5 October 2010

The Right Next School

Guidelines for Moving On from Upper Elementary

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

Topics• What will Kingsley do for you?

• Application Timeline

• Testing Requirements

• Planning Your Ideal School

• Contacting and Visiting Schools

• The Application Process

• Parent/Child School Visits

• Admission Acceptances

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

What will Kingsley do for You?• We will advocate for your child

• We will guide you through the process

• We will send well-written, professional evaluations/reports

• We will conduct mock interviews with your child

• We will conduct mock interviews with parents (if desired)

• We will support you throughout the entire process

• We will meet as often as you need

• We will work in partnership with you

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

Application TimelineSpring of 5th Grade

• Attend school meeting at Kingsley to talk about the process

Summer

• Plan your Perfect School

• Tutoring or support classes

• Start to look at schools via websites

• Develop a list of Schools

Fall

• Sign-up for the ISEE/SSAT

• Obtain Open House information

• Plan which Open Houses to attend

• Obtain applications

• Plan time for filling applications

• Get forms to Kingsley on time!

Fall/Early Winter• Submit your applications by due date• Kingsley will submit your application to schools on- time

Spring• Acceptance time• Revisit Time• Decision time

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

Testing RequirementsEntrance Exams: ISEE or SSAT

You have 2 options:

1. Take it at BPS (Boston Public School)

• One date (usually early November)

• No charge

• No essay (ISEE without essay portion of test)

• Kingsley gives registration forms to you (mid September)

• You may forward results to other Independent Schools

2. Take it at an Independent School

• More options of dates (see ISEE booklet or ISEE on-line)

• Fee

• Includes essay

• You may forward results to BPS as well as other Independent Schools

Note: Charter Schools: Process may be different

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

Planning your Ideal School Community

Some factors to think about:

• Size

• Mission

• Co-ed/Single Sex

• Day/Boarding

• Public/Charter

• Independent (Private)

• Special program offerings (sports, arts,

computers, theatre, languages, etc.)

• Location

• Diversity

• Financial Aid Budget

• Learning Support

• Middle School (Gr.7/8, 7-9)

• High School (Gr. 7-12)

• Facilities

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

Visiting / Contacting Schools • Obtain materials from schools (call them, go on-line)

• Obtain list of Open Houses for Fall

www.aisne.org

(Charter Schools may not be listed)

• Visit school websites

• Visit schools

• Call them to set up meetings

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

The Application ProcessReview each school’s admissions requirements and schedules

Step 1: Applications• Your child has to fill out an application (check due date)• Kingsley needs to fill out evaluations and other forms (Please be on-time)

Step 2: Filling out Applications (Student and School)• Student and Family working together• Talk about the parts of the applications and set up a plan involving your child’s opinion• Other requirements - no common application - each one is slightly different

Step 3: Submit necessary paperwork to Kingsley by deadline (usually Dec.1)• Kingsley will mail application directly to the school PRIOR to due date • Typically current English and Math teachers write reports• Director and/or HOS write letters of recommendation, sometimes Advisors• Previous and current report cards sent by Kingsley• Past test scores and reports

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

Parent / Student School VisitsStudent tour and individual interviews• Your child will probably have a tour by another students• Opportunity for your child to show him/herself as an individual• Some schools may give placement exam at time of interview• Help your child think about his/her strengths, interests, experiences• Kingsley will conduct mock interviews with your child

Parent interview• Usually happens when student interview takes place• Up to 30 minutes• Kingsley is willing to conduct a mock interview with you• Brag about your child - what are his/her interests, experiences, strengths • Celebrate Your Child and Family!

5 October 2010 The Right Next School

Thank you!

Any Questions?