meet you and interview your child. But you need to meet the admissions staff and ask them questions too. It is very much a two way street. Do not be intimidated by the interview.
5. Prepare for the admissions test and submit your applications timely.
Your child may be extremely smart, even gifted. But if she has not taken a couple of practice admissions tests, she will not shine on the real test. Test preparation is important. It will give her that edge she needs. Don't skip this step. The Obama daughters more than likely had some kind of placement testing to see where they would fit in.
Submit all applications materials on time. Competitive schools will have application deadlines. Stick to these. In fact, wherever possible, submit your materials a week or two early. Mid-year admissions are always customized and expedited to meet the special needs of the children being admitted. Michelle Obama did not have to meet the normal deadlines because of this. But if it were you and I applying for next fall, then deadlines must be adhered to.
Don't forget to apply for financial aid. Almost every private school offers some kind of financial aid package. Be sure to ask if you feel that you will need assistance. I doubt that financial aid was an issue with the Obamas.
Conclusion
Once you have submitted your applications, that's pretty much it. Now all you have to do is to wait. Acceptance letters are sent out in March. You need to respond by an April deadline. If your child is wait listed, don't panic. You shouldn't have to wait too long to hear one way or the other.
As you can see, the process of choosing a school is the same regardless of whether you are the First Family or ordinary folks like you and me.
