Several thousand city families are now entering the final lap of
admissions to the city’s private schools (both nursery schools and ongoing
schools), when families applying to “ongoing” school (K and up) find
out this month, and families applying to private nursery schools find out the
results in March. Choosing to attend a private (or independent) school is a big
commitment. Families are expected to be active members of the school community,
the schools are expensive, and in the case of ongoing schools, children could
end up spending most of their childhood at a particular school. To help parents
choose wisely, we asked some well-regarded local educators and admission
consultants for some of their best nuggets of advice.
Roxana Reid,
Director, Smart City Kids (smartcitykids.org)
Nursery School: When parents first engage in the admissions process, they
consider schools based on a wide range of factors. As decision time nears,
parents get practical and location becomes really important. I would say that
if parents find themselves choosing between location and
philosophy/program/community, it’s okay for location to beat out the others.
There are real stressors to commuting with a very young child, and it is okay
to consider the quality of life that you envision for the next few years.
Ongoing School: With schools that
go up through 12th grade, parents put a lot of pressure on themselves regarding
this almost-13-year decision. Take a deep breath. While schools would like
you to be committed for the 13 years, many students end up applying out for 6th
and 9th grade as their academic interests and needs evolve. For now, your
commitment is through the lower school.
John Taylor, Founding Head, World Class Learning
Academy (wclacademy.org)
At the very least, parents should expect certain “givens”: *School
should be a welcoming and pleasant place where health and safety is important.
*Focus is on learning and achievement. *Well-qualified and experienced teachers
maximize the learning potential of children and instill confidence. *Parents
are involved in their child’s learning and development. *Smart Boards and other
advanced IT equipment are available to children. *Children learn to read and
study foreign languages through immersion programs. *Exciting physical
activities and attractive cultural programs offer a rounded education program.
*Future success in this very uncertain world will require the acquisition of
other key skills as well: creativity, imagination, adaptability and confidence
through visual and performing arts programs and activities.
*International-mindedness through a culture of global awareness and
celebration.
Gabriella Rowe, Head of School, Mandell (mandellschool.org)
When the letters start to arrive, open them with your partner or a supportive
friend. A school rejection is not a judgment on you as a parent; it is just a
necessary part of a sometimes arbitrary admissions process. Also, be realistic.
You might not get into every school you wanted, or even into your top choice
school. There are many wonderful schools in New York City, and while you may
have to change your expectations, you will most likely end up with a school
that will turn out to be the perfect fit for your child and your family.
If you are put on a wait list at a school that you are interested in, let them
know immediately that you would like to be on their active wait list. Politely
double check with them that they have all the correct contact information so
that they can reach you at a moment’s notice.
Wendy Levey, Director, Epiphany Community Nursery School (ecns.org)
Nursery School: Make a list of priorities, including location,
educational style, reputation/ability to help with kindergarten placement,
chemistry with people at school encountered throughout the process,
convenience of hours and days offered, tuition and safety. Pick the school that
meets most if not all of your needs, but keep in mind that there are many
wonderful schools out there.
Ongoing School: Hopefully you have
applied widely to maximize your chances. Communicate honestly with the director
of your nursery school or whoever does the placement. They are your best
advocate. Again, the private schools are all superior and in most cases your
child will thrive at many schools, not just one. Tuitions are pretty much the
same, so choices should be more based on educational style and curriculum
opportunities, parent body and a shared moral compass.
Connie Coulianos, Head of School, Speyer-Legacy School (speyerlegacy.org)
It’s about FIT. Of the options
available, which school struck you as a natural fit for your child? In
which classrooms did you most readily see your child lighting up and engaging
in learning? Which teachers, staff and parents made you feel most
comfortable? Don’t put a jet-propelled, academic child in a place that is
too slow to kick in with substantial challenge or a dreamy, reflective child in
a setting that will discourage the nurturance of an ongoing inner life of
imagination.
It is your decision. You certainly want to take your child’s reactions
into account and consider the feedback of educators and others who know your
child well. Ultimately, it is you who calls this one. Just as you have selected
the home, the food, the experiences that have nurtured your child to this
point, you are in the best position to choose the school that will be the best
match.
Gina Malin,
Director of School Advisory Services, Parents League (parentsleague.org)
When choosing an Independent School for your child,
you want to find a place where he or she will thrive. Look for a school with
values that you share and with an approach to education that suits your child.
When choosing a nursery school, you want to find a school that is convenient to
your home or place of work. Look for a facility that is clean, bright and
organized with an engaged and competent staff, and happy and busy children. At
the end of process, if you do not have a place for your child, don’t despair.
Call the Parents League of New York. The Parents
League (parentsleague.org) maintains an ongoing list of school openings and can
help you find a school for your child.
Robin Aronow,
School Search NYC (schoolsearchnyc.com)
If parents have choices, go back and visit the schools and sit in on a class if
possible. Get a feel for the parent body. Are you comfortable with what is
being taught, how it is being taught and with the school community? Can you see
your child and selves there now as well as further down the line? Stay away
from anonymous parent blogs and park benches where parents voice uninformed and
often malicious opinions. Base your decision on your own school visits,
research, consultations with nursery school directors and other knowledgeable
people, and even your gut feeling. In almost all situations, you will be
thrilled with your school choice once your child starts.
