Why Private Schools?
Every private school is different, but all offer unique solutions to families’ unique educational needs. Get to know these creative, mission-driven institutions—and find the one that’s the right fit for your family.
Get ready to get in.
Welcome to the first step on the path to the school of your dreams! Curated by your friends at The Enrollment Management Association, creator of the SSAT, Admission.org is your resource for navigating the K–12 private and independent school admission process.
04
03
02
01
Looking for hands-on, comprehensive help along the way? Admission Academy is a yearlong family program with exclusive on-demand resources, live sessions, and more.
Discover Admission Academy
Start Your Private
School Journey
Whatever your reason for exploring a private school education, here’s everything you need to know to move forward in the admission process.
.svg)
Step 1
Discover
Before you can find your child's best-fit school, you need to know what it looks like. Start your journey by doing some homework.
Explore your options with our Private School Finder, which allows you to search for schools that accept the Standard Application Online (SAO).
Step 2
Prepare for School
Once you find potential schools for your child, it’s time to begin the admission process. There is a lot to know and do before you submit your applications.
Understand the process
Overwhelmed? Admission Academy can help. It’s a yearlong family program designed to help your child find and apply to their best-fit school.
Join Admission Academy
Register for assessments
The SSAT is the gold-standard test for private school admission.
The Character Skills Snapshot provides schools with a richer, holistic view of your student.
Practice, test, and retake if needed
Prepare for test day with official SSAT practice materials and by following test-day tips.
Take a Free Practice Test
Step 3
Apply
Your student is now prepped, assessed, and focused on their dream schools. What’s next?
Prepare all materials
Most applications require an essay, teacher evaluations, letters of recommendation, and transcripts of your student’s grades.
Join Admission Academy
Apply online
The Standard Application Online (SAO) simplifies the application process.
Students can submit their information, essays, transcripts, and recommendations once and use that to apply to multiple schools.
Apply Now
Explore financial aid options
Ask if your select schools offer tuition payment plans, need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, scholarships, or merit awards and check requirements and due dates.
More Tips
Step 4
Enroll
Congratulations! You’ve found and applied to a school that serves your family’s needs. Now, you need to wait for an enrollment decision.
Most schools will inform you of their decisions in early March: you may be accepted, declined, or added to the waiting list. Once your student is enrolled, they can begin planning their schedule—and their new life—at their dream school.
Remember: you don’t have to navigate this process alone! Enroll in Admission Academy for a full year of admission advice and insights.
Get Started
Join Admission Academy
A year-long family program to help you find and apply to your best-fit school. Gain exclusive access to on-demand resources, live sessions, virtual school fairs, and more.
Discover Admission AcademyAdmission Advice
Explore tips and resources for every step in the K–12 private school admission process.
Let's Talk About Admission Decisions
Randie Benedict from St. Anne's-Belfield School fields questions on everything from waitlists to financial aid appeals from parents mulling admission decisions.
.png)
Let’s Talk About Getting Waitlisted
Educational consultant Cammie Bertram joins the podcast to discuss the various waitlist scenarios families may encounter when applying to private schools.
Private vs. Independent Schools: What’s the Difference?
What is the difference between independent and private schools? Here's what you should know before embarking on the application process.
About Us
Admission.org is brought to you by The Enrollment Management Association (EMA), creator of The SSAT, The Standard Application Online (SAO), and The Character Skills Snapshot.
A nonprofit organization, EMA supports a vast network of private schools and over 80,000 applicant families annually.
Learn About EMA