Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Private School Admissions for Kindergarten! 

Ø  It is important to understand that if your child does not get into the school of your choice, it may have nothing to do with your child or family. Schools often have too many applications for a limited number of spaces.

Ø  If the school you want is in demand, apply early.

Ø  If there is a wait list put your child on the list, so you may have the option.

Here is what most schools require:

1.     Application (which may include essay questions for parents)

2.     Parent tours

3.     Parent interviews

4.     Test scores

5.     Pre-School teacher reports

6.     Letters of recommendation (not all schools require these)

7.     *other may be considered; families religion, siblings, & legacies

Finding the Right Fit

There is no “# 1” school. The best school is the one that is a good fit for your family!

Many parents apply to 5 schools or more!

Consider what you want from a school: coed, single-sex, religious component, school known for its music department, sports, etc, a school that goes all the way throw high school…

How do you determine if it’s a good fit for your child?

·      What kind of environment would my child thrive? Traditional & structured, progressive & creative, small or large?

·      Has your child shown any interest in the arts, dance, music, athletics? Does one school have a great program for his area of interest?

·      As a parent what school do you feel most comfortable in? Are you comfortable in an upscale, elitist environment? Down to earth? Multicultural? Social? You are most likely going to be volunteering, doing fund raisers, making friends, your child will be friends with this culture? Make sure you feel yourself and comfortable.

·      When you visit a school how “at home” do you feel? Listen to your gut.

The Application

·      If there are essay questions keep your answer short, half a page per question. Make sure you answer the question they ask. Your goal is to leave an emotional impression with the director, to convey the qualities that make your child special, and demonstrate how those attributes translate into a good match for the school. You want the director to feel that your family would be an asset to the school.

·      Hit the schools hot buttons. If it is known for something such as their music program, talk about your child’s interest in music. Mention that your child has played the piano since 3.

·      Back up your points with short personal stories that will bring your child to life on the page.

School Tours

·      Tours are a must! Ask yourself “Can I imagine my child learning and being happy in this environment?”

·      Be on your best behavior, even if a parent is giving a tour, she will report back to admissions director.

·      Turn off cell phones, don’t take notes

What to look for when you tour a school

·      How welcoming is the school

·      Do you like the atmosphere?

·      Are the buildings well maintained and clean? Bathroom? Is the school orderly and neat?

·      Does it have all of the facilities that are important to you? Gym, pool, playground, theatre, computer lab, art room, etc..

·      How big are the classes?

·      How do the students behave as they are moving through the hallways or playing outside

·      Are teachers warm and enthusiastic?

·      What does the work display like? Do they allow for creativity or does everyone have to do the same artwork same color?

·      Is there a cafeteria? How is the food?

·      Do they have good security?

Questions to ask while touring

·      What is the mission or educational philosophy of this school?

·      How do you evaluate children for admissions? How do I arrange for my child to take the test? Are there follow up interviews?

·      What are the administration’s highest priorities?

·      How long has the principal been at this school? How does she interact with the students?

·      How do you address different ability levels in reading and math? Are kids group by ability? If so, how often are they reassessed and moved to different ability levels?

·      What is a daily schedule like?

·      Do you offer PE., visual arts, language, music, computers? How often

·      How much homework is given, when does it begin? How much time are students suppose to spend on homework?

·      Do families here tend to have tutors?

·      How many children per class? Are there assistant teachers

·      How often do you have parent-teacher conferences?

·      Where do your graduates go to college?

·      Do children do community service?

·      Are there programs for learning disabilities or gifted children?

·      Is there an after school enrichment program?

·      Is there child care before and after school?

·      Is transportation available?

·      How involved are the parents in the school? What types of volunteer opportunities do you offer?

·      Are there any events coming up that we could attend that would help us get a feeling for the school and the community? (play, social, holiday event)  If yes, you should go to get a feel for the school.

Parents Interview

Just be yourself

ü  Both parents should attend, if possible.

ü  Be on time, turn off yourself phone.

ü  Try to meet with the director

ü  Don’t call director by her first name unless she introduces herself that way.

ü  Your job is to make the director like you. You want your interview to feel more like engaging conversation versus formal exchange.

ü  Be prepared. She will probably ask you “why are school?” “Tell me about your child?” Review the schools website

ü  Have a few questions ready…

o   Do you want parents to send you a first-choice letter? How important are these to you?

Child’s Interview /Test

·      The parent your child most easily separates from should take him.

·      Bring a book to read while you are waiting

·      Test will cover the “kindergarten expectations” that we have worked on

·      Assessor  will note how he performs in various areas:

o   Level of attention?

o   How clear is his speech?

o   Cooperation level

o   Fine motor skills

·      Dress your child the way children are dressed at that school. Uniform school, something more formal.

·      Don’t make a big deal out of the visit with your child. Keep it fun “Before school tomorrow we are going to visit one of the big boy schools I told you about. When we’re there you will meet some teachers who will want to play with you and get to know you. It will be fun and I will be waiting for you when you are done.”

·      If your child is shy or afraid to go reward him with ice cream if he goes and does his best

·      If your interview was bad and your child was crying and upset, tell your pre-school teacher she may be able to call and explain your child’s behavior as well as arrange for another visit in his current classroom.

Pre-School Report

·      Some schools require reports from pre-k teachers. The questionnaire may cover: Intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, gross and fine motor skills, cognitive and visual- spatial skills, language, knowledge, and mathematics.

Letters of Recommendation

·      Letters of recommendation should be provided only if the school asks for them. Provide only as many as the school asks for.

First Choice letters

·      About two weeks before decisions are due, you can send a letter to your favorite school. “You are our first choice, if you accept our child, we will take the spot.” Some schools consider these some do not. Don’t send a first choice letter to more than 1 school. Directors talk and will find out.

·      If you have a definite first-choice school, you can ask the head pre-school teacher to call the director and assess your child’s chances of getting in. If she finds out they are not even considering you, she will tell you not to bother to write the letter. If they show interest, send the letter.

Acceptance, Rejections, Wait Lists

·      If your child gets your first choice school CONGRATULATIONS! Call the other schools and let them know you won’t be attending there school.

·      If your child is wait listed at your first choice and gets accepted at another school. Choose your second option.

·      If your child gets wait listed everywhere: Call each school and let them know you will take a sport there if accepted. Check back with them periodically.

·      If your child doesn’t get in anywhere: Choose a good public school and reapply for private first grade the following year. When it gets closer to school and things have settled call and see if space has opened up.

Schedule a tutoring session today!!!!