Better Late Than Never: Tips for Late School Admission

Jacob GoodwilerTips


Finding a school that best suits your family is a necessary and rewarding process, but it can be long and tiresome too. You might have had the best intentions of looking for a new school, but things came up, and you now find yourself at the same school with the new year just around the corner. It is easy to get discouraged, but if you truly desire to change schools, we encourage you to try.

If you have waited until the end of the school year, it might seem like you missed your opportunity to apply and enroll your child in that dream school of yours. Rest assured— it is not too late. Even in August, we encourage parents to do their research, ask good questions and complete the application process. Below are a few tips for those entering the admissions season a little later than most families. We hope that they will prepare you for a smooth and stress-free transition.

BG-TFLA-researchConduct Thorough Research

  • Even though it is later in the admission season, it is still very important to research the schools you are interested in. Research is crucial to determine whether a school is a good Academic and Cultural fit.
  • Because there are fewer admission events over the summer, it is even more important to be in contact with the admission office. Most schools will have supplemental information that would normally be given at Information Events or Open Houses. Be sure to setup a private meeting and/or campus tour. Many schools can connect you with a current school family.
  • Be sure ask the admissions office if there is room in your child’s grade
  • Only apply for schools with room in that specific grade
  • Continue to learn more about the school even after you have applied/enrolled.

 

 

 

Apply as soon as possibleBG-TFLA-apply

  • Many things are contingent on your application. Applying should be one of the first steps in this process. (Be aware that most schools have non-refundable application fees.)
  • Know the Admission steps for each school
  • Even though schools have posted admission dates and deadlines, don’t be afraid to ask the admission director. Many schools have open admissions or are willing to work with you.

 

 

 

 

 

BG-TFLA-flexible

Be Flexible

  • School Teachers and Administrators who normally conduct assessments and interviews may be gone over the summer due to conferences and vacation. The admission office appreciates your patience while they work with you to schedule assessments, interviews, and other meetings.
  • Hit the ground running. The application and enrollment process is typically done over a number of months. In the case of later applicants, the entire admission process will have to be expedited. Be prepared to supply teacher recommendations and transcripts, order uniforms, and collect medical information for your child(ren).

 

 

 

BG-TFLA-transition

Prepare your children for the transition

  • Once enrolled, ask the admission office to set you up with a family in the same class as your child. Take this opportunity to organize a play date and ask any questions you might have before the start of school.
  • Lateral entries for older children can be more challenging. Ask the admission office about tutoring and catch-up clubs.

 

 

 

 

BG-TFLA-reachout

Don’t be afraid to reach out to the admission office with any questions

  • Remember that the admission office is there to make this transition smooth and stress-free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For specific questions regarding admission at The Cambridge School, please contact our Admission Coordinator, Leslie Yoder (lyoder@cambridgeclassical.org).