Navigating Atlanta’s Private School Admissions Season

The private school admissions process can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning and preparation, you can make it a smooth journey for your family.

Atlanta’s competitive private school landscape requires strategic timing and thoughtful preparation to secure your child’s spot at the right institution:

The 18-Month Timeline

Commence your school search 18 months before your desired enrollment date. This early start gives you ample time to visit campuses, attend open houses and complete applications without feeling rushed, putting you in the driver’s seat of the process.

Institutions typically open their applications in August or September for the following fall. However, popular Atlanta schools like The Westminster Schools, The Lovett School and Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School often receive hundreds of applications for limited spots, making early preparation crucial.

KNOW Your Options

Start by identifying programs that align with your family’s values, educational philosophy and practical needs. Consider academic rigor, extracurricular offerings, religious affiliation, campus culture and commute time. Atlanta offers a rich tapestry of choices, from Montessori programs to classical education models, empowering you with many choices.

Visit websites, attend virtual information sessions and connect with current families to gather insights. Many institutions host fall open houses between September and November, providing excellent opportunities to experience campus life firsthand.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Most Atlanta private institutions require applications by mid-January for fall admission, though some have earlier deadlines in December. Common requirements include:

Completed application form
Student essays or writing samples
Parent statements
Teacher recommendations
Transcripts and report cards
Standardized test scores (when required)

Some institutions require entrance exams like the ISEE or SSAT. Register for these tests early, as spots fill quickly during peak season. Consider taking practice tests to ensure your child feels confident and prepared.

Financial Planning & Aid Applications

Private school tuition in Atlanta ranges from $15,000 to $35,000 annually. Research financial aid options early, as many institutions require separate applications with earlier deadlines than admissions applications. Submit financial aid forms by December or January to receive priority consideration.

Programs like those at The Paideia School and The Walker School offer need-based assistance, while others provide merit scholarships. Don’t assume your family won’t qualify – many middle-income families receive aid. This support system is in place to encourage you to explore all your selections.

The Interview Process

Most programs conduct family interviews between January and March. Prepare your child by discussing their interests, favorite subjects and reasons for wanting to attend the institution. Encourage honest, thoughtful responses rather than rehearsed answers.

Parents should curate a list of questions about academic programs, support services, campus culture and the school’s discipline and student well-being approach. For example, you could ask about the school’s approach to homework or how they support students struggling academically or socially.

Decision Timeline & Next Steps

Educational institutions typically notify families of admission decisions by mid-March, with enrollment contracts due by mid-April. If your child receives multiple acceptances, visit admitted student days to make your final decision.

Remember that waitlists remain active through summer, so communicate with programs where your child is interested. If your child is placed on a waitlist, it’s not necessarily a rejection. Many students are admitted from the waitlist, mainly if they express continued interest and the school’s needs change.

Final Tips for Success

Apply to multiple institutions to increase your options, but focus on programs where your child would genuinely thrive. Authentic applications that showcase your child’s unique qualities resonate more than generic submissions.

Stay organized with a master calendar tracking deadlines, required documents and interview dates. Most importantly, involve your child appropriately while managing expectations and reducing stress.

The private school admissions process requires patience and persistence, but finding the right educational environment for your child makes the effort worthwhile.

Top Atlanta Private Schools

KNOWAtlanta is proud to partner with a growing list of Atlanta private schools to make your search to elevate your child’s education much easier:

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