Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School

Basic Timeline FOR APPLYING TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are transitioning to virtual admission events and individual tours.

August October January (of the year before you want • Continue scheduling tours, • Pay attention to deadyour child to attend) interviews, class visits, and lines: Most applications are • Define your ideal school standardized or school-based tests due in January or February, along with test scores, • Find schools that match your child’s needs • Visit schools, virtually if necessary, during open houses, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms • Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary attend information sessions, and take tours February list • Finalize the list of schools to • Don’t miss deadlines: Most September • Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their • which you will apply Take required standardized admission tests • schools’ applications are due in February at the latest Visit schools and/or have your child participate in a programs and philosophies November student shadow day • Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online • Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based March • Watch for school decisions • Review admissions materials tests starting in mid-March to determine which schools to visit • Continue to watch for open houses you may want to • Watch for financial aid decisions • • • • • Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments Register for any standardized tests required for admission Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days” if available attend • Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school • Start working on applications, financial aid forms, student questionnaires, and essays December • Continue to watch for any open house or school events of interest • Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester • Complete applications, questionnaires, and essays • Note application deadlines. Some schools have December • If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend April • Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits May to September • Attend events and activities for new parents and students Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org deadlines.