Application Process

Most schools will meet with parent(s) and children at some point during the admission process. Make sure you know what to expect prior to these experiences, especially for young children, so that you will be able to tell your child about the process. Child visits might be in a small group or one-on-one with an admissions officer. Some schools require children to separate from their parents, while some do not. Students applying to older grades are often asked to visit with the current class during the school day.

Separation is often required, if your child does not want you to leave, do not be distressed; admissions officers are sensitive to this and will provide guidance. You might be invited to come along, or you might be asked to bring the child back another time. If you are asked to accompany your child, remember that your child is the applicant and you are there as support. Children usually enjoy their visits, and even though some are hesitant or shy, most respond in an age-appropriate manner.

An official transcript (or its equivalent) is an important part of an admissions file. This includes a confidential school report form from the current school. ISAAGNY schools share the same form for various age levels, including students applying to 3-year-old groups through the eighth grade. Sending schools should be able to fill in one form and mail it to multiple schools. A school will not formally enroll a student without first receiving an official transcript or report from the student’s present school.

Formal expression of "First Choice" shall not be solicited by either sending or receiving Member Schools. Member Schools shall not ask sending schools whether they are an applicant family's "First Choice" nor request a "First Choice letter," but may inquire whether they are one of the family's top three choices.

If schools do not request references, it is not necessary to send them.

ISAAGNY schools are non-profit organizations, with a few exceptions; in almost every case, tuition fees cover a significant portion of the school’s budget, while fundraising and other sources of revenue cover the balance. Tuition and fees vary greatly. In comparing costs, you should consider such things as the length of the program, whether lunch and/or books are included, and whether there are additional fees or other financial expectations.

You may request financial aid information from the schools to which you apply. Many schools subscribe to an outside service which analyzes your responses by computer and reports them back to member schools such as SSS, FACTS, or TADS. Reports can be generated for multiple schools, which may simplify your paperwork. Many schools also require copies of your most recent tax forms. Be sure to check on individual schools’ requirements and due dates for this information in order to be given full consideration for financial aid. Financial aid decisions are usually made during or soon after the admissions notification period.

For more information about Financial Aid, visit our 'Affording Independent School' page.