In Alberta, we are fortunate to have an abundance of educational opportunities and school choice. Within that array of options, there are a multitude of independent schools (sometimes referred to as private schools), and each one of those is unique. We have different uniforms or dress codes, grade offerings, locations and facilities, focus areas and specialized programs, co-curricular offerings, strengths, priorities, histories, and more.
These differences are what make independent schools, well, independent.
In line with each school’s unique qualities, each application process is different, tied together by an overarching common goal – to help determine if an applicant student can be successful and happy at the school.
While specific requirements and assessment procedures may differ, the majority of independent schools require an initial application form to indicate interest in attending the school (most commonly found online). Applications will often include documentation demonstrating the student’s academic standing, as well as additional information pertaining to the school’s areas of focus, mission, and values to help determine if an applicant has the potential to do well at the school.
As a parent, going through this process can seem somewhat invasive or perhaps feel like the school is “judging your child” – at the end of the day, independent schools exist because they genuinely care about students and want them to succeed while at school and in their future endeavors.
You may see the list of required information and documents as daunting. It can be a struggle to know where to start, and when. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when navigating the independent school application process:
Get a feel for schools and narrow down your top choices. Start by reviewing websites, watching videos, following social media channels, and attending in-person events like Open Houses. Get a feel for the school, see what your kids think, watch, and listen. This will help you narrow down your top two or three schools where you want to invest the time and energy of applying.
Apply to more than one school. While it may seem like a lot of work, it is important to go through the process with all your top schools before making any final decisions. Depending on space and admissions requirements, you may not receive an offer from your first choice, so completing the process with other schools is a good plan. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about the schools and in turn, assess them. How is their customer service? How responsive are they? How clear is their communication? How warm and accommodating are they? How personalized is the process – have they taken time to get to know you and your child? How do they onboard new students to ensure they start well and feel at home? These things matter, and through the application process you will be able to gauge if the school aligns with you and your family. This is very important, as this will become your children’s home away from home for many years to come.
Be organized and on top of important dates. It is crucial to be aware of application deadlines and requirements, class space capacity, and specific requirements for the grades you are applying for. It is also important to be aware of other deadlines like financial assistance applications and course selection dates. This is especially important if you are applying for grades in high demand with limited space, like Kindergarten or Grade 7. A good rule of thumb is to apply early and give yourself lots of time to go through the application process without stress.
Don’t be afraid to reach out when you need to, ask questions, and engage in the process. When applying to independent schools, you are considering a major commitment – financially yes, but also because of the robust programs, location and possible commute, and parental involvement typical at independent schools, you are also looking at a big lifestyle commitment – for you and your children. You are absolutely entitled to ask questions and dig deep, and we encourage applicant students to take ownership and do the same!
Be confident in your choices and gut instincts. You know your children best. You understand their learning style, what excites them, bores them, or makes them nervous, and you know the kind of environment they need to be happy. Lean on this innate knowledge. If a school doesn’t feel right for them, that’s okay. There are many choices out there and if you are choosing to go the independent school route, take the time to find the right fit for your family – not just the right fit for right now, but all the way to graduation and beyond as an alumni. When the school is right, there is a lifetime of connection and support ahead for your child/ren.
Focus on finding a school where your children feel a sense of belonging. The benefits of having a sense of belonging at school cannot be understated. It is not just a nice-to-have. Students who feel supported, heard, understood, and known can just be themselves. They feel equipped to try new things and go out of their comfort zones. They can focus their energy on doing their best and participating. They gain confidence and, in turn, develop deeper empathy. This helps them to be more kind, understanding, and belonging to others around them, and these benefits will often stay with them well after graduation. With these benefits in their tool kit, they can go on to achieve great things and, most importantly, with happiness and a sense of fulfilment. Finding true belonging is a gift that every young person needs and deserves.
Enjoy the process! It's exciting to take the plunge and investigate all of the amazing education choices out there for your children. Through the process you will likely learn more about what is important to you as a parent, as well as what is important to your children when it comes to finding an ideal learning environment. Enjoy the journey of discovery as a family.
Some suggested questions to ask during the application process:
What type of student is the school focused on?
Some schools are known for fostering academic talent, while others have a more balanced approach, blending academics with artistic, athletic, and service pursuits.
How does the school help students succeed?
You know your children best. Have an open conversation with the school and be specific about what your child needs to feel happy, challenged, and engaged to ensure they will have access to all they need to succeed and flourish.
When you visit the campus, does the environment feel like a good fit?
Touring campus during a regular school day lets you see how students and teachers conduct themselves and treat each other, inside and outside of the classrooms. It is essential to get a gut feeling about the school by physically being there.
What is the school's average class size?
There’s no consensus on the perfect class size, but some believe that student achievement can rise as class size drops, or that with a tighter student-to-teacher ratio, there is more individualized attention.
What makes the school unique?
The programs offered, as well as the amenities and facilities located on each school campus, can vary widely. Any number of these unique features could sway your decision.
Is the school accredited?
Accreditation assures you that the school is accountable for meeting and maintaining certain quality standards set by an external organization.
What co-curricular programs and activities are offered?
Many schools provide co-curricular programs that extend past the final school bell, giving students additional opportunities to socialize, learn new skills, and pursue their passions.
How does the school work to build character in students?
Some schools go out of their way to instill strong values and social responsibility in students through organized programs, field trips, and class study.
Does the school follow a specific educational approach or enrichment program?
It is important to understand if a school aligns with your educational priorities. Alternative educational systems like Montessori, Waldorf, and Froebel take different approaches to a student's spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Several schools also offer International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) enrichment programs. It is a good idea to gain an understanding of the benefits and differences between all of these options and to ask questions if you are unsure.
What is the school doing to foster good relationships?
Feeling a sense of belonging is one of the most important factors correlated to student happiness at school. Ask about programs and policies that promote a more personal and caring atmosphere, help students find their place, and encourage students to connect with teachers and each other.
How does the school deal with discipline issues, bullying, and negative online behavior?
Great schools exist with a strong, vibrant, and caring community, a partnership with parents, clear expectations and values, and a shared priority for the wellbeing and educational success of students. It is imperative that you and the school your children attend are on the same page when it comes to how issues will be addressed. Ask how discipline is handled at the school, whether they have a student code of conduct, and if there are clear policies around social media, bullying, and academic misconduct.
How does the school assess and provide support for individual students?
In addition to test scores and class grades, every student benefits from personalized attention. Ask what the school offers for support for exceptional needs, or if assignments may be adjusted to interests and learning styles.
How does the school engage parents during the school year?
Find out how each prospective school builds community, keeps parents engaged, and makes school activities and student progress visible from the outside.
Does the school provide travel opportunities?
Schools often create opportunities for field trips, study abroad programs, and international homestays as part of their curricular or extracurricular offerings.
Does the school offer modern language instruction?
A modern language like French or Spanish, learned and practiced during the elementary and high school years, can be a great personal and career asset to students later in life.
Does the school offer health and physical education, and opportunities to be outdoors?
Studies show that physical fitness, connecting with nature, maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle, and developing life skills are important factors when it comes to student ability to focus and overall wellbeing.
Are there STEAM programs at the school and are they mandatory?
STEAM education is crucial in preparing the next generation for a rapidly changing, global economy. The right school for your child may be the one that can foster your child's interests or demonstrated talents in design, music, drama, fine art, or writing, and integrate them with other core subject areas to ensure they have the tools to be successful in their future endeavors.
What key competencies does the school focus on and how does the school measure student success?
It is important to know what key competencies or skills the school aims to instill in students, and how they know they are meeting those goals.
How do they teach core subjects such as math and science?
There is a lot of discussion and media attention around differing teaching methods and outcomes in core subject areas. Ask schools about their teaching methodology, desired outcomes, and how they support students with different learning styles in succeeding.
Does the school offer athletic programs, or have athletic requirements?
Some schools emphasize parallel development of athletics and academics, while others offer a broad range of sports programs for students to enjoy when they aren't in a classroom.
Do the school's athletic teams compete in leagues outside of the school?
Schools with internal sports teams and leagues may also participate in inter-school competitions citywide or nationwide, offering additional opportunities for travel and personal development.
Does the school provide post-secondary guidance?
Ask if the school you’re considering provides advice and support to students considering different colleges and universities for the next stage of their educational journey.
How does the school engage with its alumni?
A strong and active alumni network is a testament to the positive experiences of former students, and may create unique opportunities for students after they graduate.
Lara is the Head of Community Relations at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS).
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