Independent School Admission Cycle

August (of the year before you’d like to enroll your child)

• Determine what you’re looking for in a school.
• Begin researching schools that meet your child’s needs.
• Develop a list of schools that you’d like to learn more about.

September

• Request admissions and financial aid material.
• Note pertinent deadlines for admission and financial aid.
• Register for any standardized tests required for admission (each school lists specific admission criteria on its application).
• If testing is required, review the test website to learn about procedures and test dates; consider purchasing a test-preparation book.
• Call schools to schedule individual tours, interviews, class visits, and “shadow days.”

October

• Visit open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours.
• Finalize a list of schools to which you will apply.
• Take standardized admission tests, if applicable.

November

• Watch for open houses you may want to attend.
• Start lining up teacher recommendations from your child’s current school.
• Start working on applications, financial aid forms, and student questionnaires.

December

• Continue to watch for any open houses or school events of interest.
• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester.
• Complete any remaining applications.

January

• Pay attention to deadlines: Most schools’ applications—along with tests scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms—are due in January or February.

February

• Don’t miss the deadlines!
• Visit schools 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 aid decisions about this same time.

April

• If you’ve applied to and have been accepted by multiple schools, decide which school is the right fit for your child.
• Sign and return enrollment contracts and deposits.

May-September

• Attend events and activities for new parents and students during spring and summer.

© 2017, National Association of Independent Schools. Reprinted with permission.