Starting the process early will make the experience easier.

Applying to private school can be a daunting process and one that requires significant time and energy from a family.  While this may not be the most encouraging opening thought, if embraced, it will actually make the process much less daunting.  

What you need to know about the SSAT

If you are reading this information, you are likely beginning to consider a private high school education. Whether you have already registered your child to take the SSAT or are considering registering for the SSAT, this information will serve to answer some of your questions regarding the SSAT directly from an admission officer’s point of view. 

I have heard that the SSAT is a “common measure” of academic ability.  What about the SSAT is “common”?

When you hear an admission officer refer to “common measure,” he or she is simply stating that the SSAT provides schools the ability to measure student academic abilities in verbal, math, and reading skills which students need for successful performance in independent schools. These test results are typically used in addition to the subjective components of the admission process such as teacher recommendations, interview, and

A Saints education will prepare students for continued education at a wide range of top colleges, universities, and service academies

“Life is a journey, not a destination,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson and so, too, is the Upper School at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes. Our faculty, program offerings and curricula provide our students with deep knowledge, incredible skills, confidence, breadth of exposure and balance. All of these will serve our students well and are not simply a stepping stone towards college. That said, we share the expectations of our students and their parents that a Saints education will prepare students for continued education at a wide range of top colleges, universities, and service academies that reflect the diversity of our students.

So, how do we approach and do it?  There are two key elements to the success of our seniors in their college admission process: the commitment and dedication of our experts and our college counseling program, which is actually introduced in the Middle School!

Before being accepted to a private school, establish with your child how the choice will be made.

The role of the student in selecting a school is a complicated one because it generally reflects parenting styles, family values, and priorities.  The range goes from the parent making the decision, to collaborative decision making between parents and student, to the student choosing from among parent-approved options, to the student independently making the decision.  What’s most important among those options is deciding in advance which one to choose.