With your "wish list" in hand outlining the elements
you and your child are seeking in a private
school, you are ready to start narrowing
the list of potential school choices. If you haven't done
so already, contact each potential school for materials
dealing with philosophy, curriculum, extracurricular
offerings, admission process, and financing options.
Compare each school's literature with the items on
your list; this should give you a preliminary sense of
which schools are a good match. Take into account
what type of environment would be best for your child
and consider his or her individual strengths as you
examine each school's program. Eliminate any school
that doesn't meet a fundamental requirement - for
instance, if your child wishes to study Japanese but the
school doesn't offer this course, you may need to look
further.
Here are some questions to start with as you
look through each school's materials:
- Is the school accredited and by whom?
- What is the school's mission and does its philosophy
appeal to you?
- Does a school have a special or particular educational
focus?
- Is the atmosphere competitive? Nurturing?
- Does the school meet your child's needs?
- How large is the school and its student body?
- Where is the school located and what are your
transportation options?
- What variety of learning experiences are available at
the school in class, on the playing field, in extracurricular
activities, and in community service?
- Does the school seem to have a diverse student
body and faculty?
- Do the school materials discuss parental involvement?
- For high schools, what are the graduation requirements?
What percentage of students enter colleges
and what kind of colleges do they attend?
- What is the tuition and how flexible are the
school's financing options?
- What is the school's application process? Are
deadlines drawing near?
On your own, write down additional questions and
notes. Consider starting one sheet of paper per
school.That way, you will be able to look up questions
that are pertinent to the school you are visiting.
The Visit and Interview
Though private schools meet rigorous standards,
the differences among them are great. Admission
materials are useful but they don't always convey a
school's atmosphere. That's why a campus visit and
personal interview are crucial. When you schedule
your visit, allow enough time to get a feel for each
school. (Ask how much time you'll need for a complete
tour.) Bring your wish list and notes to the
interview and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions!
Remember, the interview is a two-way process allowing
you to find out more about a school, and helping
admission officers to better understand your child.
During the interview, take time to honestly discuss
your child's candidacy as well as to ask any unanswered
questions that may be lingering in your mind.
Here are a few to get you started:
- Is the school willing and eager to involve parents?
- How, and how often, does the school communicate
with the family?
- Do the students you see seem productive,
engaged, and happy?
- How do the teachers interact with their students?
- What will students at your child's age be expected
to study?
- What are the backgrounds and experiences of
the faculty?
- Does the school provide its teachers with opportunities
for continuing professional development?
- How does the school measure individual achievement
and progress?
- Is the campus clean, well lighted, secure?
- What kind of leadership and governance does the
school have?
- Are faculty and staff involved in decision-making
and curriculum development?
- Does what you see reflect the school's stated
mission?
- What kind of counseling and support services are
offered?
- Does the school feel like a community? Are students
interacting with teachers outside as well as
inside the classroom?
- Can you picture your child growing in this environment?
Before you leave each school, consider asking for
a list of parents you can call for personal referrals. You
may feel more comfortable if you can talk to families
experiencing the school now. As you visit schools,
keep notes on responses to your concerns. Also,
write down any additional thoughts on the day you
visit, while impressions are fresh in your mind.
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