There are few things more stressful than the kindergarten exmissions process. We would like to help to ease this pressure by giving you a head start on what you need to know to complete the application process and what the key dates are for completing your applications. It is overwhelming, but if you can be organized and prepared your level of anxiety will hopefully be reduced. Its never too early to get started if you plan to have your children apply to private schools in Manhattan.
- List of typical questions – questions-for-applications
- Websites to learn about each of the schools – All schools have websites that describe the school, the philosophy, and the teaching style (traditional vs progressive). READ ALL OF THIS INFORMATION and in the essays, make sure what you write fits the philosophy and teaching style.
- Boy/Girl/Co-Ed – This is a very important factor that you better be clear on when applying to a single sex school vs co-ed.
- ERB Testing/Preparation – While this is not the most important factor in the consideration of your child, it is one. There are plenty of workbooks that can make the analytical portion of this test more familiar to your children. You can also pay someone to prepare your child. See our articles on test preparation for private schools and OLSAT testing for the Gifted & Talented programs.
- Identify Parents of children currently matriculating for potential recommendations - This is the best way to get your questions answered and also potentially the best way to build a list of allies in the application process.
- Get involved in your children’s pre-school – The head of children’s school will be communicating with the admissions directors of each of the schools you have applied to. Your family’s involvement in the community and to what extent will be shared with that director. Not only is the prospective school admissions director making sure your child is worthy of the school but they also looking for how your family can be additive to the community. There are many many opportunities to fulfill this requirement. Your school conducts fundraisers, fieldtrips and local community events. Get involved!
- Key dates – Attend tours (get into Spring tours if possible) and fundraising fairs, do some preparation for your essays, be ready to spend the morning the applications are released dialing the phone to assure your child is a recipient of one of the limited number given out, prepare for your interviews (have intelligent questions), and sign your child up for ERB testing.
Get a Listing of Private Schools in Manhattan
Good luck!
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