at some montessoris we applied to several years ago I was asked if we would be willing to attend summer camp - so in that case I thought it did help. They were more interested in transitioning a young child into the montessori routine, and it seemed more closely linked to the school program. We did not select either of those schools...I think it was Bowie Montessori, Barrie and Mater Amoris. Not that competitive I assumed. It was a while ago, so I forget which of them asked. It was at least 2 of them.

Not. At. All.

It's not a blanket yes or no. While the staff for the school and camp are often seperate, in some schools you will see some coaches and teachers working at the camp during the summer months. Now, my DS is much older but "back in the day" the scoop for Landon was that is was very beneficial for you son to attend summer at Landon because the AD was heavily involved with summer camp and it was a good way for him to get to know your son. As such, getting your kid into summer at Landon was a feat unto itself.

So, I would look closely at the camp associated with the school you are interested in. If nothing else, it will let you get familiar with the setting and some of the people and while it may help, it will in no way hurt. You can then tell the AD "we just LOVE Whatever School so much that Jr. has been coming to summer camp here for 3 years, such a lovey experience, blah, blah" which played correctly will not hurt.

Please, no flaming about Landon, I know how many of you look down your nose at Landon, I was using it as an example of cross pollination between summer camp and school which is what OP was looking for.

We are going to Potomac from another private and admissions seemed to like that we had been to camp. Don't know if it made a difference h/e

It has no impact at all. Not only does admissions have nothing to do with camp but the camps are usually staffed with different people. In the camps we attended at places like sidwell, st Albans and NCS they were totally independent. The exception was a remedial foreign Language summer school class but that wasn't offered until HS so admissions wasn't a factor.

No, camp and admissions are separate. However, it can help you decide if you like the facilities.

no it doesn't. The admissions staff usually has very little to do with the camp.

Anyone think that attending an elite private school's summer camp help with admissions? Anyone have any experience?