Can You Apply Late To A Private School?
The typical private school admission season runs from fall to early spring. But what happens if you need to apply to a private school for your child outside the normal admission season? What if you find your child is not happy at their current school or if work transfers you to a new city? What if you haven’t yet found the school of your dreams? Can the application process happen on short notice outside the admission season? Is it too late to apply and get your child into a private school for this fall?
Finding a private school on short notice depends on:
- The grade
- The school
- The academics
- The financial aid requirements
Grade
Into which grade are you seeking admission? As a rule, it is not easy to find places in a popular nursery or pre-school later than April or May. Despite that reality, don't hesitate to call around. Perhaps you can still apply and be put on a waitlist. Late acceptances will depend on the availability of openings at the school in which you are interested. The only way to know if a school has room for your child is to call. The school might have a last-minute cancellation or withdrawal or might have just one opening in the particular grade in which you are seeking a spot.
Schools
Selective schools always have plenty of applicants on their waiting lists and fill places from that pool. The SSAT website has a list of schools which are currently considering applications. Have you investigated private schools in your area? Admissions offices are open during business hours. Visit their website, and then call and find out if places are available.
Academics
Academics are important to most of us parents. Most private schools expect a high academic standard because the curriculum is intensive and demanding. Assuming that you are not moving overseas, you should have no trouble finding a school which will meet your requirements. Schools will conduct their own assessments, but if you have had assessments done of your child, you may want to offer them as well.Financial Aid
Unfortunately, in most schools, financial aid will probably be out of the question for late admissions. Why is that? Private schools usually disperse financial aid on a ‘first-come, first-served' basis. Consequently, applicants who met the set deadlines or were ahead of you in a school with rolling admissions will be the ones considered for financial aid first. However, it never hurts to ask.Located in Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley Hall School is a private coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8.
It is our goal for you to understand and embrace the value of a Berkeley Hall education. Find Out More.
Located in Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens - gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.