School Admissions Survival Guide

“Some people think we’re crazy,” says Mike O’Day, the father of seven students currently enrolled in private school. “With that many kids, you know, we could probably go on nice vacations or have a nice house—but that’s where we spend our money. Everybody has different reasons, and I think as a family it’s been good for us.”

With over half-a-dozen kids in grades ranging from kindergarten to high school senior, Mike and his wife Keri decided early on that their family’s education was important and worth investing in—and in turn have endured the private school admissions process countless times.

The older boys, Grady and Cormac, attend St. Paul’s School as a rising senior and freshman, respectively. At St. Paul’s School for Girls, daughter Marleigh will be a junior this year, as her sister Hadleigh enters sixth grade. And as for the little ones: Landry will be a fifth-grader, Brecon a second- grader, and Kelton is entering kindergarten at Immaculate Conception School.

As back-to-school season sneaks up on us once again, the O’Days—along with many other parents and students—are preparing for that first day back in the classroom this fall semester. But for families interested in joining the private school scene, it’s time to start navigating the selection and admissions process for next year.

With over 100 independent schools to choose from across the DMV and what might seem like an endless pile of application paperwork, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The good news is that you’re not alone. Whether you’re a prospective student, parent, or simply want to know more—take a deep breath as a few local admissions professionals and seasoned parents break down the application process and offer up some anxiety-easing advice from the inside.

Choosing the Right School
As the director of enrollment management at Garrison Forest School, Catie Perich believes that the best part—and the biggest challenge— for prospective families in the admissions process is choice. While having a specific school in mind can help you visualize an end goal, there are a few personal prerequisites and questions to consider before even starting your search, the biggest one being: What is most important to you as a family?

“Baltimore has a ton of really wonderful options. A student will get an exceptional education and have the most meaningful experience when their values and style align with a school’s,” says Perich. “Be prepared in your search to know what is most important to you and your child.”

As important as it is for parents to consider how a school aligns with their family’s unique values— whether it be religious affiliations or teaching styles—it’s equally as necessary to weigh in practical factors like location and price alongside academic and extracurricular offerings.

“It’s important to develop a list of questions to ask schools to get the answers you need to decide on whether or not a school shares similar priorities,” says Perich. “For example: Does your student like variety in their day? It’s worth asking about how and why a school structures its academic day. Does your student want to participate in new sports they haven’t had exposure to? It’s worth asking about a school’s approach to athletics. Do you need childcare until a certain time? Be clear on a school’s aftercare offerings and potential cost.”

While it’s easy for parents to get caught up in what they think is best for their child, it’s also important to allow the kids to be part of the decision process. After all, they’ll be the ones spending almost every day there—so you want to make sure they’re equally happy with the choice. “We don’t have a one-size-fits-all for the kids… we just take it kid by kid,” says O’Day. “Factors are kind of general, but then as you look at them with each kid, they become more unique.”

Once parents and students have their options narrowed down to a few top choices, it’s time to start paving the path to get there.

Planning the Path
The start of the 2024-2025 school year may feel like a lifetime away right now, but time seems to move faster in the world of private school admissions.

“Start the process early! Give yourself enough time to research, tour, and learn more about the school and its community before the application deadline,” says Steve Birdsall, director of enrollment management at McDonogh School. “The admissions team will help to streamline and organize the process for your family. It is helpful to be aware of deadlines and requirements for your child’s application and to communicate with the admissions office if you have questions.”

From application deadlines to open-house dates, there’s a lot to keep up with. Writing down all the admissions requirements and important dates can help keep your family on track and spare a few headaches along the way.

“Take time in August/September to fill out inquiry forms and put major school interest events like open houses or student visiting days on your calendar,” says Perich. “Schools can be flexible with tours and interviews, but major events like open houses tend to happen early and once. You’ll want to make sure you have them planned for your own family logistics.”

This is also the best time to ask questions and see how a school communicates. How faculty and others associated with an institution treat you during admissions can often reflect how they will act after enrollment.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want in the admission process,” says Perich. “Their responsiveness, their clarity, their priorities. Little moments over time will give you the most authentic and comprehensive understanding of what you can expect as a parent at that school in the years to follow.”

After all your questions are answered, the journey to the end goal is mapped out, and you’re feeling confident in your decisions, now comes the fun part—diving deeper into each school by getting involved.

Getting (and Staying) Connected
Getting connected and staying up to date with schools are two keys to admissions success. From on-campus events and activities to connecting with parent ambassadors, there is so much that prospective families can do to get in the loop.

“The school’s website and social media channels are a great way to get a true glimpse of school life and learn about the institution’s mission, vision, and values,” says Birdsall. “We also recommend that families submit an official inquiry to ensure they receive information about upcoming events and the overall admissions process.”

Most schools have open-house days where families can visit the school in person. Some also have shadow days, where prospective students can spend a real day at school and see it through the eyes of a current student.

“On-campus events provide students and their families multiple points of authentic engagement,” says Perich. “You’re developing a relationship with a school; you’ll want to see the school multiple times, meet multiple people, and engage in different ways before it’s time to make a decision.”

Talking with students and parents of students who are currently enrolled in the school can also provide invaluable insight that you might not find on a brochure or website.

“How we first picked Immaculate was in part talking to a family whose son was graduating. I was so impressed by the way he presented himself, his maturity, him talking about his experience and time there,” says O’Day. “Something as simple as just seeing students like that was very helpful.”

If you don’t personally know any families with ties to the school you are interested in, there’s no need to worry. Many schools have robust lists of current parents that are ready and willing to connect with prospective parents.

“Call the admission offices and ask to be connected,” says Perich. “Be clear in your child’s interests and your family’s considerations; that will help the admission office connect you with the best current families for your particular interests or questions.”

When all the paperwork is complete, events have been attended, and you feel like you’ve done everything you can during the admissions process, all that’s left is waiting for that acceptance letter to arrive in the mail. While this can be a time of anticipation and excitement, it can also bring up feelings of uncertainty or anxiety.

Don’t Sweat the Setbacks
No matter how much you plan and prepare, the admissions process usually never goes exactly as expected. “You don’t want to put too much pressure on these kids,” says O’Day. “Look, disappointment is a part of life, too. I think, as a parent, all you can do is help prepare your kid, and hopefully they will have options regardless.”

One major worry that parents and students may have is competition. There are only so many available seats each semester, and not every applicant can be accepted. To best deal with competition in the admissions process, Birdsall recommends finding a school “that aligns with your child’s strengths, interests, and personality, and highlight their individuality and unique talents in the admissions process. Feel free to also ask about available spaces and the size of the applicant pool.”

Another issue that applicants may face is being wait-listed. But through the anxiety and uncertainty of any situation like this comes opportunity. Being wait-listed is not the end of the world, and there are things you can do to ease apprehensions.

“If your child has been wait-listed at a school that is their top choice, be clear with that admission office that it is your child’s top choice and ask if there is more information you can provide. Remain patient,” says Perich. “If you have been wait-listed at a school that is not your top choice and you have another option, communicate with that school so they can release your wait-list spot to perhaps another student who does have that school as their top choice.”

It may feel like an acceptance letter is life or death, but at the end of the day, there will always be another school, another year, and another opportunity.

“Take a deep breath and trust the process,” says Perich. “Communicate with admission offices, we are here to help ease anxiety. And take a break from it all when you need it.”

Save the Date

Below is a list of open houses at schools in the Greater Baltimore region. The time of the open houses, when available at press time, is printed directly after the name of each school. Dates and times are always subject to change, and many schools prefer that prospective families visit their website for information on virtual and in-person tours, open-house dates, shadow options, and more. Always visit the website of the school or call for the most up-to-date information.

ARCHBISHOP CURLEY HIGH SCHOOL
10/28,10/29, 10 a.m.-noon 3701 Sinclair Ln. 410-485-5000, archbishopcurley.org Grades: 9-12, all male Affiliation: Catholic/Franciscan

ARCHBISHOP SPALDING HIGH SCHOOL
Contact the admissions office to schedule tours. 8080 New Cut Rd., Severn 410-969-9105, archbishopspalding.org Grades: 9-12, coed Affiliation: Catholic

BALTIMORE LAB SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information. 2220 St. Paul St. 410-261-5500, baltimorelabschool.org Grades: 1-12, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Upper: 10/25, 11/14, 11/29, 8:30 a.m. Middle: 11/15, 12/5, 9 a.m. Lower: 10/26, 11/8, 8:45 a.m. Register online: bethtfiloh.com/bmag 3300 Old Court Rd., Pikesville 410-486-1905, bethtfiloh.com Grades: 15 months-grade 12, coed Affiliation: Jewish

THE BOYS’ LATIN SCHOOL OF MARYLAND
10/8, 10 a.m. 822 W. Lake Ave. 410-377-5192, boyslatinmd.com Grades: K-12, all-male Affiliation: Non-denominational

THE BRYN MAWR SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information. 109 W. Melrose Ave. 410-323-8800, brynmawrschool.org Grades: K-12, all-female The Little School, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

CALVERT HALL COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
11/11 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (registration required) 8102 La Salle Rd. 410-825-4266, calverthall.com Grades: 9-12, all-male Affiliation: Catholic and LaSallian

CALVERT SCHOOL
10/3, 10/18, 11/2, 11/15, 12/5, 9:30-10:30 a.m. 105 Tuscany Rd. 410-243-6054 calvertschoolmd.org Grades: K-8, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL
10/21, 9-11 a.m.; 10/22, 6:30-8 p.m. 11/6, 9 a.m.; 4/20, 9-11 a.m. 6200 N. Charles St. 410-486-3686, cambridgeschool.org Grades: K-8, coed Affiliation: Christian

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
10/21, 12-3 p.m. 2800 Edison Hwy. 410-732-6200, thecatholichighschool.org Grades: 9-12, all-female Affiliation: Catholic

COLUMBIA ACADEMY
4/15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 10350 Old Columbia Rd., Columbia (multiple locations) 410-312-7413, columbiaacademy.com Grades: Junior K-8, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

CONCORDIA PREPARATORY SCHOOL
10/21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 1145 Concordia Dr., Towson 410-825-2323, concordiaprepschool.org Grades: 6-12, coed Affiliation: Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

EASTERN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information. 1100 Mace Ave., Essex 443-809-0190, easterntechhs.bcps.org Grades: 9-12, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational, public

FRIENDS SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
First Look at Friends: 9/21, 10/24, 12/5, 4/11, 9-11 a.m. To learn more or to register please visit: friendsbalt.org/admission 5114 N. Charles St. 410-649-3200, friendsbalt.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed Affiliation: Quaker

GARRISON FOREST SCHOOL
Call or email to schedule tour. 300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills 410-363-1500, gfs.org Grades: Pre-K-12, all-female except coed pre-K Affiliation: Non-denominational

GERSTELL ACADEMY
Visit the website for information. 2500 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg 410-861-3000, gerstell.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

GILMAN SCHOOL
Visit the website for information. 5407 Roland Ave. 410-323-3800, gilman.edu Grades: K-12, all male Affiliation: Non-denominational

GLENELG COUNTRY SCHOOL
10/20, 11/7, 12/6, 1/9, 2/21, 4/11, 9 a.m. 12793 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City 410-531-8600, glenelg.org Grades: Age 2-grade 12, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

GREENSPRING MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Early Childhood Information Sessions: 9/28, 11/2, 1/23, 2/22, 3/5, 5/2, 9-11:30 a.m. Elementary & Adolescent Information Sessions: 12/5, 4/16, 8:45-11:30 a.m. 10807 Tony Dr., Lutherville/Timonium 410-321-8555, greenspringmontessori.org Grades: 18 months-grade 8, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

HARFORD DAY SCHOOL
Coffee and Conversation: First Friday of each month (Oct-May), 9:30-11 a.m. Visit the website for more information. 715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air 410-838-4848, harfordday.org Grades: Age 3-grade 8 Affiliation: Non-denominational

THE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL
Call to schedule tour. 2409 Creswell Rd., Bel Air 410-836-1415, highlandsschool.net Grades: K-12, coed. Rolling admissions Affiliation: Non-denominational

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL
Pre-K to Grade 8: 11/7 and 2/1, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Middle school: 10/19, 6-8 p.m. 112 Ware Ave., Towson. 410-427-4801, theimmaculate.org Grades: Pre-K (age 3) through Grade 8, coed Affiliation: Catholic

JEMICY SCHOOL
Contact the Admission Office to schedule a meeting. Upper school: 11202 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. Lower and Middle School: 11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills 410-653-2700, jemicyschool.org Grades: 1-12, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL
Discovering John Carroll: 9/26, 10/18, 11/15, 5 p.m. 703 E. Churchville Rd., Bel Air 410-838-8333, johncarroll.org Grades: 9-12, coed Affiliation: Catholic

KRIEGER SCHECHTER DAY SCHOOL
11/29, 7 p.m. 8100 Stevenson Rd. 410-486-8640, ksds.edu Grades: K-8, coed Affiliation: Jewish

LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD
10/22 500 Chestnut Ave., Towson 410-823-0601, loyolablakefield.org Grades: 6-12, all-male Affiliation: Jesuit Catholic

MARYVALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Meet Maryvale: 10/19, 11/9, 9-10:30 a.m. 11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville 410-252-3366, maryvale.com Grades: 6-12, all female Affiliation: Catholic

McDONOGH SCHOOL
Lower: 9/12, 9/21, 9/28, 10/3, 10/12, 10/19, 10/24, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 9 a.m.; Middle: 9/14, 9/19, 10/5, 10/9, 10/10, 10/17, 10/26, 11/6, 11/7, 11/14, 11/20, 11/28, 9 a.m.; Upper: 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/2, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/23, 11/8, 11/13, 11/15, 11/28, 9 a.m. 8600 McDonogh Rd., Owings Mills 410-363-0600 mcdonogh.org/admissions/ways-to-visit Grades: Pre K-12, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL
10/21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1300 E. Northern Pkwy. 410-433-8880, mercyhighschool.com Grades: 9-12, all female Affiliation: Catholic

MOTHER SETON ACADEMY
Visit the website for more information. 2215 Greenmount Ave. 410-563-2833, mothersetonacademy.org Grades: 6-8, coed Affiliation: Catholic

MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY
11/5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 700 Academy Rd., Catonsville 410-744-8498, mountdesalesacademy.org Grades: 9-12, all female Affiliation: Catholic

MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Welcome Wednesdays: 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 8:45- 10 a.m. (registration required) 4403 Frederick Ave. 410-644-3300, msjnet.edu Grades: 9-12, all male Affiliation: Catholic

NATURE PRESCHOOL OF BALTIMORE (Formerly Hunt Valley Country Day School)
Call to schedule meeting. 200A Lakefront Dr., Hunt Valley 410-329-9867, naturepreschoolbaltimore.org Grades: 2-5 years Affiliation: Non-denominational, nature-based early-childhood program

NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY SCHOOL
10/14, 8:30 a.m.-noon. 815 Hampton Ln., Towson 410-825-6202, notredameprep.com Grades: 6-12, all female Affiliation: Catholic

THE ODYSSEY SCHOOL
Inside Odyssey: 1/18, 6:45-9:00 p.m. Snow date: 1/25, 6:45-9:00 p.m. 3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Lutherville 410-580-5551, theodysseyschool.org Grades: K-8, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

OLDFIELDS SCHOOL
Call to schedule tour. 1500 Glencoe Rd., Sparks Glencoe 410-472-4800, oldfieldsschool.org Grades: 8-12, all female Affiliation: Non-denominational

OUR LADY OF GRACE PRE-SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information. 18310 Middletown Rd., Parkton 410-329-6956, olgs.org Grades: Preschool, coed Affiliation: Catholic

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
10/29, 1/29, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1704 Old Eastern Ave., Essex 410-238-1163, olmcmd.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed Affiliation: Catholic

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL
10/4, 6:30 p.m.; 11/8, 3/6, 4/10, 10 a.m. 4801 Ilchester Rd., Ellicott City 410-744-4251, olphschool.org Grades: Pre-K to grade 8, coed Affiliation: Catholic

THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
Lower School: 10/7, 10-11:30 a.m.; Middle and Upper Schools: 10/7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 2425 Old Court Rd. 410-339-7070, parkschool.net Grades: PreK-12, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

PAULINE MASH SCHOOL FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Call for tour information. 8101 Park Heights Ave. 410-484-0411, bethelbalto.com Grades: birth – 5 years, coed Affiliation: Jewish

PEABODY PREPARATORY
Preparatory Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Call for times. 21 E. Mount Vernon Pl. 667-208-6640, peabody.jhu.edu/preparatory/ Grades: Music and dance instruction for all ages and abilities, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

REDEEMER CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information. 6415 Mount Vista Rd., Kingsville 410-592-9625, rccs.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed Affiliation: Christian

ROLAND PARK COUNTRY SCHOOL
9/30, 10 a.m.-noon 5204 Roland Ave. 410-323-5500, rpcs.org Grades: Pre-K-12, all female except coed preschool Affiliation: Non-denominational

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL
10/7, 1/28, 11 a.m. 3617 Harford Rd. 410-467-1683, sfa-school.org Grades: Pre-K to Grade 8., coed Affiliation: Catholic

ST. JAMES ACADEMY
Visit the website for more information. 3100 Monkton Rd., Monkton 410-771-4816, saintjamesacademy.org Grades: PreK-8, coed Affiliation: Episcopalian

SAINT JAMES SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information. 17641 College Rd., Hagerstown 301-733-9330, stjames.edu Grades: 8-12, coed Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. JOHN’S PARISH DAY SCHOOL
10/21, 10 a.m.-noon.; 11/30, 5-7:30 p.m.; 1/6, 10 a.m.-noon.; 2/8, 5-6 p.m. 9130 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City 410-465-7644, stjohnspds.org Grades: Age 3-Grade 5, coed Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. MARK SCHOOL
Call for times. 26 Melvin Ave., Catonsville 410-744-6560, stmark-school.org Grades: PreK-3 – 8, coed Affiliation: Catholic

ST. PAUL’S PRE AND LOWER SCHOOL
Parent Information Sessions: 10/11, 11/10, 12/4, 1/11, 4/17, 9-11 a.m. 11232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville Preschool: 410-823-0061; Lower school: 410-821- 3029, stpaulsmd.org/coed Grades: 6 weeks-Grade 4 Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL FOR BOYS
Parent Information Sessions: Middle School: 10/26, 11/28, 1/12, 8:45-10:45 a.m., Virtual: 12/11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Upper School: 10/20, 11/8, 1/10, 8:45-10:45 a.m., Virtual: 12/6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 11152 Falls Rd., Brooklandville 410-825-4400, stpaulsmd.org/boys Grades: 5-12 Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Parent Information Sessions: Middle School: 10/24, 12/7, 1/9, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Virtual: 11/15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Upper School: 10/24, 12/7, 1/9, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Virtual: 11/15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Visit Days: Middle School: 10/22, 10/24, 10/26, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/28, 12/4, 12/7, 1/9; Upper School: 10/3, 10/6, 10/11, 10/18, 10/20, 10/31, 11/7, 11/10, 11/14, 11/17, 12/5, 1/5. 11232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville 410-823-6323, stpaulsmd.org/girls Grades: 5-12 Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. TIMOTHY’S SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information. 8400 Greenspring Ave., Stevenson 410-486-7401, stt.org Grades: 9-12, boarding and day, all female Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. URSULA SCHOOL
Call for times. 8900 Harford Rd., Parkville 410-665-3533, stursula.org Grades: Pre-K(4)-8, coed Affiliation: Catholic

SANDY SPRING FRIENDS SCHOOL
10/22, 1-3:30 p.m.; 4/30, 8-11 a.m. 16923 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring 301-774-7455, ssfs.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed Affiliation: Quaker

THE SCHOOL OF THE CATHEDRAL OF MARY OUR QUEEN
Visit the website for more information. 111 Amberly Way 410-464-4100, schoolofthecathedral.org Grades: Pre-K(4)-8, coed Affiliation: Catholic

SEVERN SCHOOL
Lower School: 10/4, 9-11 a.m.; Middle and Upper schools: 10/19, 7-9 p.m. Lower School: 1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Arnold Middle/Upper School: 201 Water St., Severna Park 410-647-7700, severnschool.com Grades: Pre-K-12, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

SPRINGDALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Call for times. 1000 Green Valley Rd., New Windsor 410-671-0072, springdaleprep.org Grades: 6-12, day and boarding, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

TONG LE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Call for times. 805 E. Fayette St., Ste. Suite 100 410-929-1628, tonglemontessori.com Grades: Ages 6 weeks – 6th grade Affiliation: Non-denominational Mandarin Chinese immersion program

TRINITY SCHOOL
Call for times. 4985 Ilchester Rd., Ellicott City 410-744-1524, trinityschoolmd.org Grades: Pre-K(3)-8, coed Affiliation: Catholic

WALDORF SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
Windows into Waldorf: 10/19, 11/29, 12/13, 9-10 a.m. 4801 Tamarind Rd. 410-367-6808, waldorfschoolofbaltimore.org Grades: Pre-K-8, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

WEST NOTTINGHAM ACADEMY
10/9 or call to schedule a different date. 1079 Firetower Rd., Colora 410-658-5556, wna.org Grades: 9-12, day and boarding, coed Affiliation: Non-denominational

Time to Apply

A timeline of the independent school application process. This monthly checklist from the National Association of Independent Schools will help you stay on track during the entire admissions process—from school selection to enrollment. Remember, every school is different, so be sure to check in with each institution for specific dates.

August (of the year before you want your child to attend)
☐ Define your ideal school
☐ Find schools that match your child’s needs
☐ Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list

September
☐ Attend local school fairs to gather material and impressions from multiple schools
☐ Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their programs and philosophies
☐ Request admissions and financial aid material by phone or online
☐ Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit
☐ Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying
☐ Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments
☐ Register for any standardized tests required for admission
☐ Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books
☐ Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days”

October
☐ Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests
☐ Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours
☐ Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply
☐ Take required standardized admission tests

November
☐ Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests
☐ Continue to watch for open houses you may want to attend
☐ Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school
☐ Start working on applications, financial aid forms, student questionnaires, and essays

December
☐ Continue to watch for any open houses or school events of interest
☐ Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester
☐ Complete applications, questionnaires, and essays

January
☐ Pay attention to deadlines: Most applications are due in January or February, along with test scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms

February
☐ Don’t miss deadlines: Most schools’ applications are due in February at the latest
☐ Visit schools and/or have your child participate in a student shadow day

March
☐ Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March
☐ Watch for financial aid decisions
☐ If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend

April
☐ Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits

May to September
☐ Attend events and activities for new parents and students