If you are considering enrolling your child in an independent school in the fall of 2022, September 2021 through January 2022 is an excellent time to start the process. Start with this school list of over 40 outstanding independent schools in the Puget Region and then begin your exploration.
Get to Know the Schools
There are four different ways to learn more about the independent schools that might be right for your child. Each school offers a different combination of the following to help you get your questions answers:
- Information Sessions and Open Houses
- Campus Tours Offered Privately or for Groups
- School Fairs Organized by PSIS (Calendar linked here)
- Online Information on Each School’s Website
Can you see your child being successful at this school?
That’s the number one question families should ask themselves when looking at schools. After all, most parents’ main goal in choosing a new school is to ensure a well-rounded education and a creative, nurturing environment for learning and growth.
Independent schools are more than happy to give you a tour, invite you to an open house to meet their teachers and students, and share with you the things they do well. Each school will work with your family to get to know your child during the application process. You’ll ask questions, you’ll answer questions, and the schools will engage with your child in a way that helps him or her feel comfortable so that everyone can get to know each other. And you’ll feel it — the sense of what each of the schools are about. Even though they’re all independent, they’re all different as well.
Learn about Financial Aid Options for Independent Schools
If the cost is the only thing keeping you from applying to a school, don’t hesitate to reach out and see what options you have for financial aid. It’s utilized by many families in different ways and the school will have a contact person that can help walk you through it.
Each independent school has its own process and policies regarding financial aid. The most common types include grants, merit scholarships, and tuition payment plans. When you’re making your choices for schools, ask about the financial aid programs offered by the schools and understand what the application process looks like.
Complete and Submit Applications
December through February is generally the time to submit applications. Each independent school will have its own admissions process, so check the deadlines and required materials to get started. Start with the basic applications for the schools you’ve chosen and submit those early with the application fee.
In addition to the basic application, each school will have some additional requirements to complete. Most of the middle and high schools will require essays from the prospective student as well as an entrance exam. The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or the SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test) are the two standard options and you can register your student online.
Visits and/or interviews are another important part of the application process for different schools. Each school schedules these in its own way. Some schools will observe the student and others will interview the student and the parents/guardians. It’s a time to get to know your child better and make sure they are ready for the program. It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask any other open questions you may have about the school.
Selection Process and Enrollment
Most PSIS schools will make their admission decisions in February and March, with older students hearing earlier than younger students usually. Acceptance letters will include enrollment information and you will receive all the necessary information to secure your child’s spot.
Waiting list spots are also possible and you will have the option to join the waiting list for a school of your choice to be contacted if a spot becomes available.
Sponsored by PSIS -Puget Sound Independent Schools
Independent schools operate independently in both finances and governance. They usually have a board of trustees that performs oversight duties and helps with the growth of the school. Day-to-day functions are performed by an appointed head of the school. The schools finance themselves with tuition, fundraising, and financial gifts or endowments.
Our mission is to have an increased awareness of the 40+ independent school options in the Puget Sound region. All members of this collaborative are affiliated with the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). Through our website, school fairs, and efforts to streamline the application process, we hope to increase student access to independent school education in this area.
 Find us online at PugetSoundIndependentSchools.org
Check out the Seattle’s Child Education Directory – for a guide to independent schools in the Puget Sound region for grades K thru 12.
