How hard is it to get into great private middle school from public ES?

[Anonymous]

Do not count on it. Just true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Let’s assume child is smart and well-rounded across athletics and music, but not top of class.

Child would switch into private for MS and HS.

Others have already said this, but smart and well-rounded describes dozens of public ES kids applying to the most competitive private schools with both a MS and HS (and many of these are Pre-K/K-12, so an expansion year may only be 12-18 additional kids). It's pretty hard to have an exceptional academic record in public ES, because this is public ES, so you can count on virtually all of those kids having straight-As on their report cards. If your kid doesn't have that or some hook like a sibling already at the school, then it's going to be tough. Yes, getting into MS at a K-8 may not be easy, but we have plenty of friends with kids who went that route as a stepping stone to a competitive private HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good scores, grades, and recs will be important. Also, sometimes it’s a crapshoot based on profile of the class etc. I actually think K-8s are harder—as there are usually just a handful of spots. K-12 often expands at 6th so more spots. We applied to three, 2 K-8s and on K-12, and DC got in to all three coming from public. Not an athlete or musician but other extra curriculars, good recs, high test scores and grades.

Fantastic!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Give some thought to the timing of applying. Pay attention to when their MS starts, not your public. Some privates expand for 6th, others for 7th. It's obviously easier to get in for the years they are accepting more students.

Prep your child a bit to speak with adults and have a mini interview (what subjects do you like? What do you like doing on the weekend? Do you think you would like this school, why?)
If they require standardized testing (ie ISEE), have your kid take some practice tests in advance and work with a tutor on test strategy if needed. Make sure your child is well behaved with their teachers as they will need a recommendation or two from their current school. Good luck!

+1

[Anonymous]

K - 8s are really looking to round out their class for any newcomers for MS. It's their opportunity to even out genders or get in some more theater kids or diverse students... where ever they're lacking currently. Obviously grades are important but not the only qualifier by a long shot.

[Anonymous]

Easy for girls. Hard for boys. Way too many boys at private schools.

[Anonymous]

Pay attention to these boards during admissions time. Lots of public school parents come on here to bemoan their kids and all their public school friends being shut out. I’d start applying in 4th so you have some time if you don’t get in the first year. Also, as others have said, cast a wide net.