Application Process
You have an opportunity to choose a school with a mission - a school's philosophy, values, and approach to teaching - that is right for your child and your family, resulting in an education that will pay dividends for a lifetime. Your decision to consider an independent school is just the beginning.
Determine your child’s and your family’s needs
Before contacting schools, sit down with your family and determine what type of school would best meet your child’s and your family’s needs:
- Is it small or large?
- Traditional or progressive?
- Religiously affiliated or non-denominational?
- Coeducational or single-sex?
- A day school or a boarding school?
- How rigorous is the academic program?
- What extracurricular activities does it offer?
- Does it provide for children with special needs or interests?
- Does it offer an extended day program?
- Does it offer transportation?
Using your answers to the above questions as a starting point, make a list of the basic characteristics which you are looking for in a school. You can then use this list to help you identify schools for further research.
Research which schools fit your needs
Every child is an individual with a unique set of strengths, weaknesses, interests and goals. Similarly independent schools are distinct from one another in their missions, environments and philosophies. There is no one school which is best for all students. Finding the best school for your child is primarily a matter of finding the best fit between your child’s needs and the school’s strengths.
Start by identifying schools which meet your basic needs. Browse the complete list of AISGW member schools here.
complete school listing or search AISGW’s School Directory [link to AISGW School Directory - see current search box on www.aisgw.org< to generate a list of schools which match your criteria. Contact their admissions offices and ask for publications which describe the school’s philosophy, curriculum, extracurricular activities, admissions process and financial aid programs. As you review schools’ materials, consider the following:
- What are the school’s strengths?
- What qualifications do the faculty have?
- Does the school have any particular focus?
- How rigorous is the academic program?
- What are the academic requirements?
- What percentage of graduates attend college?
- What is the school environment like? competitive? nurturing?
- How diverse is the student body? the faculty?
- What extracurricular activities are available?
- Are any activities required?
- What are the expectations for parental involvement?
- What is the tuition?
- Is financial aid available?
- What does the application process entail?
- When are the application deadlines?
Once you have researched many different schools, you may want to refine your original list of criteria and create your own list of questions to ask schools.
The Application and Deadlines
The process of applying for admission can be confusing, especially if you are unfamiliar with 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 you, answer your questions and address your concerns. Their goal is to ensure that the match between your child and their school is a good one.
Most schools require the following application materials:
- a completed application form
- most recent academic transcript with grades
- standardized testing results
- teacher recommendations
Depending on your child’s needs and interests, some independent schools may ask for additional materials including:
- a formal interview with your child
- results of a school entrance exam
- student writing samples
- student artwork/portfolios
- specialized testing (e.g. results of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)
- a statement from the parents
Generally admissions materials are due in January for enrollment the following fall.
It is important to note that all independent schools have slightly different admission procedures.
