A Seasoned Educational Consultant Shares Advice On How To Find A School In The Boston Area.

 Photo by: Lovestruck

The saying "you're only as happy as your child" holds especially true when going through difficult transitions with children. When moving, a priority is finding a school that is the right fit, where your child can begin new chapters in a positive, stimulating, supportive and happy environment. I thought that hearing from an experienced and well known local educational consultant on this topic would be particularly useful this time of year since the school-match process typically starts in the spring and summer.  Many of us will appreciate these words of wisdom from Don McMillan, President of Howland, Spence and McMillan in Back Bay on finding the right independent school. More to follow soon on the public school search.

Don generously answered the following questions.  I hope you find his answers helpful.

Your family’s heading to Boston so you know your kids will be in good hands with the Hub’s world-renowned hospitals and schools. But what’s the best way to navigate the complex independent school landscape to find the best educational match for each of your children?

Since we help families from around the world find the right schools and colleges, let me share some “school search advice.” I’ll identify the unique qualities offered by independent schools, outline the admissions cycle calendar, and suggest key questions to ask as you explore the options in and around Boston.

First off, why choose private schools?

• Boston is the center of the independent school universe, with dozens of distinct options, and several schools dating back to the 18^th century (or, in the case of The Roxbury Latin School, 1645!).

• Class sizes are cut in half, from about 25 (and rising with budget cuts, even in the top suburban schools), to around 12, offering students both extra remediation and enrichment.

• Independent school faculty serve as role models, not only as classroom teachers, but as coaches, club leaders and advisors.

• Greater attention to the individual learner fosters academic, athletic and extracurricular growth and leads to a greater range of college options.

 What makes up the admission's cycle timeline?

• Spring and summer are the times for initial exploration and consultation to establish a wide-ranging list of schools to consider. 

• Fall is the time for campus visits and interviews, as well as admissions testing.

• Winter brings with it applications and essays.

• Acceptances, denials and waitlist news comes out on March 10th; families sort through their choices and make their final decision for the upcoming fall by April 10th.

 What are the key questions to consider as you explore options for your children’s schooling?

• What type of school fits my child: 

-Small or large? 
-Co-ed or single sex? 
-Religious or secular? 
-Coat and tie or polo shirt and khakis? 
-Artsy or athletic? 
-Heavy or light learning support?  

Private schools come in all shapes and sizes and styles; some focus on language-based disorders, while others are best suited for hockey players with ADHD.

• How competitive are the admissions criteria? If there’s only a 1 in 10 shot at admission and applicants average ERB, ISEE or SSAT scores below the top 10%, you better cast a wide net.
• Where does the school’s academic program fall on the spectrum from progressive to traditional? Some offer 20 AP courses; others focus on interdisciplinary studies and project-oriented assessment.
• Since competition is so stiff for the coveted spots at the Boston-area day schools where your kids are competing for admissions against legacy and sibling candidates as well as trustee and faculty children, is it worth considering the vast universe of boarding school options throughout New England? We have many families who start out looking exclusively for day schools, but then are struck by the richness of the residential programs at boarding schools where teenagers are surrounded 24/7 by nurturing, inspirational role models.

Bottom line: The school search process is all about finding the right fit.  So start doing your homework early, since the landscape is immense. But if you’re going to pick a city to live in where you can ensure your kids are well taken care of, Boston’s the educational mecca. In fact, why not stay for college?

Don McMillan and his wife, Dr. Sarah McMillan, served as teachers, coaches and administrators at Boston-area independent schools for over 20 years before becoming managers of Howland, Spence & McMillan educational consultants on Beacon Street in Boston’s Back Bay. Don and Sarah met at prep school and currently have two children at independent schools.

Thank you, Don, for sharing this valuable information. If you have further questions or would like to get in touch with Don, let me connect you. Contact me at info@newcity-inc.