FAQs

When should I start researching schools and when are applications due?

Application deadlines vary; in general you should start your research and the application process in the autumn the year before you want your child to start school. Most application deadlines for K-12 private schools are due in January or February.

How much should I expect to pay for private school tuition?

Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $25,000 per year. Over the course of 12 years, private school tuition in Atlanta can cost up to a half million dollars for a family with two children. An investment of that caliber warrants a professional consult.

I’m relocating to Atlanta and have heard that Georgia public schools aren’t great. Do I have to send my children to private schools?

No, your child can receive a very high quality college preparatory education in an Atlanta area public school. It’s true that Georgia has some of the lowest national rankings for public schools. However, we also have some of the best award winning public schools in the country. The problem is that the counties aren’t consistent; in the same county, one district can be performing poorly just a few miles down the road from a school of excellence. Furthermore, some districts have great elementary schools, but low performing high schools. Atlanta School Insight (ASI) can help you navigate the different metro Atlanta counties to find the right public or private school for your family.

How long are the preschool and daycare waiting lists and when are the application deadlines?

Daycare centers have rolling admissions, meaning they will accept your application anytime throughout the year, although some daycares have waiting lists that are booked about 1 year in advance. Non-daycare private preschools often have application deadlines in October and November for the following school year starting in September.

Are Church Schools available to non-members?

Most, but not all, church affiliated schools are available to non-church members; however members are always given priority based on membership seniority. ASI will let you know which schools have availability for community (non member) applicants.

Do all of the accreditations really matter?

Yes, there is a difference between the accreditation organizations, and they do reflect on the curriculum of the school. Schools list their accreditations although parents rarely understand their meanings: SACS, SAIS, GACS, NAEYC, GAC, etc. Atlanta School Insight can help you sift through the acronyms to understand what they mean for your child’s education.

What public schools or preschools are feeder schools to the bigger private schools?

Officially, private schools will accept students from any school. However, historically there are certain schools where it is common for students to matriculate to a particular private school.

What grade is it easiest to get accepted into a private school?

Every private school has different “expansion” grades when you have the best chance of getting accepted as they are adding to their enrollment. However, all of the Atlanta private schools have different expansion years. Also, there are often openings in non-expansion years. ASI can help you figure out which schools are expanding for your child’s grade level.

Should my child study for the SSAT tests?

Yes, you’re child definitely should prepare and study for this test. The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) is a standardized test for 6th-12th graders that is required for application by most private schools. There are definite test-taking strategies that can improve your child’s score. ASI’s founder, Tricia Brock Madden, has professional experience as a SSAT test prep teacher and can help your student get ready to perform their best.

Is there a public or private school that can accommodate my special needs child?

Yes, Atlanta offers such a great variety of options for students with all degrees of learning disabilities and special needs. ASI can help you find the right services so that your child’s differences will not hold them back from being excellent students.

What is a charter school and are they better than the regular local public school options?

A Charter school is a public school that is allowed to operate outside of the traditional district regulations in exchange for a different level of accountability. It is necessary to apply to a charter school and they will accept students from outside of their district when space is available. Although they have more flexibility in curriculum and operations, it should not be assumed that a charter school offers a better education. The success of charter schools is debatable and I recommend that parents evaluate charter schools just as they would a traditional public school.

Have a question? contact ASI