Calculating the Cost of Private School

When calculating the cost of attending a private school, tuition is an important starting point, but for many schools it’s just that – a starting point. At some schools the tuition is an all-inclusive cost while at others tuition is simply a baseline cost with many more fees added on top. In addition, fees can vary by grade level since the older the student, the more likely the demand for trips, extra...

Understanding the ISEE Score Report

This is the third in our series of Tuesday Testing Tips, prepared by Megan Cohen of La Jolla Learningworks. You’ve helped your child prepare for the ISEE. Test day has come and gone. Now, the moment you’ve anticipated finally arrives and you receive your child’s score report. You open the envelope and unfold the report. You scan it over for meaningful information, but it all looks like Greek! All you can...

The Waiting (List) Game

You’ve applied to your private school – or schools – of choice and are anxiously awaiting letters from the admissions offices. Receiving a yes or no letter gives you a definitive answer. But what if your child is placed on a waitlist? What does that mean? We answer some common questions about how waitlists are used in the admissions process at private and independent schools. How do schools decide...

Private School Reviews

Remember those Trident sugarless gum commercials? You know, the ones that said, “Four out of five dentists surveyed would recommend sugarless gum to their patients who chew gum.” Back before the days of the Internet and the ability to search for reviews on every product imaginable, the Trident people actually gave us the review as a way to give credibility to the stated benefits of sugarless gum. When...

Kindergarten Readiness Assessments

Transitioning from preschool to kindergarten is an exciting milestone in a child’s life. When you apply to a private school for kindergarten, the school will want to make sure that your child is ready – emotionally, physically, socially and academically. They will take into account your description of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, any recommendations from her preschool and/or...