Application Process: Private & Public Schools
The public and private school application processes in the Boston area have some unique features and opportunities due to the region's emphasis on education and the number of prestigious institutions.
Public school applications usually only require basic information like address and previous school records, while private school applications may include essays, standardized test scores, parent statements, teacher recommendations, and sometimes even an interview.
Suburb applications/education sourcing can be easy-peasy, but the city is a whole different ballgame! In the City of Boston, you enter into a lottery for elementary and middle schools to select your school, or you can test into certain schools.
Public Schools
For public schools, the application process typically applies to school choice programs, charter schools, and specialized public schools, such as exam schools (e.g., Boston Latin School). Key aspects include:
Application Deadlines:
Public school choice and charter schools often have specific application windows. For example, Boston Public Schools (BPS) uses a lottery system for school assignments, with families ranking their preferences based on eligibility and location.
Exam Schools:
For specialized public schools like Boston Latin, Boston Latin Academy, and John D. O’Bryant School, the process involves submitting grades, standardized test scores, and sometimes essays.
School Tours and Information Sessions:
Families are encouraged to attend open houses or virtual events to understand their options better.
In Massachusetts, students seeking admission to private high schools or Boston's public exam schools typically need to take standardized entrance exams such as the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). Here's an overview of testing locations and relevant information:
ISEE Testing Locations:
The ISEE is commonly required for private school admissions. Testing can be conducted at various locations, including official test centers, schools, and educational consulting offices. Notable locations include:
John Gray Educational Consulting:
An official site for administering the ISEE, offering a small, professional, and intimate testing atmosphere.
Prometric Test Centers:
Several locations in Massachusetts, including Boston, provide ISEE testing services.
To find a convenient test center, you can use the official ISEE test center search tool.
SSAT Testing Locations:
The SSAT is another standardized test used by private schools for admissions. It is administered at authorized test centers, typically schools. You can search for a test center near you using the official SSAT test center search tool.
Boston Public Exam Schools:
Boston Public Schools (BPS) has three exam schools: Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School, and the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. The admissions process includes an entrance exam, student GPA, and Boston residency. For BPS students currently in grades 5 and 7, testing typically takes place during the school day between late May and early June. No registration is required for these students.
For students not enrolled in BPS, entrance exams are administered at designated sites around the city. For example, in a previous admission cycle, the test was given at five sites on a specified date. Students who took that test had the option to retest in the fall.
USGBC
Preparation Courses:
Several organizations offer test preparation classes for the ISEE and SSAT in the Greater Boston area. These programs aim to help students perform their best on entrance exams for private middle or high schools.
Next Steps:
Registration: For the ISEE and SSAT, register online through their respective official websites. Online registration allows you to manage testing dates, accommodations, and score reports. Erblearn
Scheduling: Choose a test date and location that align with your application deadlines. Be mindful of registration deadlines to secure your preferred testing date.
Preparation: Consider enrolling in test preparation courses or utilizing study materials to enhance performance.
By selecting appropriate testing locations and adequately preparing, students can navigate the admissions process for both private high schools and Boston's public exam schools effectively.
Private Schools
The private school application process in Boston mirrors the national standard but often emphasizes individualized education and community fit. Steps typically include:
Research and Tours: Many schools, like Newton Country Day or Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N), host open houses in the fall, allowing families to explore campuses and meet faculty. BC High and many schools hold a fair at the beginning of each fall. Devon highly recommends this.
Application and Deadlines: Applications usually involve forms through platforms like Ravenna or Gateway, essays, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. Deadlines often fall between November and January.
Entrance Exams: Tests like the SSAT or ISEE are commonly required.
Interviews: Schools emphasize personal fit and may interview both the student and their parents.
Financial Aid Applications: Families seeking aid should prepare financial documentation to submit via services like SSS by NAIS.
Round SquareIn the Burlington, Massachusetts area, there are several options for ISEE and SSAT test preparation and testing centers:
Test Centers:
Prometric Test Center in Burlington:
Address: 8 New England Executive Park, Suite 230, Burlington, MA 01803
Services: Administers the ISEE exam.
Registration: To schedule a test, register through the official ISEE registration portal.
SSAT Test Centers:
The SSAT is administered at various locations, including schools and educational centers.
Registration: To find and register for a nearby SSAT test center, use the official SSAT Test Center Search tool.
Test Preparation Centers:
Boston Tutoring Services:
Location: Serving the Greater Boston area, including Burlington.
Services: Offers one-on-one ISEE and SSAT test preparation with trained tutors.
Contact: Visit their website for more information. Boston Tutoring Services
A Plus Program:
Location: Based in Boston, serving surrounding areas.
Services: Provides ISEE and SSAT test prep classes designed to improve test scores through strategy application and practice exams.
Contact: Details available on their website. Aplus Program
Club Z! Tutoring of Chelmsford:
Location: Chelmsford, MA, approximately 15 miles from Burlington.
Services: Offers in-home and online ISEE and SSAT test prep tutoring, focusing on comprehensive subject reviews and practice exams.
Contact: More information can be found on their website. Club Z Tutoring
Next Steps:
Registration:
For the ISEE, register through the official ERB website.
For the SSAT, register via the official SSAT website.
Scheduling:
Select test dates and locations that align with your application deadlines. Be mindful of registration deadlines to secure your preferred testing date.
Preparation:
Consider enrolling in test preparation courses or utilizing study materials to enhance performance.
Distinctions in the Boston Area
Boston has a dense concentration of elite private schools (e.g., Phillips Academy Andover, BB&N, and The Park School) and excellent public options. Schools in the region often focus on holistic development, community involvement, and academic rigor. Additionally, the presence of cultural and academic resources in Boston enriches the extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities for students.
There are also boarding options like Tilton, Devon’s alma mater.
We suggest attending open houses and reaching out to school admissions offices for more detailed advice or information.
And remember to tell your children, the more studying they do, the better chance they have of getting into the school of their choice! Happy Homework!