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Visiting schools is a critical part of choosing a school. Yes, a website can give you a pretty good idea of school programs and facilities. But remember that the school is presenting itself precisely as it wishes to be seen, in a highly edited and sanitized manner.

Accordingly, you must see the school, inspect the facilities, meet some students, and chat with the staff. After all, you are considering entrusting your precious child to these people. You must determine if they are a good fit for your child. Your child won't be just a number in a private school. Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio mean she won't get lost in the shuffle. Consequently, she needs to be in a setting that will nurture and bring out the best in her. Your practiced eye can root out any potential problems. Use a Checklist for Comparing Schools to keep track of your observations and answers to your questions.

This video from Your School Marketing explains how open houses are part of the admissions process.

Remember: a school doesn't shape just educational outcomes; it also strongly influences attitudes and critical thinking. The culture of a school has a lot to do with this. Visiting the school allows you to evaluate all these essential aspects.

Many schools have open houses. These offer you an excellent opportunity to

Applying to a private school is a process. It is a process with many sections and parts to it. If you are accustomed to and meeting deadlines, this is just another version of that kind of exercise. I strongly recommend that you set it up just as carefully as you set up any major 12 to 18-month project at your office. When you organize yourself this way, you can put the project on the back burner for a week or so in the first six months without losing any momentum because you have your notes and 'Must Do's' listed. You can see what has to be done at a glance.

Start the process well in advance.

Begin your private school search at least 18 months in advance of when you actually want your child to begin classes. For example, if you want your child to begin Grade 10, then you would begin your private school search process in the spring of Grade 8. That will give you summer and fall to identify and visit schools. That will also allow time for admissions testing and submitting applications. You can start earlier if you prefer, but this timetable will give you enough time to thoroughly research and visit schools without feeling rushed. You will be able to arrive at well-informed decisions about where to apply. Starting far in advance ensures that