--- title: Launching Your Private School Search description: Learn how to launch your private school search with confidence. Discover essential questions to ask, research strategies, and campus visit tips to find the right-fit school where your student will thrive academically and personally. image: https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/Starting%20the%20Private%20School%20Search.png --- - [Login](https://www.chch.org/app) Search - [Parent/Guardian](https://www.chch.org/parentguardian) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [Summer](https://www.runningbrook.org/) - [Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/ch-ch-calendar) - [Contact](https://www.chch.org/page/contact) - [Apply](https://www.chch.org/admissions/apply) - [myCH-CH](https://chch.myschoolapp.com/app#login) [![CHCH](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/Main-Banner-Logo.png)](https://www.chch.org/Page) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/admissions) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Boarding](https://www.chch.org/boarding) - 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[Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [The Chronicle Magazine](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni/the-chronicle-magazine) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support/annual-fund) - [Summer](https://www.runningbrook.org/) - [Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/ch-ch-calendar) - [Contact](https://www.chch.org/page/contact) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/employment) - [Directions](https://www.chch.org/page/directions) - [Contact Us](https://www.chch.org/page/contact-us) # Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School Blog: Take Charge # Launching Your Private School Search Posted by [Shannon Fortin](https://blog.chch.org/author/shannon-fortin) on 11/17/25 3:51 PM In the CH-CH Admissions Office, one thing I often hear from families is that beginning the process of searching for the right school can be daunting and overwhelming. With so many schools out there, it’s hard to know where to begin.  As the associate director of Admissions, one of the best parts of my work is being part of a vibrant school community. But, what I’ve come to love just as much is meeting so many families each year as they begin their search for the right-fit school.  ![Starting the Private School Search](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Starting%20the%20Private%20School%20Search.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=Starting%20the%20Private%20School%20Search.png) Over time, I’ve seen how families can break through those initial concerns, and begin the journey of finding the best-fit school for their student. Before beginning, it's important to be clear on the end goal: seeing your student happy, motivated, and ready for the future. From there, breaking the process down into a few steps makes it much more manageable!   ## **Take Charge | Start by Asking Questions** There are a lot of factors to consider when searching for an independent school. Considering where your student will be happy, motivated, and set up for success is the best place to start; factors like size, location, demographics, academic philosophy, and so much more can influence whether or not it’s the right fit. Questions to answer include: - What type of location is best for your student? - Are they interested in Day or Boarding? - Do they prefer a Co-Educational or Single-Gender environment? - Would your student prefer a school with a large student population or a more close-knit community? - Are they looking for a focus on a particular academic program, athletics, or arts? - Will tuition and access to financial aid be important considerations for your family? ![DSC08725-1](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC08725-1.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=DSC08725-1.jpg) ## **Do Your Homework | Online Research** There are a lot of resources available online! These sites can help match you with schools that align with your priorities. [Niche](https://www.niche.com/), [NAIS](https://www.nais.org/school-directory) (National Association of Independent Schools), and for New England-based families, [AISNE](https://aisne.org/schools/) (Association of Independent Schools in New England) can be a great jumping-off point. For any school that catches your eye, visit their website to get a more in-depth look at what makes the school unique. The school’s social media can also be a great way to get a sense of what daily life is like, the campus community, and school traditions from the student perspective.    ## **Road Trip! | Plan your Visit** You’ve done the hard part by making your shortlist; now it’s time to take the next step and start visiting. Fall is a great time to visit, with many schools hosting Open Houses and offering daily tours to prospective families. Visiting in person is the best way to get a sense of the campus, community, and spirit of a school. If you’re unable to visit in person, check out the school’s options for virtual visits or webinars, which typically highlight students, faculty, and unique programming. ![Rosen Starting off the Year](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Rosen%20Starting%20off%20the%20Year.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=Rosen%20Starting%20off%20the%20Year.png) Choosing the right-fit school starts with understanding what your student needs to thrive. With so many wonderful schools out there, taking some time to consider what’s most important for your family, doing a bit of research, and visiting the campuses, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right one. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but it can also be exciting, and enjoyable, when approached with curiosity and an open mind. If you have any questions, the CH-CH Admissions team is here to help at [admissions@chch.org](mailto:admissions@chch.org) or 781-314-0804.   Topics: [Admissions](https://blog.chch.org/tag/admissions) [![Book Your CH-CH Tour Meet students and teachers, experience how CH-CH students achieve their best!  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4008772/interactive-184089442460.png)](https://blog.chch.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIUazLlX%2BdQk9rVi3jCM2DMHzSUSouKWw2P4L1xJeV8k1Jwd1s1GC9D7RITyARDQjcIDLT4Ya3XcYmhh9roUkx71JRErcbNCOAVvQIHMnOn7v54o%2BH%2B1sEkgEotloA0wASKYgRSBKSfJuPlof67LtqVzA11X09mpWtgnPuK11F5%2F%2BAebyxPuw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=184089442460&portalId=4008772) [![Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB.jpg?width=650&height=474&name=Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB.jpg "Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB")](https://blog.chch.org/) ### Subscribe Here! 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