By Alexandra McCray
The process of relocating comes with a bevy of important tasks, and finding the right school for your child is surely at the top of the list. If you are interested in sending your children to one of the metro area鈥檚 independent schools, this primer will help you begin to get acquainted with the metro Atlanta private school market and shares some essential details to consider as you begin exploring the options.
Timing is Everything
The first step you鈥檒l likely want to take is determining your timeline for researching and applying. According to Rebekka Whitehead, founder and CEO of an education consultant company that supports families through the process of finding and 
applying to private schools in metro Atlanta, 鈥淲e partner with families June to June鈥攁 full year鈥攖o ensure that parents are getting an appropriate feel of the private school landscape, navigating their non-negotiables when it comes to identifying their child鈥檚 next school home and finalizing their school list.鈥 She suggests, if possible, that parents relocating to Atlanta also start looking at schools about a year out from the summer leading into their children entering a grade at the new private school.
In addition to your move date, application deadlines can also affect your research and preparation timeline. Whitehead says it鈥檚 common for schools to open applications for the following school year from the start of October to early or mid-December and require outside documentation and other processes such as interviews to be submitted and completed by February. 鈥淣otifications are always sent out the first Saturday in April,鈥 she says.
Not all private schools in metro Atlanta follow this admission schedule, and some offer rolling admissions. More than 70 schools in the region are members of the (AAAIS). According to the organization鈥檚 Principles of Best Practice, schools that are members follow set common admission calendar dates. After admission notification at the end of March or the start of April for general purpose schools (not focused on special needs), parents have about a two-week period to contemplate their final decision, and member schools do not reach out to them during this time. There are situations that allow AAAIS schools flexibility outside the set common admission calendar dates, including if a family is relocating from out of the country.
Bracing for Competition
High competition is a reality of the metro Atlanta private school market. 鈥淎tlanta is a unique learning microcosm because our city offers schools that cater to grades K-5, K-6, K-8, 6-12, 7-12 and K-12,鈥 Whitehead says. 鈥淭here are 鈥榝eeder schools鈥 and general placement trends that contribute to high application 
numbers and low attrition values.鈥 She explains that, as expected, application rates and openings are higher for the grades schools consider to be 鈥渢raditional entry points鈥 for new stages, such as the beginning of upper school, which may combine what is usually thought of as middle and high school. 鈥淭he 鈥榥ontraditional entry points鈥 are those years in between鈥1st, 2nd, 3rd鈥攁nd while there are historically less applicants, there are also spots,鈥 she says.
Because private school acceptances can be hard to come by, Whitehead says there are two strategies parents sometimes adopt. One, she explains, is that they鈥檒l go the public education route for elementary school and apply to private schools for middle school. Whitehead explains that parents like to use the time before middle school in different ways, but mainly to help their children discover what they鈥檙e passionate about. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen a myriad of things. Overall, it鈥檚 about students being exposed to different interests鈥攕ports, extracurriculars, academic鈥攂efore learning what to specialize in for middle school. This strategy also helps with the interview process and student personal statement,鈥 she says.
The other plan involves parents working to get their children accepted to the private school of their choice from kindergarten.
Considering Finances and Location
Whitehead says that parents may also decide to pursue the first option as part of a financial strategy to offset the cost of a private school education. Based on data from schools her firm works with, tuition costs for kindergarten through middle school can range from slightly under $10,000 and go as high as more than $32,000, while high school can start at $13,500 and also go to over $32,000. Families鈥 religious affiliation and the number of children attending the school also can affect tuition pricing.
School location can be as important a factor when considering a private education as it can be if you were enrolling your child in public school. Of the four most populous counties in the metro area, the biggest, Fulton, also has more private school options than its smaller counterparts, according to data from the and the 2020 Census. Fulton, which includes popular cities such as Atlanta, Alpharetta and Johns Creek, has 91 private schools, while the next three largest鈥擥winnett, Cobb and DeKalb鈥攈ave 36, 42 and 60, respectively.
Numerous counties make up the metro Atlanta area, and the Georgia Department of Education makes it easy for parents coming to the area to see a complete list of private schools available. It provides an online database of all the private schools in the state, plus a few in Alabama and Florida, that you can sort by city, zip code or county.
Other resources Whitehead recommends looking into as you begin to explore the metro Atlanta private school market include the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) and the Georgia Association of Christian Schools (GACS). You may also want to refer to the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Cognia (formerly known as AdvancED|Measured Progress) or another accrediting organization, to confirm school accreditation as you do your research.
Getting a Grasp on Testing and Virtual Resources
As you begin to inquire about testing, the Joint Admissions Testing Program (JATP) or Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) will likely quickly come up. The JATP is unique to Atlanta and is a standardized evaluation for children in kindergarten through 5th grade that is sometimes part of the application process. For 
children in 6th through 12th grade, some schools may require them to take the SSAT, also a standardized assessment. Whitehead says, 鈥淣ot all schools require the JATP or SSAT. Rather, some schools elect to implement their own evaluations. And in some cases, schools require both鈥攁 standardized test, JATP or SSAT, depending on the child鈥檚 grade, and an on-campus evaluation to assess academic and social readiness.鈥
To keep track of the entire application process, it鈥檚 important to use a variety of resources at your disposal. If your child already attends private school, you may be familiar with Ravenna, which private schools can use as a catch-all digital portal for admission materials and notifications, along with important information such as school records and parent contact details.
The software is not the only way some metro Atlanta schools have begun to incorporate more virtual resources, explains Whitehead. Due to the pandemic, many began hosting online tours and offering virtual ways for prospective parents and students to get to know their school and campus.
Whitehead concludes, 鈥淥ne of the silver linings of COVID-19 is that the admissions processes have become much more equitable to out-of-state and international applicants with access to virtual tours, campus events, coffee chats and online programming that equips parents with an understanding of a school鈥檚 curriculum, community and culture鈥攚ithout stepping foot on the campus.鈥
Words to the Wise
Local private school administrators share their tips for a smooth school relocation
You put so much time into searching for the perfect home when you move to a new city. You have to make sure that the residence you select is the right fit for you and your family, and the result is well worth the effort when all of your needs are met. The same is true when you are looking for the right private school for your children. You have to find a school that meets your children鈥檚 particular academic and social needs while providing them鈥攁nd your entire family鈥攚ith a community in which they can thrive. Here, administrators from several metro Atlanta private and independent schools share their tips for navigating the process of choosing the right school when you relocate to the ATL.
Janet Brown, Head of School
ANNUNCIATION DAY SCHOOL
- 鈥俉hen visiting schools, pay attention to how the school feels. You will know when you enter the lobby of the school if the fit is right.
- 鈥侫sk admissions, the head of school or any teachers or staff you meet, 鈥淲hat do YOU like best about working in this school?鈥 This will give you an idea of the health of the school culture.
Kristi McCarthy, Director of Admissions
ATLANTA ACADEMY
- 鈥侭efore you begin, make a checklist of what you want from your private school experience. Is it academics, sports, social and emotional development? Do you want your child to be exposed to the creative arts, debate, robotics and STEAM? Is it close to your home? Does it offer an afterschool program?
- 鈥侫fter visiting different schools, sit down as a family and weigh the pros and cons. Hopefully, you feel connected to one . Speak with the admissions director so they can help you navigate the application process, schedule a shadow day and begin your private school journey.
Head of Admissions
ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
- 鈥侷nvolve your student. Whatever their age, it is important to make sure that your child is central to the process of finding the right school for them. Joining school events, interacting with student ambassadors and involving children with open days and school visits will all help them to get the feel of a school. And always try to interact with a school more than once to see it at different points of the academic year.
- 鈥俆alk to other families. At AIS, we have a very vibrant and active Parent Organization (PO). Once families are enrolled, the PO鈥檚 Family Ambassador Program pairs new families with existing ones who have similar interests and situations. But reaching out to hear other parents鈥 and students鈥 perspectives before that point should be an authentic part of the application process.
Bayless Fleming, Director of Enrollment,
and Allyson Maebert, Associate Director of Enrollment
THE GALLOWAY SCHOOL
- 鈥係tart exploring schools during the fall before the school year you wish to enroll. Most private schools open the admission season on October 1. By beginning the search early, families have plenty of time to research multiple schools, attend tours and contact admissions offices with any questions they have well in advance of the late January application deadline.
- 鈥侻aximize your opportunities to interact with the school community. As schools adjust to the admissions season in a post-pandemic world, campus visits and in-person open houses are also returning. Schedule shadow days for your student(s) if available and attend an open house. Non-admission events, such as a spirit night or a fine arts performance, are also great chances for your family to interact with the school community.
Shanna Rein, Director of Admissions
LYNDON ACADEMY
- 鈥俉ith such a wide range of school choices, it is important to start early and schedule tours that occur during the instructional day so that you can see a school in action. Look for course offerings that align with your child鈥檚 interests, as well as teaching styles that align with your child鈥檚 needs. Class size is also something to make note of, as all students thrive in an environment that offers the maximum amount of teacher interaction coupled with small group instruction. Also look for schools that allow for your child to have a visitation or shadow day.
- 鈥侽nce you have selected a school or several schools that you wish to apply to, have all documents required by the school available as soon as possible. Not having the required documents can delay your acceptance and potentially keep you from being able to secure an available seat.
Stephanie Dunn, Director of Admission
MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
- 鈥侷dentify your personal value system and the 鈥渨hy鈥 behind issues that are important to your child鈥檚 overall school experience. Seek out the school鈥檚 mission statement and make sure it aligns with your family鈥檚 beliefs.
- 鈥俇nderstand and follow the instructions for applying on the website and act promptly. Seek out the appropriate people for specific questions and concerns.
JoJo Cadre, Assistant Director of Admissions for Outreach
PAIDEIA SCHOOL
- 鈥侳irst, develop a plan for learning about schools. While it might be difficult, if it is possible, put off your housing decision until you know which school you would like to attend. If moving with a new job in hand, think about the distance traveled from your office with the options for independent schools because traffic is a thing in Atlanta. Also, plan to apply to multiple schools because many families are looking to attend independent schools.
- 鈥侳amilies should consider what belonging looks like and feels like at their ideal school. Discover how each school models acceptance and encouragement for all students. As you explore, consider how fairness and inclusiveness play a part in students鈥 lives.
Marc Weiss, Admissions Director K-8
SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOLS
- 鈥侺ooking at schools can be similar to looking at homes. Parents should make a list of 鈥渕ust-haves鈥 and 鈥渄on鈥檛 wants鈥 and use that list as a guide.
- 鈥侹now your child and their learning profile and pick the school that best fits the student. Don鈥檛 choose based on name or reputation alone. It may not be the right fit for your student.
Andre Restifo, Director of Admission
SPRINGMONT SCHOOL
- 鈥侾rior to touring schools, you, as parents, should discuss and create a 鈥榳ish list鈥 for your best-fit school. Do you agree on what kind of school you want for your child(ren)? Do you have the same goals in mind for their education? This will help you narrow your school search.
- 鈥侺ook at a school鈥檚 mission statement and core values. This is beneficial in guiding families to a like-minded community. And when touring a school, look beyond the physical buildings and grounds and focus more on the students and atmosphere. Are students happy and engaged in their learning and activities?
Holly Brannon, Director of Communications and Marketing
WHITEFIELD ACADEMY
- 鈥侱iscover what sets the school apart. Ask questions about the mission and the heart of the school. What motivates their decisions and how does that affect who their students become after graduation? These are often the things that will point toward the school鈥檚 unique character and lasting impact.
- 鈥俇se the admissions office. Admissions offices are here to help you navigate this process. The admissions team should be a reflection of the community and a glimpse into the life of the school. The heart of our admissions office at Whitefield Academy is that families would feel known and connected. The admissions office holds a unique role as both an advocate for the school and advocate for the prospective families.
Nicole Hankamer, Director of Admissions
THE WOOD ACRES SCHOOL
- 鈥俁esearch the private school website and social media pages and schedule a campus tour as soon as you know you will be moving to the area. Visit the campus to get a good feel of the school community and meet the administration staff. Peek inside classrooms, meet the teachers and ask to see a copy of the curriculum. Bring your students with you on the tour.
- 鈥侫pply to private school early in the fall or the winter. Spring is when decisions are made. However, if you are moving in the summer, there may still be a spot left for your student. Call the school directly to see if applications are still being accepted. Gather all important documents when you start to apply. Families that are prepared with documents in hand help speed up the application process.