With a new school year and admission season fast approaching, as parents, you must start to think about the year(s) ahead. Here are some important questions to ask when considering applying to private schools.
1. What is important for your child?
What type of environment is right for your child? Every child is unique, as is every school. Finding the right fit for your child should be the ultimate goal. Would a single-sex environment be beneficial? Do you want an IB school? Are there specific co-curricular programs that your child is involved in? Creating a list of what you consider important can be a helpful tool to come to realizations regarding your child’s educational path.
2.Which schools do you want to apply to?
Once you have thought about the ideal environment for your child, it is important to do your homework. In this day in age, preliminary research is right at your fingertips. Online research can give you insight into what each school is all about. Evaluate each school using your own list of criteria and don’t only consider “brand name” schools. School websites will give you an idea of what each is all about and which ones might suit your child.
3.Is this a planning year or an application year?
Once you have decided on the schools you want to apply to, you must determine when you will be applying. All schools have different entry years so you must take this into consideration. Many independent schools require about a year's lead-time, which means that you should start considering where you want to apply the summer or fall a year before you want your child to attend. This information should be available on all schools websites. Applying and gaining admission to “non-entry” years is quite difficult so knowing when to apply will be key for this process.
4. What are the next steps if it is an application year?
Once you have conducted your research and narrowed down your list to those schools which you think are the best fit, make sure you are aware of all important dates including application deadlines, interviews and assessment timing. Make sure you also plan any appropriate visits. Some schools offer tours and some offer open houses. Find out what is available and when.
5. What steps can a family take if it is not an application year?
Even if this is not the year your child will apply to a school, it is still important to show interest, as these things do not go unnoticed by Admission departments. Moreover, make sure your child is keeping up a high academic standard, as schools generally require multiple years of report cards. If your child needs any extra support, make sure you take appropriate action to help them. Involve them in activities that they enjoy and always encourage them to try new things. These planning years offer more time for your child to develop their unique story so that when the time comes to apply, they are a strong candidate.
About the Author
Amy Fisher is an admissions strategist at KEY | Admissions Strategy & Learning Enrichment. She was born into a private school family with her father being an alumnus of both Upper Canada College (UCC) and Trinity College School. While both of her brothers attended UCC where her mother is a librarian and teacher, Amy went to Havergal College, one of Canada’s top private schools for girls. She then obtained her Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University after which she spent three years as a member of the admissions team of Upper Canada College, considered by many to be Canada’s most famous private school.