Looking for a new middle school? The admission season for private schools typically ends around Spring Break, but then life happens! You have found yourself shopping for schools, but there are no more campus tours on the calendar, deadlines have passed, and now you feel like you are way behind.Â
But there is hope! Some spots are still available at independent schools across Austin, Texas. Here’s a checklist to help you in your search.
1. Schedule a testing day for your student.
Most private schools will require the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). Check with the school to see which exam they prefer.
2. Research schools in your area and schedule campus tours.
You don’t truly know a school until you get on campus! Ask schools if they can schedule an off-season tour and come prepared with questions (some suggestions below).
- What are the yearly highlights and milestones?
- What extracurriculars or electives are available?
- Do you have an advisory program?
- How do you teach executive-functioning skills?
- How do you help new students feel like they belong?
- What world languages do you offer?
- What does the athletic program look like?
- What social-emotional learning (SEL) support do you have for students?
3. Identify the schools where your child would thrive.
Compare schools based on the things that matter most to you and your middle schooler. Here are some examples:
- Tuition
- Grade Levels
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- Average Class Size
- Electives Offered
- Sports Offered
- Food Service
4. Schedule a family interview and student visit day.
Some schools require a family interview with the child. For older kids, some schools also require a shadow day for your student. But this could be waived if your family lives out of town.
5. Request academic records and teacher recommendations.
Many private schools require report cards from the previous year (including testing results) and recommendations for literacy and mathematics. Check with schools to see what they require and how to submit it.
The folks at Trinity Episcopal School of Austin created an Application Checklist for Middle School to help you keep track of these steps and compare schools. They even created a kid version for your student to complete alongside you. Visit www.austintrinity.org to learn more about the unique opportunities for middle schoolers at Trinity.
About the Author
Bethani Emery is the Admission Director at Trinity Episcopal School of Austin. She has a Master’s of Education and more than 10 years of experience working in private schools. She lives in west Austin with her husband and preschooler.
