Looking Forward to the High School Admission Process
If you’re considering a private or independent high school, local or boarding, you may wonder what the process will be like. I’ve seen thousands of parents through this process as an Educational Consultant, High School Placement Counselor, 7th and 8th Grade English teacher, and parent of an 8th grader. Here is my list of six questions to get you started:
Why do you want your child to attend a private or independent high school? This will be your “north star” through what can be a demanding and expensive process. Why are you doing this? Is it small class sizes? Inspiring and engaging classes and teachers? Particular academic programs, sports, or arts offerings? Safety? Are you seeking more of what your child has already experienced or a change? If you’re at a school where everyone applies to private schools, it may be particularly valuable to consider why. There’s no one correct answer, but you should articulate your answer.
What are your family values? Jot down your values as a parent and for your family. Having a list of values will help you as you consider school options and (quite practically) write essays and talk to schools about your child. Keep these values close by and revisit them throughout your process.
What are your child’s needs and interests? While there is time for a more exhaustive inventory, take stock of how your child learns best, what excites them in and out of school, and where they perform best. For example, did they thrive on a small team that allowed them to be a big fish in a small pond, or do they love the energy of big groups? Ask your child, too. While you have life experience as an adult, your child’s high school experience will be their own and ultimately needs to serve them. This can be hard, but begin to notice when your ego (or unfulfilled fantasies about high school) starts to drive the process rather than your child’s needs.
What are the nearby high school options? Begin taking stock of the schools in your vicinity and what your options may be. Public? Private? Big? Small? Religiously affiliated? Secular? How far are you willing to travel for school? Is boarding a consideration? Begin to peruse schools’ websites to research what’s out there.
What is your budget? Try to be as honest as possible with yourself about this one. If you’re considering high school, you have at least eight years (including college) to prepare. What can you realistically afford for the next four years? Financial assistance is available, but you should know your budget consideration before you begin the process. In the Bay Area, without financial aid, private high schools can cost anywhere from $24,500 - $61,350, with $60K being the norm among independent high schools. Be realistic about any constraints you may have. Budget shouldn’t preclude you, but sticker shock is real.
What is your child’s vision for high school? Before you head too far down this path, begin to ask your child some questions. What does your child hope for in a high school? Are they interested in a private or independent school? Start the conversation now. Often seventh graders just don’t know what’s out there–they simply know what some of the older kids, their friends, or kids in movies do. This could be an excellent opportunity to begin to explore together.
Now take a deep breath. Congratulate yourself. You have started early, and you have plenty of time. These are just some thoughts to orient yourself and consider what’s ahead should you decide to pursue a private high school experience for your child.
Stay tuned, and I’ll offer more tips about applying to high school soon.
