Before applying to a private school, the number one thing every student and family should do is: visit the school.
How can you be certain this is the right choice for your family? You have no idea what the school looks like or who the students or faculty are. Applying without visiting is like blindly assuming that everything you see online is accurate. Take this process seriously and commit time to explore and do your research thoroughly.
Here is why we feel this first step is necessary:
1. Get a feel for the school. The only way you can really get a true sense of the school is walking the hallways, interacting with the staff and students, and seeing how everyone engages within the school community. Observe how people communicate with each other, their body language, and how happy they are. These are all indicators of the culture and vibe of the school. Is this the right fit for your child and family?
2. Another reason you should visit is so you have the opportunity to ask questions, not only to admissions staff, but to the students who currently study there. You can ask what they love about the school or what kind of activities they enjoy doing most. Students offer an honest, unfiltered perspective that can reveal more than a brochure or a presentation.
3. What does the school actually look like? It’s one thing to see their images on the website, but definitely another to walk the halls and explore campus. Is it the right size for you? Do you like where it’s located? Is the commute far? Is the surrounding neighborhood safe? These are all relevant and important factors to consider when choosing which school to apply to.
4. It is also important to consider: can you imagine your child and family there? When you join a private school, you become part of their family. You’ll volunteer there, you’ll work with other parents, and you’ll spend a lot of time there. Do you think this is the best match for your family values and needs? Do the teachers seem supportive? Are their facilities well kept and clean? Is there garbage strewn on the lawns or do students pick up after themselves? Are they constantly on their phones? Can you see your family joining this community? Will you fit in comfortably?
5. Lastly, to be able to speak about the school in your application is a huge plus. You’re not applying purely due to its ranking or word of mouth, rather, you’ll have visited and discovered ‘the day in the life’ of a student there. Justify why you are applying by highlighting some of your favourite aspects of the visit.
As such, we highly recommend taking the time to visit a school prior to submitting an application. You’ll be able to speak coherently about why it’s the right fit, and more importantly, you can determine if it is the right fit!
Comments