All-girls, all-boys, PreK3 through 12th? High school? Or just middle school? Non-sectarian or religious affiliated? College prep, performing arts? The options for private education in Little Rock are as varied as the people who live here. Once you’ve made the decision private vs. public, then a new question arises: which private school is the right fit for your child?
We found a handful of experts who helped us compile a list of helpful tips when determining which private school your child will attend:
1. Start Now! Admissions offices work about a year in advance of actual enrollment. Make contact even sooner, if you are looking into a school that is particularly competitive.
2. Geography has no bounds: You’re not locked into a school district, so start with schools close to home or your place of employment, then expand your search based on your needs and preferences.
3. Create a list of qualities you want to find in the school as a parent. Traditional or progressive? Small or large? Co-ed or same-sex? Diversity,special needs offerings, extracurricular and after school programs should not be forgotten.
4. Keep your child at the top of your priority list. It’s easy to get caught up in the process of selecting and applying to the school and making the cut. One of the benefits of a private school education is being able to find curriculum and teaching styles tailored to each student. Determine your child’s unique characteristics and how they might mix with a school’s educational philosophy. Also, the interview and tour can be telling of how your child might respond to a school’s environment.
5. Remember it’s a two way street. Prepare your child because just as you will evaluate whether a school is a good fit for your child, they will be assessing whether your child would be a good addition to its student body.
6. Start saving. Annual tuition ranges from around $3,000 for early childhood programs to $20,000 for secondary grades. Most schools offer some form of financial aid and/or tuition scholarships. You can explore those options during your interview or by visiting the school’s website.
7. Do your research. Interviews with school administrators will be crucial in selecting the right school for your child, but it’s also wise to query other sources for information. Seek out parents who have children enrolled at the school. Poll others who are familiar with the school. And finally, read the private school profiles on the following page. Each will bring a different point of view, providing you with a well rounded perspective when making your decision.
8. Five of the private schools in Little Rock have profiles at the links below. Take time to get to know each of them and contact their admissions offices for more information.
Best of luck in your search for the best private school for your little nugget!