How to position DCPS kids for private admission?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My nonathletic DCPS kids with As and Bs and high test scores got in everywhere we applied. I know that the school counselor noted how much the family showed up to school wide activities and how much the parents both volunteered. I have to think it was the last point that made them stand out? Who knows?

Did you apply to sidwell, STA, GDS?

No, kid only wanted to apply to one. No interest in applying to others.

Why are you pretending to be me?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids got into all the schools we applied to, and we didn't do any of the stuff people are talking about on here. Grades were mixed, scores were high. Maybe our lack of striving was a breath of fresh air?

What schools were on your list?

All in DC. A mix of the typical Northwest schools and Catholic schools mix of coed and all boys.

[Anonymous]

All three of my children started at DCPS and went to a top private school in DC.

(1) Test Scores Matter - First, get your kids tested to get a baseline of where they are at academically; my strongest tester was the one the school wanted, and the others got in with sibling preference (and pretty high test scores too). You might want to apply your strongest test taker first, to get sibling preference for others later (even if other ones are older).

(2) Apply to many schools - expect to get waitlisted or need to reapply. I would start applying for third grades nd keep re-applying through 6th grade. 9th grade is extremely competitive at private schools as entry year, unless your kid is brilliant or has a super talent.

(3) Identify your kids passions from young age and nurture - it does not have to be a sport -it could be art, music, theater -and do a lot of stuff in that area your kid loves.

(4) Seek people at the school to advocate for you - maybe parents at the private school to write a reference letter.

Good luck!