Applying to private school can be an exciting time for your family, filled with new experiences and the potential for a very bright future.
Private school enrollment offers individualized learning, comprehensive education, and everything necessary to set your child on a path toward becoming an independent, successful adult. So, where should you start?
In this article, we offer some helpful guidance for parents looking to enroll their children in private school.
Let’s begin –
Start Applying to Your Private School of Choice Early
Beginning the process early is the best way to ensure that you have all of your materials together on time. The HTES application, for example, has an early deadline with limited available spots. We recommend selecting your private school of choice at least one year to six months before any deadlines, so you have ample time to prepare your paperwork and secure your child’s spot.
At HTES, our deadline for private school enrollment is typically towards the end of April, though you can apply much earlier. For most private schools, the application period often opens an entire school year before the desired starting date, around August or September of the year prior.
Submit Transcripts and Recommendation Letters
Most private school application processes require your child’s transcripts (depending on grade level) and recommendation letters. You should request the transcripts from their current school in advance to allow for processing time.
You can use recommendation letters from school teachers or extracurricular supervisors. Be sure to request your letters far before applying to private school, as the teachers need time to write them in their busy schedules.
Schedule an Interview and Tour of the School
Nearly all private schools, including HTES, will interview your child, to get to know who they are and how they’ll fit into the program. It may be helpful to practice interview questions with your child beforehand to reduce their jitters.
At HTES, you can also tour our school to see if it’s a good fit for you, and we highly recommend attending any available meet-and-greets and open houses to experience the school community.
Schedule Your Student Visit
Some private school programs permit a student visit day, which allows your child to experience the school’s program first-hand. At HTES, we typically invite your child to join the classroom for a half or full day, depending on their age, during which they’ll participate in all the classroom activities. Student visits allow your child to see how well they can fit into our classroom environments.
At HTES, our programs include comprehensive social learning skills, so we prioritize how well students engage with each other and their teachers. Student visits are a great opportunity for your child to experience the new environment and schedule.
Schedule Your Child’s Placement Tests (If Required)
Your child may have to take a placement test, depending on their grade level. The placement test will complete their application file.
Most private schools will let you know whether or not they need a placement test, what it will involve, and how to prepare your child for it. If your child needs to take a placement test, we recommend scheduling it early on.
Apply for Your Child to Join the HTES Private School Program Today!
Applying to a private school doesn’t have to be stressful if you start early and know what to expect. At HTES, we walk you through the application process to ensure that you fulfill every necessary step.
Contact Holy Trinity Episcopal School in Houston, TX, today at (281) 459-4323 or send us an email at [email protected] to schedule a tour and begin the application process.
