2021 PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE
SPECIAL FEATURE
Making the Grade –
Choosing the Best Private School for Your Child
W
hen considering sending your child to a private school, it is vital to take into account various factors, especially if you have to pay a pretty penny to attend. In this day and age, it is evident that academics are getting more rigorous, standardized tests are increasingly difficult, and the pressure of college is no joke. Colleges today want a well-rounded, educated, unique students, so it is key to find a private school that will enable your child to embody these qualities.
Find a School With Good Extracurriculars
The first factor to consider should be the size of the school. It will be harder for your child to stand out in a very large class. Most colleges compare students against their class, not other schools, so this factor is very important. It will be easier for your child to stand out in a small pond than in a large sea of students. Additionally, you should ensure that there are ample extracurriculars at your selected private school that appeal to your child. Having good extracurriculars and sports teams should be a deciding factor when selecting a private school. Colleges often look to recruit athletes from well-known private schools. A wide variety of extracurriculars gives your child the option to be involved in an organization that actually interest them. Colleges want ambitious students, so leadership positions in clubs and organizations are crucial to your child’s success.
Prioritizes Academics & Education
Another factor to consider would be the passing rates of Advanced Placement (AP) and Cambridge’s Advanced International 22 / April 2021 / OurCityMedia.com
Certificate of Education (AICE) exams. High passing rates indicate that the educators at the school know how to set their students up for success. Passing an exam often allows the student to receive college credit, so they won’t have to retake that course in college. Not only do high passing rates increase the likelihood of your child receiving college credit, but it implies that your child is more likely to do better in the course throughout the year as well.
With such amazing options in the area, no matter where your child ends up, they will be receiving an amazing education. Academics That Are Challenging, High Passing Rates on AP Exams
Apart from just the passing rate itself, parents should also pay attention to score distributions. The highest possible AP score is a 5, and the lowest passing score is a 3. A school may have a high passing rate, but it is important to know the proportion of students receiving 4’s and 5’s, not just 3’s. Different scores may earn a student different credits at certain colleges.
Although it is important for passing rates to be high, the environment of the school will also contribute to your child’s success. School should be a place where students should feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed. It is now more important than ever that your child feels safe at school, but as a parent, you should be certain that you feel comfortable just the same as you send your child off to that school every weekday.
Guidance Counselors That Care About Your Child’s Future
Most importantly, students should feel comfortable reaching out to guidance counselors and advisors. Having supportive guidance counselors and understanding teachers can truly have a positive impact on your child’s high school experience. Counselors should be available to aid with schedules, college applications, college essays, and even personal issues. Good college advisors and counselors are imperative to making the college application process as seamless as possible. It is important to make sure that guidance counselors and college advisors are accessible to students at all times. Overall, there are many factors to consider when selecting the right private school for your child. The importance of these factors may vary depending on your child’s interests and priorities. Although this information may seem overwhelming, it should be helpful in narrowing down which school is the best fit for your child. With such amazing options in the area, no matter where your child ends up, they will be receiving an amazing education.
