Selecting an Independent School That is Right For Your Child

To begin with - don't believe what Hollywood tells you about "private school" parents and kids. Moviemakers cling to stereotypes; we don't. There are families just like you - in race, culture, nationality, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, political and social and moral views - in independent schools in Connecticut. Your inquiry will be welcomed - and you'll be helped to find a school where you and your child will "fit in."

We strongly encourage the application and admission of all interested students. CAIS schools admit students without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin. We do not discriminate in the administration of educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, or other activities.

Connecticut's independent schools represent a great variety of options. That's an advantage - but it also means selection requires some time and effort. Choosing the right school requires careful consideration of several factors: your child's readiness, abilities, motivation, personality, study habits, interests, and learning needs - even gender; your own hopes, values and beliefs; and what a school that's a potential choice really is, can do, and does.

Having trouble getting started?. Some parents prefer to engage the services of an educational consultant (for a fee). Others find school guidance counselors and principals can be a useful first source of information. Actually, it isn't that hard to gather your own information (we'll send you a free brochure to start that process).  A "finder" matrix can also help you locate schools by grade, location, and type. Each of these resources is available on line - a click away.

As your interest starts to focus, contact schools directly. For more data, you can also consult one of the independent school directories available at libraries. The Connecticut Association of Independent Schools office in Mystic can answer questions, too.

Selecting the right school is rarely hard, but it takes patience and involves advance planning. Ideally, the search should begin during the fall of the year preceding enrollment. (Some families begin even earlier.) Acceptance decisions are made five to six months prior to the start of a new school year, so you want to be finished with your search and application activities before then. However, be aware that almost every school will enroll a few students at other times during the course of any year; so don't assume that when you need to make a move "is at "the wrong time of year" without asking!

Via these first steps, develop a short list of schools to consider. Contact the admissions officer at each and request a "viewbook," a catalog and the application package. (Some schools can send videos as well); at a few, information can be gathered on-line (see links to schools now, if you wish).

When review of this information has helped you develop a list of a few "target" schools, the application process begins. Call each school's director of admissions to arrange a campus visit. Most visits include a chance to tour and observe the life of the school, and to talk freely with faculty, students, or admissions staff. If admissions testing must be scheduled, do so now.

Student and parents will probably be asked to complete a written application. References from persons who know an applicant will also be requested, and admissions testing and prior year transcripts are usually required. What the deadlines are for each of these items will vary, but most schools request that applications be submitted by late January or early February of the year of enrollment. Notifications of acceptance are generally sent out between mid-March and mid-April, and on a rolling basis thereafter.

Be sure to verify from admissions directors exactly what the application deadlines are, and what types of information are needed! And note: gathering documents such as written references and transcripts can sometimes be a long process. Plan ahead. Leave yourself plenty of time.

Financial Aid
Last year financial aid to students attending Connecticut schools exceeded $40 million. It's there to broaden access and to support diversity. How much aid each school can offer varies greatly. However assistance is only offered to families who qualify based on genuine need. And at each school, it is expected that all parents will contribute to the cost of their child's education to the best of their abilities. Information about financial aid will usually be included in the information sent by each school, and this subject can also be discussed when you make your campus visit.