Steps for Applying to Private Kindergarten in New York City (Part I)

There are many differences between public schools and private schools. Private school tuition is often upwards of $30,000 per year. With such a steep price tag, it's worth examining if a private school is really for you.

One of the most obvious differences between public and private school is class size. Private schools almost always offer a very low faculty to student ratio. Smaller class sizes allow students to benefit from more one-on-one teacher instruction, and often children are able to pursue more self-directed interests.

Although there are great teachers in many public as well as private schools, there is usually a difference in teachers' backgrounds. Public schools often seek out faculty who are certified or who are in the process of certification, whereas private schools usually select faculty with a deep level of expertise (undergraduate or graduate degrees) in the subjects that they teach.

The curriculum also varies in public vs. private schools. Public schools offer a general program which is geared towards all children. In addition, what the students learn is monitored by standardized tests. Private schools usually have more flexibility, can offer individualized or blended curriculums, and do not need to keep to the standardized assessments (though many do).

The students in public and private schools vary as well. Public schools are available to all students who reside within the designated geographic area. Therefore, a public school is usually representative of its surrounding neighborhood. Private schools select students by an application process. Because the parents choose which school they are applying to, they are likely to be similar in goals to other private school applicants, so the student body is usually more homogenous than a public school.

You've Made the Decision to go Private: What's Next?

There are several steps involved in applying to private schools.

1) Do your research. Which school is right for your child?: (academics, location, price, amenities, special programs)

2) Request applications

3) Start a spreadsheet to keep track of deadlines (applications, tours, interviews, test scores, school reports)

4) Submit applications with appropriate fees, letters of recommendation, essays

5) Sign up for the ERB test

6) Tour the schools

7) Complete the interview process

8) ERB test completion

9) Apply for financial aid (if applicable)

10) Have current preschool send appropriate school reports

11) Relax!