Q. When should I start
searching for private schools?
A. Since the admission cycle typically
begins in the Fall, the Fall a year before your child starts school is an appropriate
starting time. You can of course start gathering information on schools and identifying
you and your child's needs prior to the Fall. If you are planning to hire an educational
consultant, you would want to do so before September so he/she can assist you from the
beginning of your search.
Q. Where
can I find standardized test scores for California private schools?
A. Unlike public schools, private schools
are not required to disclose their test scores. In fact, it is a San Jose diocesan policy
that test scores are not published. Most schools however are willing to share their test
results when asked by parents. In general, private schools in the Bay Area post scores
higher than the national average.
Q. Is
there ranking on California private schools?
A. There is no ranking on private
elementary schools. Since the key to a rewarding private school education is finding a
good match for your child's specific needs, parents should not make their decision solely
based on test scores and reputation.
Q. What are the
tuition rates for private schools in the Bay Area?
A. The tuition ranges from an average of
$3,500 a year for parochial schools (in-parish student) to an average of $9,000 a year for
independent elementary schools and $14,000 a year for private high schools. Here's more information on financing a private school education.
Q. How many
schools should my child apply to?
A. There is no magic number, however,
bear in mind that more schools translates to more time and effort from you and your child.
(Do you really want to put your child through twenty interviews?) A list of five to seven
schools that meet your criteria, including one or two "safe" school, is a good
start. It is useful to find out the typical acceptance rate to the schools your child is
applying so you can gauge how competitive the schools are. The actual acceptance rate
however, will depend on the applicant pool that year. Don't forget that private schools
give preference to continuing students from their preschool and siblings of current
students. In addition, parochial schools give priority to children of active in-parish
parents.
Q. Should I hire
an educational consultant?
A. An experienced educational consultant
(EC) can reduce the stress related to school search by helping you understand what you and
your child need, providing information about the schools in your area, assisting with the
application process, etc. The decision whether to hire an EC is solely a personal one.
Check our our specialist section for a list of ECs in the Bay
Area. You can also contact Independent Educational
Consultants Association at (800)808-4322 for more information.
Q. Which
Bay Area private schools offer boarding program?
A.
