PRIVATE SCHOOLS

If you are looking for the best private schools near you, we can help you narrow your search to find which one suits you best.

Private schools have small class sizes which allow students to receive personalized instruction. Teachers can focus on the specific needs of the individual students thereby giving the necessary assistance for those who are struggling and motivation for the advanced students. With the smaller population, teachers can monitor the behavior of each student and address any untoward behavior immediately. The camaraderie that can easily be formed among peers discourages aggressive behavior making private schools a relatively safe place.

Since private schools have the freedom to design and develop their curriculum, they offer a wide range of specializations including arts programs, athletics, math, and science which develop and hone a child’s skills and in turn, contribute to the development of their full potential as a person. Extracurricular activities provide a break from the stresses of academics while developing confidence and discipline. Parents get to fraternize with each other and are very involved in the lives of the students and actively participate in the different school activities contributing to a collaborative learning process.

The private school admissions process is a very exciting experience both for the parent and the student but requires very thorough and strategic planning. Independent educational consultants can assist you with the rigorous process of private school admissions or college admissions to help you realize your dream of studying at one of the most prestigious and reputable schools in the country.

Is it hard to get into private schools?

The private school admissions process can be a life-changing experience as it is also a good opportunity for you to get to know yourself better. It is important to plan and strategize if you want to be successful in your application. To have a good application profile, you should start as early as possible for you to have enough time to put together and organize the requirements. Here are some things you should prepare for before submitting your application:

Transcript. Your transcript speaks for itself as it reflects your academic performance and how committed you are to pursuing excellence inside and outside the classroom.
Supporting documents. Your supporting documents could include previous writing samples, recommendation letters from your teachers, and other supplemental information that can help the admissions officer assess your profile from a different perspective.
Standardized tests. Despite the test-optional policy being in effect this admissions season, you should submit your ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT test scores so that schools can better assess your profile.
Interview. The student interview is another factor that will determine whether you are a good fit for the school you are applying to. Interviewers usually ask questions that will make them learn more about your character, so be sure to present yourself in the best, most authentic way possible. Interview preparation is necessary so you can express yourself well.
Proctored writing samples. Proctored writing samples are essays you have to answer within a specified time. An admissions officer will proctor the session over Zoom. The purpose of this activity is to assess your writing skills and how well you can translate your thoughts into words.

What do private school admissions committees look for?

Private school admissions committees will look at the applicant’s grades, academic standing, and overall school performance. High grades and GPAs show academic competitiveness and readiness to pursue higher-level education. Extracurricular activities will also be considered by the admissions officers. They want to see what activities and projects take up much of your time other than academics. The kind of activities will show your passion and interests and how they will align with the school’s programs. Other application requirements like teacher recommendations, parent statements, student essays, and interviews will let admissions officers take a peek into your personality and character and how you stand out from the other applicants.

Private schools look for students who they feel will be positive members of the community, who will fit their learning programs, and who will become successful in their school environment.

How do you pass a private school interview?

Preparation is key to passing a school admissions interview. Remember that it is your moment to shine and introduce yourself beyond your grades and achievements. The admissions committee already knows your academic performance and now is their chance to get to know you intimately as a person. Be confident and communicate your thoughts in a relaxed and organized manner. You are aiming to differentiate yourself from the other applicants so highlight what makes you unique but still remember to be authentic to yourself.

During interview preparation, you should familiarize yourself with the questions that will most likely be asked. Formulate answers that are concise, straightforward, and clearly express your views, opinions, and experiences. Practice. Practice. Practice. It is not enough that you know what to answer. It is equally important to deliver it well. So practice until you feel confident enough.

What are the private school entrance exams?

The ISEE and SSAT are the most commonly used admissions tests for private/independent, prep, and boarding schools. The HSPT is used by Catholic schools for entrance into grade 9.

For the past years, most schools have adopted a test-optional policy which means that they do not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. Some private schools, however, have opted to completely remove test scores from their list of requirements and will not accept them anymore. For students applying to test-optional schools and who do not have stellar grades, GPAs, and outstanding extracurricular activities, we advise that they still submit their scores to give more weight and value to their application.

Last year, several schools required applicants to submit an essay sample as part of the application requirement. It is a virtual essay writing activity done through Zoom and is proctored by a member of the admissions team.

Several Peninsula schools like Castilleja, Crystal Springs Uplands, The Harker School, Menlo School, The Nueva School, Sacred Heart, Woodside Priory, and The Girls’ Middle School have come up with a common Proctored Writing Sample. Students can register for only one Proctored Writing Sample session at any one of the above schools through Ravenna. Other schools require a similar proctored writing session of their own.

These writing samples allow admissions officers to get to know the students and how well they can express themselves through writing.

EXPLORE TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Is it hard to get into private schools?

What do private school admissions committees look for?

How do you pass a private school interview?

What are the private school entrance exams?