The Admission Process

The application procedure can be confusing for families new to independent schools. There are specific steps that need to be completed, some with very rigid deadlines. The school's admission office is there to assist in the process. They want to be sure that the match between your child and their school is a good one. The following explains the process and provides helpful suggestions:

The Process and Deadlines

Independent schools are as concerned about their students' welfare and success as you are. After you visit several schools, create a "short list" of those you wish to pursue. Complete each selected school's application form, triggering the rest of the admission process. Most schools require a complete application file before making a decision.

The following items are typically required:

• A completed application form;
• The most recent academic transcript with grades;
• Past standardized testing results;
• Teacher recommendations;
• Results of a standardized admission test and/or a school-administered entrance exam; and
• Notes from a formal interview with your child.*

Depending on the applicant's age, some independent schools may ask for other materials, such as:

• Parent statements;
• Student writing samples;
• Student artwork/portfolios; or
• Specialized testing (e.g. results of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children).

Remember, all independent schools have slightly different admission procedures so review each school's requirements carefully. Do not miss individual school application deadlines, but if you do, don't panic. There are many fine independent schools that continue to admit students throughout the academic year and during the summer months.

*Elementary schools often require other forms of evaluation, such as teacher observations, school administered group tests, and/or individual diagnostic tests for young children. These methods offer a more useful measurement of a child's readiness, intelligence, and developmental abilities.

Testing Organizations

Mention the word "testing" to even the most capable student and she is likely to freeze in fear. It's no wonder then that testing in the independent school admission process causes nail-biting among students and parents alike. While testing is an important part of the application process for most independent schools, it needn't be dreaded.

Why Test?

You may be wondering why private schools test prospective students in the first place. In most cases, testing is used to evaluate a student's ability to perform inside and outside of the classroom. Often, testing helps schools to understand whether they have an appropriate program for applicants. In some cases, private schools find they are best equipped to serve students with certain testing results that fit within a specific range or percentile. Testing is also used to place accepted students into appropriate classes in their new school.

While it is true that some schools assign a great value to the importance of testing, it is just as true that many schools regard testing as only one part of the application process. Many private schools place equal value on the applicant's campus interview, the student's record of achievement, teacher recommendations, and student/parent written statements. In short, test scores cannot tell an individual's full story and admission officials recognize this limitation, even as they require testing.

Testing Instruments

Testing varies tremendously between elementary and secondary schools in the independent school world. Prospective elementary students most often take school-based tests. Secondary applicants are usually required to sit for standardized tests.

The tests employed by independent elementary schools are usually administered by a school psychologist or administrator. Depending on the child's age, testing in elementary years can differ widely from school to school. Make it a point to discuss testing with all schools that you are considering and ask about the setting, the content, and the interpretation of school-based elementary testing with the admission staff.

Tests used by private secondary schools include The Secondary School Test Board's Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) and the Educational Records Bureau's Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). These standardized tests focus on two primary areas: quantitative and verbal skills. Both organizations are happy to send general information to familiarize your family with their tests. You may contact them at:

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
Educational Records Bureau
345 East 47th Street
14th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(800) 446-0320

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
The Secondary School Admission Test Board
CN 5339
Princeton, NJ 08543
(609) 683-4440

Principles of Good Practice

NAIS Principles of Good Practice (PGP) define high standards and ethical behavior in key areas in independent school operations. Please click here for a complete list of PGPs.

School Visits

"I wanted the challenge of a hard school, but I also wanted a friendly place. When I visited my school, people I didn't know came up to say 'Hi.'"
- Senior, girls' day school, New Jersey

Though NAIS schools all 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.

Families of Color

NAIS-member schools strive to uphold Principles of Good Practice, which include guidelines for creating and sustaining equitable and just school communities. Click on the link below to view information about additional organizations established to assist families of color in learning more about independent educational options.

Resources for Families of Color

"I've never seen teachers who so consistently focus on my child's strengths. There's a real emphasis on individuality."
- Parent, day school, Massachusetts

Admission Criteria

Admission officers take many factors into consideration before making a decision on each applicant. Among the factors influencing your child's candidacy are:

• Results of standardized tests;
• Personal insights from your child's essay;
• Impressions gathered from the formal interview with your child;
• Your alumni connections to the school;
• Your sibling or other connections to the school;
• Your child's potential contribution to the life of the school;
• Number of applicants and number of spaces available;
• Past academic performance and previous school records;
• Recommendations from teachers/counselors; and
• Special strengths and talents (academic, artistic, etc.).

Keep in mind that no independent school weighs factors in the same way, or follows the exact list above. While one school may highly value your child's achievement record, another might be impressed by his or her theatrical talents. It is a good idea to ask about the most important factors influencing each school's admission decisions during your visits.

While some schools notify all families on March 10, others offer rolling admission and will give you a decision once your child's application file is complete. When you receive word about your child's acceptance, you should also learn about financial aid awards. If the grant you receive does not meet your needs, or if you are not awarded any aid, contact the school's financial aid officer to learn about other options. See Financing an Independent School Education for additional information.

Your Choice

With each school's decision in hand, it is time to make your choice. While there are no hard and fast rules to guarantee your child and an individual school will be the perfect match, most families advise the following: Follow your heart; discuss your decision as a family and revisit your wish list one last time to ensure your priorities have been met. In the end, you must feel assured that your child will not only develop but thrive in the independent school community he or she joins. If you aren't entirely sure, consider a second visit to the school, meeting a few teachers, or talking to current families or alumni.

Whatever you decide, do make your decision within the time frame set by the schools and inform all schools of your final decision. Often, other candidates are on waiting lists, anxious to learn whether a space will become available. Therefore, prompt responses are not only polite, but important. Once you return a signed enrollment contract together with a tuition deposit, your family will be considered part of the school community. Many schools offer "big brother and big sister" programs for incoming students who would like to communicate with currently enrolled peers; some schedule special gatherings in order to introduce new families to currently enrolled ones.

We know you're looking for more than just a good school: You're looking for the right school for your child.