PRIVATE SCHOOLS FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE 20 19 PRIVATE SCHOOLS REGIONAL GUIDE PRIVATE SCHOOLS 101 WITH SUCH A WEALTH OF OPTIONS, however, it can be hard to NAVIGATING THE MAZE OF know where to begin. Whether you’re looking for an elemen- tary school that will provide more support to your struggling child or a high school with exciting opportunities for your PHILLY’S PRIVATE SCHOOLS young adult, here’s a helpful guide to the Philadelphia With small class sizes, impressive facilities and region’s private schools. All it takes to ensure the best possible tight-knit communities, the appeal of a private fi t for your child is a bit of research, some careful planning, school education is clear. and an open mind to the innumerable opportunities private schools can aff ord. PHILLYMAG.COM/PRIVATESCHOOLGUIDE 55 Sponsor Content / PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE 20 19 PRIVATE SCHOOLS REGIONAL GUIDE ADMISSIONS 101 Acing the Application The application process can be rigorous, but with THE SEARCH Beyond that, there are also single- some preparation and sex, coeducational, boarding and organization, you’ll be well day options. on your way to a brand-new CHOOSING THE CONSIDER YOUR CHILD’S GOALS. educational experience E Is your child a budding musi- for your child. Here are a RIGHT SCHOOL cian? Do they want to be the next few things to keep in mind Jane Goodall? Or are they aiming throughout the process: “Private” is an umbrella term that for an athletic scholarship down encompasses a broad range of the line? Diff erent private schools schools that are not administered put an emphasis on research STAY ON TOP OF DEADLINES. by the government and receive opportunities, study abroad Keep a list of all the application their funding through tuition, pri- programs, athletics, the arts and deadlines, along with the require- vate grants, endowments, religious more. Some off er robotics labs or ments for each application since organizations and/or fundraising. the opportunity to explore nature. it varies by school. As such, private schools can select The right school will allow your which students they’d like to child to grow their passions. KNOW WHAT THEY NEED. admit. Since each school embodies Most applications require a com- a unique mission, one size does not EXPLORE THE SCHOOL. pleted application form from the fi t all students. Meaning: Parents E The only way to know if a school school website or admission offi ce, need to do their homework and is right for your child is to immerse an up-to-date academic transcript learn about the diff erent options them in the school’s culture.culture. with gradesgrades fromfrom youryour child's currentcurren out there. Here’s where to begin. Spending time with otherother students can help your child decideecide ifif theythey NARROW YOUR SEARCH. are a fi t for the schooll communicommunity.ty. E Private schools tend to be Try having your childd “shadow”“shadow” organized into several categories. another student to gett a bett er idea Schools affi liated with a religious of the daily routine andnd visit camcam-- group will oft en incorporate the pus tours and open houses.ouses. principles and values of the reli- gion and include theology courses TALK TO OTHER PARENTS.ENTS. and religion-service requirements. E Parents of private sschoolchool stustu-- However, students oft en don’t have dents can be prett y involvednvolved with to practice the religion to att end. the school community.ty. TalkTalk with Some specialized schools have parents whose childrenren att end the curriculums designed for students school to see if you andnd youryour part-part- with specifi c academic learning ner enjoy the environmentnment as welwell.l. diff erences. Military schools specialize in training young men and women for military service. 56 PHILLYMAG.COM/PRIVATESCHOOLGUIDE Sponsor Content school, teacher recommendations and results of a standardized admissions test or entrance exam. Different schools may ask for more or less materials, so be prepared. GET FACTS ON FINANCIAL AID. Tuition costs can be pricey, but fi nancial aid can lend a helping hand. Many schools offer need-based fi nancial aid, so research a plan that fi ts your family income, if ap- plicable. If you’re sending multiple children, look into sibling discounts. For merit-based scholarships, see what is available and works for your child. Most schools require separate fi nancial aid applications and the deadlines differ from general application deadlines. Take advantage of extra time: Many schools allow you to begin the fi nan- cial aid process before your child has even been accepted. READY TO BEGIN? Explore the many options the Philadelphia region has to offer your family. E NAIL THE INTERVIEW. Be comfortable and be yourself! The main objective of interviews is to gauge whether the school is the right fi t for your child. Schools will defi nitely value academic performance and achievements, but they mostly want to know who your child is and whether they will be successful in that WANT MORE? particular school’s environment. Visit phillymag.com/privateschoolguide. Read on to hear about some of the leading private schools in the region and discover the right school for your child. 58 PHILLYMAG.COM/PRIVATESCHOOLGUIDE Sponsor Content / PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE THE AGNES IRWIN SCHOOL 275 South Ithan Avenue, Rosemont, PA S The Agnes Irwin School has been empowering girls for 150 years. Located in the west- OPEN HOUSES ern suburbs of Philadelphia, Agnes Irwin encourages girls pre-K through grade 12 to Oct. 22nd experience the joy of discovering their best selves in support of its mission of empower- March 11th ing girls to learn, to lead, and to live a legacy. The school’s girl-centered, research-based April 21st curriculum prepares girls from 85 zip codes to succeed at selective colleges and universities across the United States and around the world. Agnes Irwin’s intentional approach to leadership development has created a network of accomplished alumnae that lead in the fi elds of medicine, fi nance, fashion, real estate and more. Agnes Irwin is not just a school with girls; it’s a school for girls. With a 6:1 student faculty ratio, every student is known, nurtured, challeneged and inspired to discover new passions. Co-curricular programs—including nationally-ranked athletic teams, award-winning performing arts programs, and robust student-led organizations—pro- vide additional opportunities for learning. Discover the advantages of Agnes Irwin’s private, all-girls’ education, and how your daughter will learn to lead and succeed. Her journey starts at Agnes Irwin. E 6105258400, AGNESIRWIN.ORG PHILLYMAG.COM/PRIVATESCHOOLGUIDE 59 Sponsor Content / PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE THE CREFELD SCHOOL 8836 Crefeld Street, Philadelphia S The Crefeld School has an intentionally diff erent approach to a college-prep educa- OPEN HOUSES tion—one that empowers every student to grow to their strengths, fi nd meaning in Sept. 27th their learning, and feel ownership of their school community. Challenging academics, Oct. 24th a focus on social justice and service, and authentic relationships allow students to Dec. 13th become their best selves. In a school that is small by design, with a robust advisory sys- Feb. 21st tem, students are trusted and respected as individuals, supported and challenged, and April 18th become empathetic, lifelong learners. Aft er completing the culminating experience of Graduation by Exhibition, students have identifi ed their passions and talents, know how to address their challenges, and are equipped to achieve their full potential in college and as engaged citizens. Crefeld is a diff erent kind of school where nobody is the same and everybody can succeed. Everyone has their own unique strengths that add value to the community. Small class sizes and close relationships with teachers and peers from all backgrounds, along with responsive academic and emotional support, creates a challenging, creative and fl exible learning environment tailored to each student’s strengths. E 2152425545, CREFELD.ORG 60 PHILLYMAG.COM/PRIVATESCHOOLGUIDE Sponsor Content / PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE EPISCOPAL ACADEMY 1785 Bishop White Drive, Newtown Square, PA S The Episcopal Academy is a pre-K through grade 12, coeducational, independent day OPEN HOUSES school located in Newtown Square. Founded in 1785, Episcopal’s mission is to chal- Oct. 20th lenge and nurture mind, body and spirit and inspire boys and girls to lead lives of Nov. 2nd purpose, faith and integrity. Its picturesque campus houses state-of-the-art facilities that support Episcopal’s teachers and coaches in delivering extraordinary academic, athletic and arts programs. Episcopal off ers a curriculum that successfully combines classical and cutt ing-edge methods and maintains a supportive environment where teachers and coaches are committ ed to helping each student achieve positive and rewarding outcomes. E 4844241400, EPISCOPALACADEMY.ORG PHILLYMAG.COM/PRIVATESCHOOLGUIDE 61 Sponsor Content / PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE FRIENDS SELECT SCHOOL 1651 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia S Friends Select School is the only pre-K to grade 12 Quaker school in Center City OPEN HOUSES Philadelphia. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Friends Select sits at the Sept. 24th intersection of commerce and culture. The school utilizes the city as a dynamic living Oct. 12th classroom, enhancing education through unparalleled access to local resources, in- Nov. 7th & 11th cluding universities, science institutes, arts and cultural organizations, social service April 14th agencies, businesses and government offi ces. A Friends Select education is notable for its continuity, which links curriculum from year to year, and for its strong focus on research, writing, and oral presentation. Such learning opportunities, combined with a foundation of Quaker values, are practiced in an atmosphere of integrity and warmth. The result is a world-class education in a world-class city that is deeply rooted in student advocacy and active citizenship.