Admissions 

What Types of Schools are in PNAIS?

PNAIS schools represent a diverse group of schools, each of which has its own mission and culture. Their philosophy, principles, and practices are consistent with a free, open, and humane society; therefore schools provide an intellectual environment in which students are free to express individual points of view and to debate all sides of a subject.

PNAIS member schools are primarily day schools with a few boarding programs. Enrollment has been increasing gradually over the past few years while the number of applications has grown significantly. In 2009-10, day school tuition ranged from $7,993 to $19,162. During 2009-10, 15% of students in PNAIS schools received financial aid, with an average grant of $9,114. Enrollment of students of color stands at 24%.

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

While all the schools in this Association are committed to providing a positive and safe educational experience for all their children, there is no common mold for our schools. Each school has developed a distinctive program and culture based upon its mission and suited to its own community. Finding the "right match" is not an easy process and parents should gather as much information as possible. It is recommended that parents begin this 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 setting a better environment? Are there special programs that 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 most comfortable? Do you want opportunities to volunteer at school? Where do you hope your child will go for the next level of education? Do you have questions about costs and/or financial aid? Do you need an extended day program? Is transportation a concern?

Other key questions parents should ask have been posed as part of the Independent School Advocacy Initiative.

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 application materials or go to the PNAIS School Database to find links to our member schools. Find out the requirements and deadline dates of the admission process. Are interviews with you and your child required? What type of admission testing or academic assessment must your child go through? Are references from current teachers required? Are there deadline dates for 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.

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

Once you have heard from the schools that accepted your child, you will be given a certain amount of time to make your choice - usually two weeks. While schools have a range of policies and procedures regarding additional visits, you might be able to visit the school again. Many families seek out parents whose children are already enrolled in the school. These parents can provide useful insights about the value of the school's community, program and faculty. Making the final decision is never easy, but be sure that your decision does take into account as many of the things you were looking for in the first place.

Whichever school you choose be sure to inform the other schools which accepted your child of your final decision. Many schools have candidates on waiting lists, and these students are anxious to learn whether a space will become available. Therefore, prompt responses are not only considered a common courtesy, but important. Once you return the enrollment contract along with a tuition deposit, your family will be considered part of that school's community. You will hear several times from the school before the start of the next school year and will begin to experience the sense of community and caring that is such an important part of the independent school world.