Whether you've made the decision to go private or are beginning to consider what the best option for your family may be, here's what you'll need to know before enrolling.
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
If you haven't quite committed to the decision to go private, these numbers could sway you.
1662 | 1474: Average SAT score of college-bound seniors in independent private schools as compared to public school
23.2 | 20.8: Average ACT score of graduates of private schools as compared to public school graduates
83 | 60: Percentage of private school graduates who met or surpassed the ACT's college readiness benchmark score in English as compared to public school graduates
60 | 44: Percentage of private school graduates who met or surpassed the ACT's college readiness benchmark score in math as compared to public school graduates
67: Percentage of private scholarships won by students with above-average SAT and ACT test scores
2: Times as likely private school 10th-graders are to earn a bachelor's degree or higher than their public school counterparts
80 | 62: Percentage of parents with students in private schools who are happy with the school as compared to charter and magnet schools the parents chose
Sources: Council for American Private Education, Private School Review, "Top Ten Myths about Scholarships," "Private School Scholarships: Top Sources for Financial Aid"
5 TIPS TO ENSURE SUCCESS
1. Visit the school. "You can go on word of mouth a lot, but [I recommend] coming and touring the school to see the school on a regular day so you can get a good feel for the teachers, students and philosophy of the school." - Becky Sharp, St. Peter's Episcopal School admissions and public relations director
2. Show interest. "The best way to show interest in a school is to visit the campus. Most schools host open houses or visitor days throughout the year, and these are an important step in the application process. This not only gives you a better sense of the school, but it also allows the school the opportunity to get to know your child." - Jim Daughdrill, McCallie School dean of admission
3. Really evaluate. "Make sure you've done your research on the school to ensure the education is a good fit for your child's learning style and the community is a good fit for your family. It's not just about sending your child to private school, it's about being involved and making sure it works for the entire family." - Amy Miller, Signal Mountain Christian School communications director
4. Apply early. "We do admissions on a rolling basis, but we always encourage people to apply sooner rather than later to avoid a wait list situation." - Kathleen Preston, St. Jude School director of development and admissions
5. Get all your ducks in a row. "To help streamline the application process, submit all the required forms at once rather than submitting them separately." - Teresa Hennen, Our Lady of Perpetual Help tuition/admissions director
DATES TO KNOW
Timing is key. Private school applications are due earlier than you might think, and many of the available spots fill up quickly. Although not every independent private school follows the same admission schedule, this timeline provides a rough outline of what to expect.
August of the year before you'd like to enroll your child
» Determine what you're looking for in a school.
» Begin researching schools that meet your child's needs.
» Develop a list of schools that you'd like to find out more about.
September
» Request admissions and financial aid material.
» Check with schools to see if they're participating in a local school fair where you can gather material and impressions from several schools at once.
» Note pertinent deadlines for admission and financial aid.
» Register for any standardized tests required for admission (each school lists specific admission criteria on its application). If testing is required, review the test website to learn about procedures and test dates; consider purchasing a test-preparation book.
» Call schools to schedule individual tours, interviews, class visits and "shadow days."
October
» Visit open houses, attend information sessions and take tours.
» Finalize a list of schools to which you will apply.
» Take standardized admission tests, if applicable.
November
» Watch for open houses you may want to attend.
» Start lining up teacher recommendations from your child's current school.
» Start working on applications, financial aid forms and student questionnaires.
December
» Continue to watch for any open houses or school events of interest.
» Request transcripts at the end of your child's first semester.
» Complete any remaining applications.
January
» Pay attention to deadlines: Most schools' applications - along with tests scores, references, transcripts and financial aid forms - are due in January or February.
February
» Don't miss the deadlines!
» Visit schools or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven't already.
March
» Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March.
» Watch for financial aid decisions about this same time.
April
» If you've applied to and have been accepted by multiple schools, decide which school is the right fit for your child.
» Sign and return enrollment contracts and deposits.
May-September
» Attend events and activities for new parents and students during spring and summer.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
So, you've narrowed down your options, but how to choose? These questions should help.
» What is the school's overall mission?
» Are there any parental involvement requirements?
» Is bus service offered?
» How many students are accepted annually? How many apply?
» What are class sizes like?
» Are there upper grades and, if so, is preference given to existing students?
» What's the rate of teacher turnover?
» How much learning is individual vs. collaborative?
» Do you offer any out-of-the-box options for children who struggle in a normal classroom setting?
» How are students evaluated on mastery?
» How are student achievements celebrated?
» How is technology incorporated into learning?
» What about the arts?
» Can I have a list of your elective classes?
» What extracurricular opportunities are available?
» How much homework do students typically have?
» What school resources are you most proud of?
» How is school pride instilled?
» What are some of the school's or students' greatest accomplishments?
» What is the view on religion? Is it incorporated into the school day or curriculum in any way?
» What kind of college and career resources are available?
» What are your graduation and college acceptance rates?
» What financial aid is available?
» Are there any parents of current students with whom I can speak?
» Can I sit in on a few classes?
HOW TO PAY
Accounts to pay for education can be a smart way for parents to prepare for their children's futures. Not every account is the same, however, and certain savings accounts could affect financial aid eligibility and taxes. Families should do their research and work with professionals who understand the subtleties of school savings plans.
For example, according to Cappex.com, a college information site, students' income and savings have a larger, more negative impact on the availability of financial aid than the portion of their parents' assets factored into the equation. Students with sizable savings accounts in their name may end up adversely affecting their financial aid eligibility.
A financial advisor and loan expert can advise families on all the financial facts, but here's an overview of the more common options.
529 College Savings Plan
529 accounts are a popular education savings plan. They operate in a similar fashion to IRA and 401(k) plans in that savings for education are earned tax-free through investment opportunities. SallieMae says 529 plans are offered by states or educational institutions under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. These tax-advantaged plans generally have high contribution limits and no income limitations. The usage of funds in 529 accounts are subject to regulations.
Coverdell Education Savings Account
Coverdell accounts are versatile in that they enable the money to be spent for elementary through college education, which is a larger range than other plans. This is another tax-free plan when used for school purposes. However, Coverdell contributions are capped at $2,000 per year and are only available to families below a specified income level.
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act Account
These accounts are not traditionally designed for education but can be established to offer gift assets to minors. The custodian of the account can sell the assets for the child's benefit at any time, and once the child reaches 18 or 21, recipients can use the funds in whatever manner they choose. However, UGMA may affect financial aid eligibility.
Roth IRA
Parents can open up a Roth IRA in their child's name once the child begins earning income. Even though there are penalties to taking earnings out before the age of 59.5, exceptions include purchasing a first home or qualified education expenses. A Roth IRA isn't subjected to legal and administrative fees that can come with trusts, which are another savings avenue.
Source: Metro Creative
GUIDE TO AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS
AVONDALE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST
Address: 1201 N. Orchard Knob Ave.,
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Phone: 423-698-5028
Website: avondale22.adventistschoolconnect.org
Grades: pre-K through 8th
Total number of students: 47
Founded: 1919
Average class size: 15
Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: depends on income level
Annual tuition for grade 6: depends on income level
Students receiving financial aid: 60 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
A.W. SPALDING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Address: 4820 University Drive, Collegedale, TN 37315
Phone: 423-396-2122
Website: gcss.org/welcome-to-aws
Grades: pre-K through 5th
Total number of students: 300
Founded: 1958
Average class size: 21
Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $5,050 (K-5, constituent tuition)
Annual tuition for grade 5: $5,050 (for constituents)
Students receiving financial aid: 35 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
BAYLOR SCHOOL
Address: 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: 423-267-8505
Website: baylorschool.org
Grades: 6-12
Total number of students: 1,045
Founded: 1893
Average class size: 16
Religious affiliation: none
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $24,700 (day students)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $24,700 (day students)
Students receiving financial aid: 34 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: yes - Cleveland and Dalton
BELVOIR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Address: 800 Belvoir Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37412
Phone: 423-622-3755
Website: bcalions.org
Grades: pre-K through 8th
Total number of students: 135
Founded: 1887
Average class size: 12
Religious affiliation: Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $3,675 (pre-K)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $4,175
Students receiving financial aid: not public info
Uniform: no (dress code)
Bus transportation: no
BEREAN ACADEMY
Address: 441 Berean Lane, Hixson, TN 37343
Phone: 423-877-1288
Website: bereanacademy.net
Grades: pre-K through 12th
Total number of students: 315
Founded: 1972
Average class size: 18-20
Religious affiliation: Baptist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $5,600 (grades 1-5)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $5,800
Students receiving financial aid: not public info
Uniform: no (dress code)
Bus transportation: no
BOYD-BUCHANAN SCHOOL
Address: 4650 Buccaneer Trail, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Phone: 423-629-7610
Website: bbschool.org
Grades: pre-K through 12th
Total number of students: 900+
Founded: 1952
Average class size: 18 (elementary), 20 (middle), high school varies
Religious affiliation: Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students:
$8,300 (pre-K)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $9,800
Students receiving financial aid: 18 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
BRAINERD BAPTIST SCHOOL
Address: 300 Brookfield Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37411
Phone: 423-622-3873
Website: brainerdbaptistschool.org
Grades: pre-K through 5th
Total number of students: 300
Founded: 1953
Average class size: 15
Religious affiliation: non-denominational Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students:
$9,193 (pre-K)
Annual tuition for grade 5: $9,639
Students receiving financial aid: varies
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
BRIGHT SCHOOL
Address: 1950 McDade Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: 423-267-8546
Website: brightschool.com
Grades: junior pre-K through 5th
Total number of students: 304
Founded: 1913
Average class size: 15.5
Religious affiliation: none
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $7,700 (pre-K)
Annual tuition for grade 5: $15,615
Students receiving financial aid: 16 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: yes - Dalton and Ringgold
CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Address: 4601 North Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Phone: 423-622-2181
Website: ccseagles.org
Grades: K4 through 12th
Total number of students: 130
Founded: 1976
Average class size: 16-20
Religious affiliation: Independent Baptist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $4,000 (K4-K5)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $4,500
Students receiving financial aid: N/A
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Address: 3354 Charger Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37409
Phone: 423-265-6411
Website: ccsk12.com
Grades: K-12
Total number of students: 1,182
Founded: 1970
Average class size: 20
Religious affiliation: Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $9,150 (K-5)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $11,900
Students receiving financial aid: 20-25 percent
Uniform: no
Bus transportation: yes - Hixson
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE SCHOOL
Address: 1600 MLK Jr. Drive, Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: 706-277-1198
Website: chslions.com
Grades: K-12
Total number of students: 426
Founded: 1986
Average class size: 20-25 (max. size)
Religious affiliation: Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $6,240 (K-5)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $11,990
Students receiving financial aid: varies
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
COLLEGEDALE ACADEMY
Address: 4855 College Drive East, Collegedale, TN 37363
Phone: 423-396-2124
Website: gcss.org/welcome-to-ca
Grades: 9-12
Total number of students: 322
Founded: 1892
Average class size: 21
Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $9,100 (for constituents)
Annual tuition for grade 6: N/A
Students receiving financial aid: 27 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Address: 205 Island Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: 423-634-7600
Website: gps.edu
Grades: 6-12
Total number of students: 585
Founded: 1906
Average class size: 15
Religious affiliation: none
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $25,340
Annual tuition for grade 6: $25,340
Students receiving financial aid: 40.5 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: yes - East Brainerd, Cleveland and Dalton
GRACE BAPTIST ACADEMY
Address: 7815 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-892-8224
Website: gracechatt.org
Grades: pre-K through 12th
Total number of students: 600
Founded: 1985
Average class size: 18
Religious affiliation: Independent Baptist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $7,056 (K4-5th)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $9,024
Students receiving financial aid: varies
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
HAMILTON HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Address: 2207 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-894-0597
Website: hamiltonheights.net
Grades: 9-12
Total number of students: 70
Founded: 1997
Average class size: 13
Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $6,100
Annual tuition for grade 6: N/A
Students receiving financial aid: N/A
Uniform: no
Bus transportation: no
HICKORY VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Address: 6605 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-894-3200
Website: hvcs.org
Grades: K3 through 5th
Total number of students: 130
Founded: 1980
Average class size: 10-12
Religious affiliation: Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $6,635 (K3-K4)
Annual tuition for grade 5: $7,950
Students receiving financial aid: 19 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
LEARNING TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Address: 300 S. Tibbs Road, Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: 706-278-2736
Website: learningtreeschool.org
Grades: pre-K through 8th
Total number of students: 42
Founded: 1968
Average class size: 10-11
Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $3,565 (for constituents)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $3,565 (for constituents)
Students receiving financial aid: varies
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
LESTER COON ADVENTIST SCHOOL
Address: 11429 Bates Road, Apison, TN 37302
Phone: 423-236-4926
Website: lcaschool.wordpress.com
Grades: K-8
Total number of students: 49
Founded: 1971
Average class size: 16
Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $3,900 (for constituents)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $3,900 (for constituents)
Students receiving financial aid: N/A
Uniform: no (dress code)
Bus transportation: no
MCCALLIE SCHOOL
Address: 500 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: 423-624-8300
Website: mccallie.org
Grades: 6-12
Total number of students: 938
Founded: 1905
Average class size: 14
Religious affiliation: Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $27,075 (day students)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $27,075 (day students)
Students receiving financial aid: 43 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: yes - Ooltewah/Cleveland, Ringgold/Dalton, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain
THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Address: 300 Montessori Way, Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: 423-622-6366
Website: themontessorischool.net
Grades: toddler through 8th
Total number of students: 240
Founded: 2004
Average class size: 13;
(12:1 student/teacher ratio for preschoolers, 6:1 for toddlers)
Religious affiliation: none
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $5,723 (preschool)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $8,333
Students receiving financial aid: 10 percent
Uniform: no
Bus transportation: no
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL
Address: 2701 Vermont Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: 423-624-4618
Website: myndhs.com
Grades: 9-12
Total number of students: 420
Founded: 1976
Average class size: 15
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $12,852 (for Catholic parishioners)
Annual tuition for grade 6: N/A
Students receiving financial aid: varies
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
OOLTEWAH ADVENTIST KINDERGARTEN AND SCHOOL
Address: 9209 Amos Road, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Phone: 423-238-4449
Website: oaksonline.net
Grades: K-8
Total number of students: 112
Founded: 1974
Average class size: 14:1 student/teacher ratio
Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $4,300 (K-4, constituent tuition)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $4,500
Students receiving financial aid: about 25 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL
Address: 505 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412
Phone: 423-622-1481
Website: school.myolph.com
Grades: pre-K through 8th
Total number of students: 277
Founded: 1937
Average class size: 12
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $6,500 (for Catholic parishioners)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $6,500 (for Catholic parishioners)
Students receiving financial aid: 30 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Address: 808 Key Hulse Road, Signal Mountain, TN 37377
Phone: 423-886-1115
Website: smcstn.org
Grades: K-5
Total number of students: 89
Founded: 1998
Average class size: max. 12
Religious affiliation: interdenominational Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $5,700 (K-2)
Annual tuition for grade 5: $6,200
Uniform: no - just school T-shirt or polo
Bus transportation: no
SILVERDALE BAPTIST ACADEMY
Address: 7236 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-892-2319
Website: silverdaleba.org
Grades: pre-K through 12th
Total number of students: 1,000+
Founded: 1999
Average class size: 17:1 student/teacher ratio
Religious affiliation: non-denominational Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $8,710
Annual tuition for grade 6: $10,130
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
SKYUKA HALL
Address: 5600 Brainerd Road, Suite A-24, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Phone: 423-877-9711
Website: skyukahall.org
Grades: K-12
Total number of students: 97
Founded: 1966
Average class size: 8:1 student/teacher ratio
Religious affiliation: none
Lowest tuition for 5-day students:
$15,383 (lower school)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $16,974
Students receiving financial aid: varies
Uniform: no (dress code)
Bus transportation: no
ST. JUDE SCHOOL
Address: 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415
Phone: 423-877-6022
Website: mysjs.com
Grades: pre-K through 8th
Total number of students: 321
Founded: 1960
Average class size: 14
Religious affiliation: Catholic
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $5,100 (for St. Jude parishioners)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $5,100 (for St. Jude parishioners)
Students receiving financial aid: 30 percent
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
ST. NICHOLAS SCHOOL
Address: 7525 Min Tom Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-899-1999
Website: stns.org
Grades: pre-K through 5th
Total number of students: 200
Founded: 1958
Average class size: 11 (lower level),
18 (upper level)
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $10,927 (pre-K)
Annual tuition for grade 5: $15,764
Students receiving financial aid: 27 percent
Uniform: no
Bus transportation: yes - Dalton
ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
Address: 848 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415
Phone: 423-870-1794
Website: saintpetersschool.net
Grades: pre-K3 through 5th
Total number of students: 190
Founded: 1964
Average class size: 14
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $8,925 (preschool)
Annual tuition for grade 5: $11,600 (K-5)
Students receiving financial aid: varies
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
STANDIFER GAP SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL
Address: 8255 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-892-6013
Website: standifergap22.adventistschoolconnect.org
Grades: K-8
Total number of students: 73
Founded: 1948
Average class size: 13
Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $425/month (for constituents)
Annual tuition for grade 6: $425/month (for constituents)
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no
TENNESSEE CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Address: 4995 N. Lee Hwy., Cleveland, TN 37312
Phone: 423-559-8939
Website: tcpsk12.org
Grades: pre-K3 through 12
Total number of students: 250
Founded: 1997
Average class size: 12-15
Religious affiliation: interdenominational Christian
Lowest tuition for 5-day students: $7,400.50
Annual tuition for grade 6: $8,540.50
Uniform: yes
Bus transportation: no