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.
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!
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:
There are a lot of resources available online! These sites can help match you with schools that align with your priorities. Niche, NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), and for New England-based families, AISNE (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.
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.
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 or 781-314-0804.