Navigating a Competitive Admissions Season Without Stress

The school year still feels brand new, so how is it time to begin thinking about 2025-26?

If you’re considering enrolling in a private school, it’s smart to start early.

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Applications are open at private schools, where admissions officers expect another busy season. A Cato Institute survey showed that 50 percent of private schools received more applications for 2023-24 than the previous year. Enrollment climbed at almost half of them, but many schools had nowhere to put all of the prospective students. Forty-two percent of the private schools surveyed reported having more applicants than available seats.

What this means for parents is that the earlier they can begin the process, the better. Research available options, narrow down your choices and have your application in the pool so you are prepared when schools make acceptance decisions.

Here are some tips to navigate the admissions process with as little stress as possible.

Understand the Timeline

It’s true that at many schools, offers of admissions come out in the spring. Although you could wait until then to apply, it can be a lengthy process. Besides tours, students may need to shadow in a classroom or visit for an assessment or interview. Parents may have additional questions or need academic records or recommendations.

The prospective school, meanwhile, will likely first ask its current parents whether they are re-enrolling and then invite siblings to enroll. After that, the school knows how many seats it has available per grade. If you complete your application early, you can be considered in the first round of acceptances – before the number of seats shrink even more.

Consider Starting in PreK3

A hands-on, academic curriculum for 3-year-olds ignites a love of learning at a young age. It also usually has the highest number of openings. Corbett Prep offers the International Baccalaureate Programme for all students beginning in PreK3. The PreK students also benefit from Corbett Prep’s social-emotional learning strategies, its highly trained faculty, exposure to the arts and plenty of active play.

If you wait until kindergarten to apply, you’re vying for a smaller number of seats and missing out on a vibrant prekindergarten experience.

Make Middle School a Priority

As beneficial as it is to start at a school at a young age, it isn’t always possible. Middle schools may have more seats than elementary, making sixth grade a good time to apply to private school. A school such as Corbett Prep that offers just elementary and middle school grades – known as a K-8 program – gives middle school students the chance to shine.

These older students are leaders within a safe and nurturing environment. Research shows that they are happier, perform better academically and face less bullying than traditional schools.

Attend an Open House

Admissions Open Houses allow prospective parents to gather a lot of information in a short time. Corbett Prep’s open houses take place during the school day so prospective parents can learn about the educational philosophy and see it in action on their tour.

Before you visit, think about what is the most important to you and watch for that. Do students seem engaged? Is the campus stimulating for learning?

The school application process may feel daunting with so many choices before you and uncertainty about the outcomes. Start small – sign up for an open house – and if you like what you see, move forward with the next steps in applying.

With planning and preparation, you’ll know what you want for your child’s education and have your application completed in plenty of time. A year from now, you can enjoy watching your kids thrive at their new school.

*Presented by Corbett Prep | Originally published in the October 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.