STARTING YOUR CHILD IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL

There are many reasons you may opt for enrolling your children in private school:

• The local public schools are understaffed, unsafe, or otherwise unsatisfactory.
• You prefer your children be educated according to a specific philosophy or curricular focus.
• You feel your child would learn more effectively in a non-traditional school environment.
• A particular school was specially recommended.

If you’re choosing the school yourself, be sure that it not only makes a good first impression, but has a good reputation and is certified by a third-party organization (the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission in Texas). And talk to other parents (and children) who have personal experience with any school you’re considering.

Here are some other things to know about launching a child as a private-school student:

• Look for not simply a “good school,” but one that will be a perfect fit with your child’s needs. Don’t fall into the trap of choosing a school just because its standards are high, or because 95 percent of its graduates go on to college. It’s easier to succeed in life without a college degree than to heal the psychological damage of being forced to “succeed” in the wrong school: look for one that will help develop your child’s unique skills.
• Let your child take an active role in choosing and applying to schools. Private schools want students with initiative and enthusiasm, so your family is already at a disadvantage if you presume to do all the researching, organizing, filling out, and speaking for your child. Admissions departments require prospective students to personally interview and contribute essays—and primary-school administrators definitely can tell which parents write the essays for their children.
• Be prepared to take an active role yourself—during the application process and after the acceptance. Letting your kids prove themselves to the school doesn’t mean your own part will be limited to gofer and chauffeur: private schools also place high value on getting the whole family involved and contributing. You’ll probably have to write essays and be interviewed yourself. Think in advance about what interests you have and what you can offer the school.
• Make a list (and calendar) of everything required for the applications and admissions process: open-house visits, forms, letters of recommendation, student andparent essays, interviews.
• Get your application in early. Remember, private schools are not required to accept every student who applies, and the later you are, the greater the risk of being told, “Sorry, already full.” Start compiling your application materials 6–12 months before the admission deadline.

Note to Teachers

Interviewing prospective students as a private-school teacher, you may occasionally find yourself dealing with a take-charge-type parent who dictates what they expect from the school, answers everything for their child, and interrupts your best attempts to get the conversation back on track. Don’t feel responsible for taking the full pressure: admissions decisions—and dealing with difficult people—are the whole school’s responsibility. Before you encounter this situation, talk with your supervisor and some experienced colleagues to get advice (and probably a few healthy laughs).

WELCOME TO OUR PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOL

To qualify for Shady Oak Primary, all your child needs is a sense of adventure, willingness to participate, and eagerness to learn by doing—plus a desire to discover his or her own potential. Visit our admissions page to download the enrollment packet. Questions? Contact Enrollment Director Brandy Rawls at 281-344-1291 or [email protected].

Blessings to parents and children of all ages!