Admissions Lessons from 2026: Getting Into Your Top-Choice Private School in NY
Here’s what’s inside:
- Real application stories
- Four truths we wish every family knew about submitting a strong application
- A roadmap that shows exactly what to focus on to build your strongest application
Grab your copy to get a leg up on the 2027 admissions season.
Julia Calantone
School Placement Advisor
About the Author: Julia Calantone
School Placement Consultant, Evolved Education Company
With over a decade of experience as an independent school teacher and leader — and advanced degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, Julia supports families across New York and New Jersey in navigating their educational journey. Her work is driven by a belief in meaningful learning, as well as a commitment to helping each child find and thrive in a setting that honors who they are and how they learn.
Frequently asked questions about private school admissions in New York City
How early is too early to start preparing for private school admissions in New York?
For families who prefer to avoid rushed decisions and are looking to find their kid’s best-fit school, the process is about a year long, starting each February and March. You’ll need the time building your school list, going on spring tours, completing application materials, taking standardized tests, completing interviews, parent essays, and sending letters of interest. Application results start rolling out in February for most private schools.Â
Inside the guide, there’s a simple roadmap to help you stay on top of all of it throughout the year.
What are private schools actually looking for during the admissions process?
Something that gets missed when families are thinking about admissions is that schools are looking for a best-fit student, just like you are seeking the best-fit school.Â
In other words, schools are looking at academics, yes, but there’s more to it. For example, is your family aligned to the school’s values? Will your student make a strong addition to this class of students? Does the student have exceptional needs or goals that we are equipped to help them achieve?
As the guide details, there are many ways to strengthen your child’s application, but we believe the primary goal is to ensure your child will thrive at whichever school you choose.
As a parent, how can I best support my student through the private school application process?
There are a few things we always talk to families about:
- Start preparing sooner than you think (or get help if you don’t have the capacity yourself)
- Understand how your child learns, so you’re starting your school list building from an informed place and can be your kid’s strongest advocate
- Identify ways to manage and reduce your own anxiety so you can avoid passing that onto your kid and/or burning out in the process
This resource will help you wrap your head around the private school admissions process. In our experience, understanding the process is a big part of reducing the inevitable stress that comes with it.Â
