Featured: Published October 12, 2008
Choosing a boarding or private day school is a process involving several steps. Fortunately for you and me the Internet makes the first step a whole lot easier. Sites like Boarding School Review and Private School Review take the work out of finding schools. Use our Applications Calendar to keep you organized.
Step 1: Identify Schools
Let your imagination and wishes run wild at this stage. Look at any and every school which catches your fancy. Take time to really explore each school's web site. Many of them have excellent video tours. Read what the students have to say about their school. Both Boarding School Review and Private School Review have student comments. Many school web sites have comments as well, although you probably will find that those comments are pretty positive. Boarding School Review and Private School Review do not filter student comments.
Bookmark school web addresses or swipe and paste the URLs into a spreadsheet. That makes the next step in the process really easy. You should end up with a list of 15-20 schools, but don't worry if you have more than that.
And don't worry at this stage about which school is the best one for your child. More about how to deal with that question later.
Step 2: Narrow Your List
This is one of the more time consuming parts of the process of choosing a private school. Why? Because you need to sit down with your child and discuss each school on the list. That's why having your list on a spreadsheet is such a good idea. As you work through the list, you can code the schools which will end up on your short list. The short list should be between 3-5 schools.
So, how exactly do you whittle down your original list of 15-20 schools? By asking lots of questions.
Answer these questions and you will see at once how schools which were on your original list are no longer in the running.
The next question you have to consider is much tougher. "Are you a good match for what the school is looking for?" Please understand that there's a lot more to that question than appears at first glance. After all, how do you know what the school is looking for anyway? Yes, you can read the web site and explore the catalog in detail. But what are they really looking for? That's the main reason why you need to hire an educational consultant. Your professional educational consultant can match what you offer against what she knows individual schools are looking for. What if you decide not to hire an educational consultant? Well, of course, you can go that route. But then you will never know with any certainty what your child's chances are until the acceptance letters come out in March.
Your educational consultant will help you develop a list of schools which will include one safe school and one school which is a real reach. The other 2 or 3 in the middle will be schools at which you stand a very good chance of being accepted.
Step 3: Visit Schools
You simply cannot skip this important step. Visiting schools on your short list takes time. But tied in with the campus visit is the interview. The interview is your chance to really assess whether the school is a good fit for your child and your requirements. After all the school is going to assume a vital role in shaping your young person's future in so many ways. You need to get this part right. The only way to do it is to visit the school and ask lots of questions. Find out what is being taught and how it is being taught. Find out more about the teachers and how qualified they are. Use our Checklist for Comparing Schools to keep track of all your data.
Step 4: Admissions Testing
Most schools use the SSAT and/or the ISEE which are standardized admissions tests. There will also be an essay and a few other bits of writing which you and your child will have to do. A word of advice about standardized tests: make sure your child has plenty of practice. Don't leave that practice to the last minute.
Step 5: Apply and Pay for it
Most schools have online applications which simplify the process. Some schools use a common application form. Download these materials in September so that you can hand out the teacher recommendation forms and get those taken care of early in the fall.
If you cannot afford to pay all or any of the tuition and related school expenses, then be sure to file the financial aid request forms in good time. These are a detailed review of your finances included tax returns and other supporting documentation. Most private schools offer generous financial aid packages. Some even offer a free education if your family meets certain means tests.
That's all there is to it. Our best advice? Start early. Stay organized.
Step 1: Identify Schools
Let your imagination and wishes run wild at this stage. Look at any and every school which catches your fancy. Take time to really explore each school's web site. Many of them have excellent video tours. Read what the students have to say about their school. Both Boarding School Review and Private School Review have student comments. Many school web sites have comments as well, although you probably will find that those comments are pretty positive. Boarding School Review and Private School Review do not filter student comments.
Bookmark school web addresses or swipe and paste the URLs into a spreadsheet. That makes the next step in the process really easy. You should end up with a list of 15-20 schools, but don't worry if you have more than that.
And don't worry at this stage about which school is the best one for your child. More about how to deal with that question later.
Step 2: Narrow Your List
This is one of the more time consuming parts of the process of choosing a private school. Why? Because you need to sit down with your child and discuss each school on the list. That's why having your list on a spreadsheet is such a good idea. As you work through the list, you can code the schools which will end up on your short list. The short list should be between 3-5 schools.
So, how exactly do you whittle down your original list of 15-20 schools? By asking lots of questions.
- Do you want single sex or a coeducational school?
- Do you want to go to a small or a large school?
- Do you want to go to a religious school?
- Do you have special interests such as the arts or hockey?
- What about special needs?
- Do you want to go to a military school?
Answer these questions and you will see at once how schools which were on your original list are no longer in the running.
The next question you have to consider is much tougher. "Are you a good match for what the school is looking for?" Please understand that there's a lot more to that question than appears at first glance. After all, how do you know what the school is looking for anyway? Yes, you can read the web site and explore the catalog in detail. But what are they really looking for? That's the main reason why you need to hire an educational consultant. Your professional educational consultant can match what you offer against what she knows individual schools are looking for. What if you decide not to hire an educational consultant? Well, of course, you can go that route. But then you will never know with any certainty what your child's chances are until the acceptance letters come out in March.
Your educational consultant will help you develop a list of schools which will include one safe school and one school which is a real reach. The other 2 or 3 in the middle will be schools at which you stand a very good chance of being accepted.
Step 3: Visit Schools
You simply cannot skip this important step. Visiting schools on your short list takes time. But tied in with the campus visit is the interview. The interview is your chance to really assess whether the school is a good fit for your child and your requirements. After all the school is going to assume a vital role in shaping your young person's future in so many ways. You need to get this part right. The only way to do it is to visit the school and ask lots of questions. Find out what is being taught and how it is being taught. Find out more about the teachers and how qualified they are. Use our Checklist for Comparing Schools to keep track of all your data.
Step 4: Admissions Testing
Most schools use the SSAT and/or the ISEE which are standardized admissions tests. There will also be an essay and a few other bits of writing which you and your child will have to do. A word of advice about standardized tests: make sure your child has plenty of practice. Don't leave that practice to the last minute.
Step 5: Apply and Pay for it
Most schools have online applications which simplify the process. Some schools use a common application form. Download these materials in September so that you can hand out the teacher recommendation forms and get those taken care of early in the fall.
If you cannot afford to pay all or any of the tuition and related school expenses, then be sure to file the financial aid request forms in good time. These are a detailed review of your finances included tax returns and other supporting documentation. Most private schools offer generous financial aid packages. Some even offer a free education if your family meets certain means tests.
That's all there is to it. Our best advice? Start early. Stay organized.
- Why Boarding School?
Is boarding school right for you? Boarding schools offer a wealth of experiences in both learning and living which will do you well in later life. - 10 Top Reasons to Go to Boarding School
There are many reasons to go to boarding school. The academics, the athletics and the extracurricular activities are just a few considerations. Here are the 10 top reasons why you should go to boarding school. - 10 Facts About Boarding Schools
Here are 10 facts about boarding schools which the schools want you to know. If you are considering sending your child to boarding school, this data and information will address some of your concerns. - Boarding School DO's and DON'TS
Here are some considerations to ponder whilst choosing schools and when your child is actually away at school. - The Boarding School Glossary
Boarding schools have their own jargon just like any activity or affinity group has. - Boarding School Myths
Read about common boarding school myths in case your perception of boarding school is driven largely by popular movies and urban legend. - Boarding School Pictures
What does boarding school life look like? View photos from a variety of boarding schools and see if you can also picture yourself there. - Dr. Hank Nuwer on Hazing
We asked Dr. Hank Nuwer,a nationally recognized authority on the subject of hazing, to weigh in with his views. - International Students: Boarding School Benefits
Boarding school is appealling to both U.S. and international students. Learn why boarding school is a popular option for international students around the world. - Summer Boarding School Programs
Learn several key reasons why a summer boarding school program can be beneficial for your child. - Types of Boarding School
Explore the different types of boarding school options in the US. Find which type of boarding school is most appropriate for you. - Understanding Financial Aid
Learn how financial aid works in boarding schools. - Understanding the Post-Graduate (PG) Year
Learn about the Post-Graduate(PG) Year, and how it can benefit certain students. - When Should I Go Off to Boarding School?
When should you go off to boarding school? It depends. Most students enter prep school in 10th grade. But you have choices. - Why Do a Gap or Post-Graduate (PG) Year?
Learn why more and more students are choosing to do a gap or post graduate (PG) year at boarding school. - Schools for Students with Learning Disabilities
How to deal with a child who has a learning disability. - 5 Common Myths About Military Schools
Military schools seem to go in and out of favor with the general public. Perhaps that has to do with some rather common misconceptions about what military schools are and how they operate. Let's take a look. - 5 Reasons to Choose a Boys' School
We have been hearing a lot about the benefits of single sex education recently. Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing a boys' school for your son. - 5 Reasons To Choose a Girls' School
There is a body of research which suggests that girls do learn differently from boys. So, if that is the case, maybe you should consider a girls' school for your daughter instead of sending her off to a coed school. Here are some points to ponder. - 5 Reasons to Choose a Junior Boarding School
A junior boarding school offers certain distinct advantages for the middle school aged student. Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing this option for your child. - Benefits of a Small Boarding School
Learn about the benefits of a small boarding school. - Considering a U.S. Arts Program?
"If the arts are part of your interests and your passion, you should research each school’s available offerings. Spend time reading the school’s literature and visiting its website..." Brought to you by Boarding Schools in the USA - Girls' School Graduates Have an Edge
Exciting new research shows that a girls' boarding school can offer your daughter many advantages. - How to Apply to Boarding School
There are several ways to apply to boarding school. - I Can't Find Any Rankings!
This cry is heard throughout the land as parents try desperately to compare one boarding school against another. - Looking at Schools
"Do you like large schools or small schools? Are you most comfortable in a city, small town or countryside? Are you interested in attending a school that has a religious or military orientation? Would you like to attend a school that is only for boys or girls? These are some questions you must ask yourself before you begin your search for the right U.S. boarding school for you..." Brought to you by Boarding Schools in the USA - Quaker Education: What’s Different about a Friends School?
Learn about the benefits of attending a Quaker boarding school. - Using an Educational Consultant
An education consultant knows schools. Like any professional he has vast experience in and knowledge of his chosen field. - What About Canadian Schools?
Canadian boarding schools have a lot going for them. Great value, location in a foreign but friendly neighboring country, English speaking, fine academics, all kinds of sporting activities besides hockey and skiing and much more. - Why a Progressive School?
Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is, that is, until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody. - Teaching in a Boarding School
Teaching or working in a boarding school is quite unlike any job in a day school.
