How to Prepare Your Child for Private School Admissions

How to Prepare Your Child for Private School Admissions

Getting your child ready for the best private school in the USA is a process that involves many steps and needs careful planning, strategic preparation, and a deep understanding of what private schools look for in applicants. Private schools have many benefits, such as smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and an emphasis on education in all areas. But getting into these prestigious schools is very hard, so parents and students need to make sure they have a well-thought-out plan before they start the process. Every part of the application is very important, from doing well on standardized tests like the ISEE to building a strong academic and extracurricular profile.

You can greatly improve your child’s chances of success by learning about the specific needs of each school and making sure they are well-prepared. This means not only doing well in school, but also showing that your personal qualities, interests, and skills are in line with the school’s community and values. Doing a lot of research, picking the right test prep materials, and sticking to a structured schedule for studying are all important parts of a successful admissions strategy.

This guide will go over the main steps you need to take to get your child into a private school. It will also give you useful tips and information to make sure your child stands out as an excellent applicant.

  1. Start Early
    Starting early is the first thing that you should do to get into a private school. Start at least 12 to 18 months before your child wants to start school. You’ll have plenty of time to find schools that fit your child’s interests, needs, and educational goals and narrow down your choices. Think about things like the school’s location, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and culture as a whole. If you want to make an informed decision, going to open houses and school tours can give you useful information about the area.
  1. Prepare for Standardized Tests
    Standardized tests, such as the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), are needed to get into most private schools. It’s very important to know which test the schools you’re applying to need. The ISEE is often used to get into elementary and middle schools. Start by giving your child practice tests to get them used to the format and content of the real test. Your child can do well on the ISEE if they use the best prep books, study guides, and online resources. Taking practice tests and sample questions for the ISEE on a regular basis will boost their confidence and help them do better on the real test.
  1. Develop a Strong Academic and Extracurricular Profile
    Private schools not only want students to do well in school, but they also like it when students do things outside of school. Support your child in doing what they enjoy, whether that’s joining a sports team, doing arts and music, or helping out in the community. The admissions committee will see that your child is well-rounded and that they can make a positive contribution to the school community.
  1. Focus on Building Essential Skills
    The ISEE has many sections, such as verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and math achievement. These are skills that you should work on getting better at. For example, read with your child every day and talk about what they’ve read to help them improve their vocabulary and reading skills. Focus on problem-solving and critical thinking activities to improve your math skills. You can get better at these skills by using targeted ISEE study guides and practice questions.
  1. Practice Writing Essays
    A lot of private schools need an essay or writing sample as part of the application process. The ISEE includes an unscored essay that is sent to prospective schools. Encourage your child to practice writing essays on various topics. Focus on making arguments that make sense and are clear, and practice with time limits. Look over ISEE essay tips to learn what admissions officers want to see and how to organize your answers well.
  1. Prepare for the Personal Interview
    Interviews are a very important part of getting into a private school. Interviews help schools learn more about applicants and figure out if they will fit in with the rest of the school community. Your child should practice answering common interview questions with you, focusing on answers that show off their strengths, interests, and why they want to go to that school. To show that they are interested and excited about the school, encourage your child to ask good questions.
  1. Gather Strong Letters of Recommendation
    Letters of recommendation tell you about your child’s character, academic skills, and what they’ve done for their school. Select teachers who know your child well and can say good things about their skills and potential. Make sure teachers have enough time to write these letters, and tell them about the schools and programs your child is applying to.
  1. Stay Organized and Meet Deadlines
    There are several steps in the process of getting into a private school, and each one has a due date. Keep track of test dates, interview times, and application due dates with a calendar or spreadsheet. If you miss a deadline, it can hurt your child’s chances of getting in, so it’s important to stay organized. Start the application process early to make sure you have everything you need to turn in on time.
  1. Prepare Emotionally and Mentally
    It’s important to be there for your child emotionally during the admissions process. Remind them that getting into a certain school is important, but it’s not the only way to be successful, and tell them to stay positive. Help them deal with test anxiety by teaching them how to relax and making sure they have a good balance of study time and free time.You can help your child get into a private school by following these steps and keeping a positive, proactive attitude. Remember that getting ready is very important. If you give your child the right tools, they can show potential schools their best selves and improve their chances of getting accepted.

Prepare Your Child with Groza Learning School

We at Groza Learning Center know how important it is to take a well-rounded approach to getting into a private school. Our individualized tutoring programs are made to help your child do well in all parts of the admissions process, from acing the ISEE test to building strong profiles in school and extracurricular activities.

Our expert tutors give your child individualized lessons, helpful test-taking strategies, and full support to make sure they are fully prepared and feel confident. Groza Learning Center will make sure your child has the tools, guidance, and support they need to do well and get into one of the best private schools in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I start preparing my child for private school admissions?
Most families begin preparing 12–18 months in advance. This gives enough time to research schools, schedule tours, prepare for entrance exams, gather recommendation letters, and work on application components without stress. Starting early also helps children gradually build academic and emotional readiness for interviews and testing.
2. When do private school applications close?
Application deadlines vary, but most private schools close applications between December and February for the following academic year. Some competitive schools have earlier deadlines, while rolling-admission schools accept applications until all seats are filled. Always check each school’s admissions calendar.
3. When do private schools start?
Most private schools begin their academic year in late August or early September, similar to traditional school districts. Some year-round or specialty schools may have alternative start dates, and international programs may follow different calendars.
4. How do I choose the best private school for my child?
Begin by considering your child’s learning style, interests, and personality. Explore different school types—academic, arts-focused, STEM, Montessori, religious, or progressive. Visit campuses, attend open houses, speak with current families, review class size, curriculum, and support services, and evaluate how well each school aligns with your child's long-term goals.
5. What do private schools look for in applicants?

Private schools typically look for:

Curiosity and a love of learning

Strong academic readiness for the grade

Good behavior and social skills

Teacher recommendations

Extracurricular engagement or special interests

Family commitment to the school’s mission

Admissions teams want students who will thrive academically and contribute positively to the school community.

6. Which entrance exams might my child need to take?

Common private school entrance exams include:

ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)

SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test)

HSPT (High School Placement Test)

ERB tests, depending on the school

Requirements differ by grade and school, so review each institution’s admissions page carefully.

7. How can children practice for school entrance exams at home?

Children can prepare at home by:

Taking timed practice tests

Reviewing sample questions for each exam section

Building reading comprehension through daily reading

Strengthening math fundamentals

Practicing vocabulary and writing prompts

Parent-guided study plans or online practice tools help reinforce skills gradually.

8. How should my child approach essays and writing samples?

Children should practice writing clear, well-structured essays that express authentic thoughts. They should:

Read the prompt carefully

Create a quick outline

Use specific examples

Write with clarity and focus

Practice timed responses

Schools value genuine voice over perfection.

9. How should my child prepare for interviews?
Children can prepare by practicing common interview questions, learning to speak confidently about their interests, and understanding why they want to attend the school. Mock interviews help them learn to make eye contact, answer thoughtfully, and ask meaningful questions.
10. How do letters of recommendation and parent statements work?
Teachers who know your child well should write their recommendations. Give them plenty of time and provide helpful context about your child’s strengths. Parent statements should offer insight into your child's personality, learning style, values, and contributions to the community—focused, honest, and positive.
11. Can my child transfer schools or apply to international schools?
Yes. Many private schools accept transfer applicants if spaces are available. International schools may require additional testing, English-language evaluations, or transcript translations. Timelines and criteria vary widely by institution and country.
12. How can tutoring or online programs help my child succeed?
Tutoring can support academic readiness, test preparation, writing skills, and interview confidence. Online programs offer structured lessons, practice tests, and progress tracking. These resources help children strengthen weak areas and reduce stress through guided preparation.
13. How can parents track their child’s progress in preparation?

Parents can track progress by using:

Weekly study schedules

Practice test score logs

Reading and writing checklists

Tutor progress reports

Regular review meetings with their child

Tracking helps identify strengths, gaps, and areas needing extra support.

14. What strategies improve my child’s performance on entrance exams?

Effective strategies include:

Understanding the format of each test section

Learning pacing and time-management techniques

Practicing process of elimination

Building vocabulary and mental math skills

Taking full-length timed practice tests

Familiarity reduces test anxiety and boosts performance.

15. Are there private schools that don’t require entrance exams?
Yes. Some private schools use portfolio reviews, interviews, academic records, or developmental assessments instead of standardized tests. Montessori, Waldorf, and certain progressive or arts-based schools often place less emphasis on exams. These can be great options for students who thrive outside traditional testing environments.