T Minus 1 Month Until 2021-2022 Private School Applications Open

Wow, the independent school application process will be different than ever before! Thinking of transitioning to private schools next Fall? Need some insight on how to navigate COVID tours, virtual evaluations and interviews, and family personal statements?

What will change this year:

• AAAIS member schools are managing their school tours. By capping group tours and maintaining strict social distancing guidelines, some schools have opted to include additional tours. This is comforting to parents because tours will be smaller and more intimate, allowing for more personalized support from admissions to get questions answered.

• As of this post, parents are not allowed into certain school buildings at specific campuses. This is school-specific and up to leadership’s discretion, but be advised that due to safety measures, prospective parents are not allowed to tour specific classrooms (especially in lower divisions)

How you can help your student adapt:

• Regardless of the age of your student, we are advising parents to remain calm. Students feed off the (excited or nervous) energy of parents and though this is a unusual year for admissions in general, we’re all in this boat together.

• Depending on your child’s age and stage, the incoming requirements (JATP for K-5 or SSAT for 6-12) might look a little different. JATP psychologists in Metro Atlanta are being so flexible and offering both in-person and virtual testing options for parents to explore. The SSAT is still on the table with more measures being taken to ensure safe practices.

• If your child elects for a virtual assessment (either JATP or school-specific interview), prepare them. Use Zoom a few times beforehand to get all the kinks worked out. Adjust lighting in the room, clear clutter, and ensure a relaxed environment.

What you can do today to prepare:

• September is the month to spend time on school websites. Do your own research! Dig into Headmasters’ letters and Mission and Vision Statements. This gives a clear cut into where schools are headed in the next 5-10 years (an important metric especially for young families with early learners).