Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School

While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are now offering both in-person and virtual admission events.

August

(Of the year before you want your child to attend)

• Define your ideal school

• Find schools that match your child’s and family’s needs

• Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list

September

• Browse schools’ websites, virtual tours and look books to learn more about their programs and philosophies

• Request admissions and financial assistance material by phone or online

• Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit

• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial assistance 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

• Contact schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days” if available

October

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

• Visit schools, virtually if necessary, during open house events, 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 preparing and taking standardized or school-based tests

• Watch for open house events you may want to attend

• Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school

• Start working on applications, tuition assistance forms, student questionnaires, and essays

December

• Watch for any open house or school events of interest

• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester

• Complete any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc. Some application materials are due as early as December.

January

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

February

• For schools with February admissions deadline turn in applications.

• Visit schools applied to again or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven’t already

March

• Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March

• Watch for financial assistance decisions

• If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend and let the school know

April

• Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits

May to September

• Attend events and activities for new parents and students

• Get to know other families in the school