Strategic School Choices

The A to Z of Private Schools

Private schools are often seen as exclusive institutions with a reputation for rigorous academics and select admissions criteria.

• But beyond the surface, they offer a diverse range of educational opportunities tailored to individual student needs.
• From specialized programs and extracurricular activities to financial aid options, understanding the full scope of private education helps parents make informed choices.

This guide breaks down every essential aspect—from A to Z—so you can confidently navigate the world of private schooling.

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A - Applying to a private school

• Applying to most private schools has become infinitely easier in the last 10-15 years.
• That's because you can apply online at most schools.
• When schools don't have online applications, they usually have all the application forms you need online so you can download them easily.
• You can also apply to many schools via the Standard Application Online.

B - Be aware that diversity is an important part of private schools in the 21st century.

• Yes, back in the 1950s and 1960s, you might have been able to say that private schools were elitist.
• At least, that was the general public's perception of private schools.
• This perception, of course, was reinforced by the media.

In the 21st century, private schools have made diversity and tolerance the center of their mission and philosophy, as most schools seek to prepare their

5 Reasons You Might Be Looking At The Wrong Schools

You have begun the process of choosing a private school for your child.

• You have done a bit of reading about the reasons for sending your child to a private school.
• You have listened to the suggestions and recommendations of family and friends.
• You have explored dozens of school websites.

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None of this is particularly difficult to do. It just takes a lot of time, right? Not exactly.

Here are five reasons why you might be looking at the wrong schools.

1. They don't offer the kind of curriculum you are looking for.

• Think carefully about what is taught and how it is taught in each school.
• Does it align with your approach? Do you want your child educated this way?
• Review curricula before you create a shortlist of schools to visit.
• The school's curriculum, how it is taught, and the quality of the teaching should be at the top of your checklist.

The school's educational philosophy is an essential requirement to examine as you go about choosing the right school for your child.

Listen to the Head of the Math Department at Nichols School in Buffalo, New York, explain the school's philosophy about teaching math specifically and teaching in general.

What makes this part of the process a

As you think about sending your child to private school, there are so many choices to consider that, for most of us, we shut down. It is simply too much to deal with all at once. That is the point of this little essay. I don't recommend dealing with all those heavy-weight questions in one pass. Take each one and work through it systematically from beginning to end. Then move on to the next question. In other words, break the project into bite-size pieces just as you do with any big project or challenge in your professional life.

Use your tablet or smartphone to record your ideas, thoughts, and questions. Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox will help you share your findings and data with interested parties, such as your spouse and trusted legal and financial advisers.

OK, let's get to those big questions. Each one needs to be discussed and reviewed thoroughly. The results of your discussions will impact the next issue.

Boarding school or day school?

This fundamental question needs to be sorted out first. Why? Because the answer to it drives everything else in so many ways. I can hear some of you thinking, "Boarding school? I would never think of sending my child to boarding school." Indeed, you may have some legitimate concerns about not wanting to send your child to a residential school. But in the long run, perhaps that is best for your child.

What is your genuine concern? Finances? Letting your child

When making an important decision that will impact your children's lives, you need to have all the facts in place.

Aside from the basic questions of cost and affordability, there are many different factors to consider when choosing where to educate your kids. “Selecting a private school, like so many things in life, requires care and attention to detail,” believes Judi Robinovitz, Certified Educational Planner and Founding Owner of Score At The Top Learning Centers and Schools.

We compiled a list of the most important factors to consider when choosing a final private school for your child.

Academic Style

The #1 reason parents invest in private schools is to get the best possible education for their children. Keep in mind that not just raw academic strength is important, but the style of the learning environment and if it meshes with your child’s personality. We are learning more and more that each student learns in different ways and responds to different types of teaching styles. Some children may thrive on the competition while others succeed under reduced pressure. Others may learn quickly and need more advanced subject matter, while their contemporaries struggle with the basics.

Mike Weagley, CEO of elite tutoring service Lotus Prep, suggests that parents ask themselves, “Is the school too hard or too easy for my kid? Does my kid flourish in a looser or more structured, rigid atmosphere? Is the school a pressure cooker or Zen-like?” Learn how teachers structure their

Why Did You Select That School?

The decision to enroll a child in a private school is deeply personal, influenced by factors like educational philosophy, faculty expertise, and individual student needs. Some parents seek rigorous academics, while others prioritize arts programs or small class sizes. But beyond rankings and reputations, what truly matters when making this choice? By exploring the motivations behind different families’ school selections, you can gain a clearer picture of what’s most important for your own child’s success.

One of the first things a parent says when she speaks to me about private schools is something along the lines of "I want my son to go to such and such a school." When I diplomatically ask why she is interested in that specific school, the answer is usually, "because I heard it is a really good school."

• That is a starting point in determining which school your child should attend.
• However, there is much more to the process than merely expressing an interest in a school because you heard it was a good one.

So, why don't you and I work our way through that initial consultation? Hopefully, it will help you refine your private school search process. Ideally, it will help you find a school that meets your requirements as well as what your child needs to flourish and be happy.

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What kind of school are you looking for?

Understanding what