transitioning from public school to religious school

If you're planning on sending your child to a private school, you're going to need plenty of time to prepare. In fact, the best time to start preparing for your child's private school education is as soon as they enter preschool. This will give you at least two years to find the right educational environment for your child. Here are four steps you should take to make sure your child gets into the right school.

Take Plenty of Tours

You wouldn't buy a new car without test driving it first, so don't choose a school without taking a few tours. Make a list of the schools that you'd consider sending your child to. Contact each school and arrange personal tours of each campus. Once you've visited each school, narrow the list to the campuses that you'd like to take a closer look at. Arrange to visit the schools during school hours so that you can see how well the campus runs while the students are present.

Don't Limit Yourself to One Application

After you've narrowed your choices down to about a half dozen, apply to each of those schools. Applying to at least a half dozen schools increases your chances of having your child accepted to a quality program. However, if you limit the applications you submit, and your child isn't accepted, you could end up being left with less-than-optimum choices for your child's education.

Approach Each School Individually

While you're applying to various schools, it's important to approach each one individually. It might seem easier to simply enter the same information onto each application. However, because each school is different, the answers on your applications should identify those differences. For instance, if one school is geared towards the arts, be sure you explain how the arts will enhance your child's education.

Get Your Letters of Recommendation Early

Most private schools will require you to submit letters of recommendation with your application packets. Don't wait until the last minute to gather those letters. As soon as you know that you're going to be applying, start making requests from your friends, family members, and associates. This will ensure that you're not left waiting for letters when the filing deadline arrives.

You want to make sure your child receives the best education possible. If you've decided on a private school education, use the tips provided here and talk to an educator at St Anne's Catholic School for more advice to make sure you're ready for the application process.