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by Calista Sprague
Although the Chattahoochee Valley boasts enviable public school systems, some families opt for private schooling for their children. Unlike public schools, private schools require that families complete applications, and in some cases testing and interviews, before admission. If you are considering private schooling for your child, you may have questions about the admission process, so we went to the experts for some answers to a few FAQs. While the details at individual schools differ, the basic process is the same.
Where do we start?
Once your family has chosen a school, the first step is to call
or visit the admissions director. Each school has a dedicated
administrator who will provide you with basic information
about the school and specific information about the application
process.
“With just a phone call or an e-mail we will send you an information packet, arrange a tour of the campus and provide an opportunity to answer any questions you may have,” says Patricia Nobes, admissions director at St. Anne Pacelli Catholic School. “And be sure to visit our website.”
Since registration for public schools happens during the late spring and summer, some parents are surprised to learn that private school registration takes place early in the winter. “We are gathering names of interested families, now,” reports Danielle Bowers at Wynnbrook Christian School, “and registration is in February.”
Are there academic
entrance requirements?
The short answer is “yes.” Again,
although specific requirements may vary
from school to school, most private
schools will require some sort of readiness
testing for Pre-K and kindergarten
entrance, and for grades 1-12, schools
will ask to see report cards and test scores
from previous schools.
Ann McDuffie, principal at St. Luke School, said that entrance requirements are implemented to ensure student success in the classroom. “This typically means grades averaging ‘B’ or better, test scores at or above average and appropriate student conduct records.”
At Cavalry Christian School, entrance testing is sometimes deemed necessary. “If we determine from the submitted paperwork that the student will be successful in the grade level applied for, we do not require entrance testing,” explained admissions director Donnie Smithwick. “However, if we are unable to get a clear picture of academic preparation, we will have the student take a grade placement test.”
Other schools may require entrance testing regardless of transcripts. “All students are tested prior to beginning in our school,” said Diana Hankins, principal at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. “If our testing indicates possible difficulties, then tutoring or additional assistance might be required in order to be accepted.All new students are probationary, and a conference is held after one grading period to discuss whether our school is a good fit for your needs.”
Also ask about any activities offered to new students. Westiminster Christian School offers a summer day camp open to all students registered for the fall. "This is a great way to transition the new student into the new school environment," said principal Leslie Turner.
Are there ways to defray
some of the tuition costs?
Most schools offer need-based scholarships,
and some offer merit scholarships
in upper grades. “Because there is a
limited amount of resources available for
aid, parents need to contact the admissions
office as early as possible. Most of
the aid is disbursed by the first of March
for students entering in the fall,” said
Smithwick.
Wendy Timmons’ daughter Taylor started classes in the upper school at Brookstone this fall on scholarship. “Taylor had decided on a public high school, but her dad went to private school and said, ‘Why aren’t we at least trying for a scholarship so she’ll have the option?’” With deadline for scholarship applications looming, they started the process. “We filled out the paperwork and set up the testing. Mary Snyder is the admissions director at Brookstone. She is very helpful and walks you through every step of the way.”
If cost is a barrier for your family, be sure to ask the school about need-based scholarships and merit scholarships, but don’t stop there. In addition to scholarships, other discounts may be available. “We offer discounts for multiple siblings, military or church members,” Bowers said. “Parents can contact us for details.”
Does tuition cover
everything for the year?
Not necessarily. Schools may have
additional fees, such as application, registration,
book and facilities fees. Some
include lunches, others don’t. This is a
good question to ask when shopping for
the right school. A simple comparison of
tuition costs between schools may give
you a skewed view, since one school’s
tuition may cover everything except
lunches while another tacks on fees for
everything from field trips to classroom
materials.
To avoid problems down the line, be sure to ask for a complete list of tuition and fee costs up front. Even if you are uncomfortable, it is better to ask questions prior to enrollment than face potentially embarrassing situations later in the year.
Any tips for a
successful interview?
“Do your research about St. Luke
School and ask questions,” McDuffie said.
“Be yourself!” exclaimed Snyder.
In general, experts say to have all paperwork completed, become familiar with the school to which you are applying, and then relax. “Parents should know that the process of admissions is intended to be sure that they understand the St. Luke philosophy,” McDuffie explained, “and to be sure it is a good fit for their family.”
At a church-based school, families should also be prepared to discuss faith. “Because Wynnbrook is a Christian school, students entering grades 9-12 are asked about their personal faith and how that applies to their lives,” Smithwick said.
“Encourage your child to relax,” Bowers added. “Children perform much better when they are comfortable and not intimidated.”
Timmons viewed the scholarship interview as training for college. “Even if Taylor hadn’t gotten anything, at least she had the experience. I told her, ‘When you go to college and you’re doing entrance exams and scholarship boards and you go sit in front of somebody and ask for money, you know you’ve done it already. That gives you a leg up on anybody else.’”
When applying for admission or scholarships or simply shopping schools, the admissions administrator should be your first contact. “Look at a number of schools, take tours, talk to folks on campus to get a feeling for the school culture,” Snyder recommends, “and together with the admission counselor make the best educational decision for your child.”
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