	ISSL FAQ

	Click on a question below for the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you can't find what you're looking for or if you'd like to send us your comments, please consult our Contact Us page.

While all the schools in the association are committed to providing a positive and safe educational experience for all their students, there is no common mold for our schools. Each school has developed a distinctive program and culture based on its mission and suited to its own community. You will see evidence of these differences in the short descriptions provided within. Finding the "right match" is not an easy process and parents should gather as much information as possible. It is recommended that parents begin the process the fall before the year in which they wish to enroll their child. Also, parents should consider a number of schools, as many schools have more applicants than places for new students.

Just as each school is unique, so each child possesses differing needs and desires. A family should spend time assessing what these needs and desires are. How competitive or supportive an academic setting is desirable? Is remedial help needed in certain areas? Does your child perform better in a structured or relaxed environment? Would your child be more comfortable in a single sex or a coed school? Is a day school or a boarding school a better environment? Are there special programs which would be of particular interest (international exchange, experiential education)? What are your child’s favorite subjects, activities, sports?

At the same time parents need to consider their own preferences and concerns. What level of formality (dress code, approach to discipline) would make you feel most comfortable? Do you want opportunities to volunteer at the school? Where do you hope your child will go for the next level of education? Where do you have questions about cost and/or financial aid? Do you need an extended day program? Is transportation a concern?

As you attempt to answer these questions, you should also begin collecting information about the various schools in which you are interested. Call and request admission brochures and applications or log onto the ISSL website which provides links to the websites of our member schools. Find out the requirements and deadline dates of the admission process. Are interviews with you and your child required? What types of admission testing or academic assessment must your child go through? Are references from current teachers required? Are there deadline dates for the various steps in the process? When will schools make admission decisions and/or financial aid decisions? What factors does the school take into account when choosing between students? The more information you can pull together, the better able you will be to understand and navigate the process.

Q: How do I decide which school is the right choice for my child?

Q: How do I afford an independent school?

While everyone will agree that private school education is not inexpensive, it doesn't have to break your budget. Affording a quality education does take some planning, and most families employ several strategies to keep the cost within reach. In this planning it is important to realize that the family bears the primary responsibility for financing their child’s education to the extent that they are able.

Perhaps the best source of information lies within the Financial Aid Officer at the individual schools you are considering. They can explain the full range of financial options that they offer so that you can see how these options fit within your financial planning.

Among the most common of financial aid options are grants. Grants are based upon the financial needs of a family and do not need to be paid back. The money for these grants comes directly from the school’s budget and demonstrates the school’s commitment to having a diverse student population.

Another common option is a monthly payment plan. These plans are administered either by the schools themselves or by outside agencies approved by the school and allow families to spread out their tuition payments over a period of eight to ten months. In most cases, payments start before the school year begins.

Occasionally schools also offer low interest loan programs. Loan programs differ from payment plans in that they charge interest, require creditworthiness, and often includes fees beyond interest payments. Families utilizing this option should look carefully at both the short and long term impact of this type of plan.

Remember that financing a private school education requires some planning on your part and most families take advantage of at least one of the above options. No matter which of these options you decide to use, following deadlines for submitting the necessary forms is most important. Missing a deadline or not following directions might well diminish your chances of utilizing that particular financing option. And remember that the admission and/or financial aid officer are willing to help you with these options. They are interested is the same thing you are - providing a quality education for your child!

Q: What types of admissions resources are available

Q: How do I apply to a secondary independent school?

ISSL FAQ

Q: What are independent schools?

Q: How are independent schools unique?

Q: What types of schools are in ISSL?

Q: How are the categories of independent schools defined?

Q: How do I begin the process of selecting the right school for my child?

Q: How do I decide which school is the right choice for my child?

Q: How do I afford an independent school?

Q: What types of admissions resources are available

Q: How do I apply to a secondary independent school?