Just Starting the Private School Application Process? Don't Skip This Step

It’s still 90 degrees, Roswell Road is a parking lot, and don’t even think of getting on 285. Ahh…it must be back to school. If your kiddos are starting another year at your neighborhood public school and you’re considering making the switch to private for next year, we’re here for you. We encourage clients to check this pivotal step off of their to-do list (even before Labor Day) so you can eke out the last few weekends at the pool.

K-5 Mommas, Don’t Skip This Step

If you have lower school kiddos, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard this little abbreviation tossed around mom groups, preschool classrooms, and play dates—the JATP. Earlier this year, we shared all you need to know about this required standardized cognitive assessment of your littles. You can read more about what to expect on test day, how much it costs, and which Atlanta schools are members here.

Today, though some take-away nuggets for you to glean as you aim to check this off you school admissions to-do list:

• JATP testing for applicants interested in the 2020-2021 school year begins in October! Some schools open their applications for students as early as October so to have your JATP registration already on the calendar is a no-brainer! Friday, February 8, 2020 is the deadline for test results to be received by most private schools. 

• Remember that JATP registration can be submitted at any time. (Just remember that no school will consider a JATP evaluation until application has been completed).

• If your kiddo is sick, tired, cranky, grouchy, or otherwise not him/herself on test day, please reschedule! Atlanta Area psychologists are incredibly understanding (we’ve all had sick days) and they, too, want to do their part to put your child’s best foot forward in application season and help admissions committees gain an accurate glimpse into the uniqueness of your student.

• There is an option to return to for a follow-up appointment with the psychologist following the JATP (this requires an additional fee). A lot of parents opt to go this route—if even solely for peace of mind. This follow-up will provide some color into your child’s unique results and give you a more thorough perspective of how your child compares to a narrow age range (and more closely mirrors the report which is sent to schools of your choosing).