If you believed that you wouldn’t have to think about applications and admissions until your children are heading off to college, you might be surprised if you’re considering choosing a private school in metro Atlanta. In fact, in today’s highly competitive educational environment, open private school spots are as coveted as the latest limited-release Starbucks cup. It’s important to know what the entire admissions process looks like for both you and the schools on your list so you can find the right fit your kids and breeze into an acceptance. With that in mind, KnowAtlanta Magazine asked administrators from several metro Atlanta private schools for their top tips and advice about approaching the experience so you can make the best decisions for your family.
Katherine Harrison, Director of Admission
The Walker School
Keep an open mind.
Websites and brochures can’t capture everything. Go into the process on the lookout for the real heartbeat of each school. VISIT, VISIT, VISIT! Of course, come on campus for a tour, but also explore opportunities to visit during non-admission-related events, such as plays, concerts, athletic competitions, robotics and more.
Talk to current families.
Connect with parents and students to gain an authentic understanding of what day-to-day life at the school is truly like.
Help the school really get to know your child.
From parent statements to student interviews, be honest; we want to get to know your child. Encourage them to be themselves and share what genuinely excites them.
Trust your instincts.
After all the research, the visits and the forms, pay attention to how you feel on campus. The right school should feel like a place where your child will be known, challenged, supported and valued. We understand that this can be an overwhelming process; our admission teams are here to help.
De’ire Foxx, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
The Galloway School
Start early.
Begin researching schools in summer or early fall to understand the full scope of the process.
Know what matters most to your family.
It’s important to find the right fit, not just the top name. Every school is unique in its educational philosophy. Atlanta is an interesting market because there is a school truly for everyone.
Demonstrate engagement and interest.
Schools pay attention to a family’s genuine interest. Attend tours and events and ask questions.
Be prepared academically and holistically.
Testing and grades matter, but know that most schools have a holistic approach to the admissions process and are looking for well-rounded students. Involvement in community and extracurricular activities is always good.
Trust the process.
You will know when you find the right match when your child and family feel supported, seen and inspired.
Marc Weiss, K-8 Admissions Director, Roswell Campus
St. Francis Schools
Make a list of things you are looking for in a school and things you definitely don’t want.
Similar to buying a house, you want to know what you are looking for in a school. Is class size important? Extracurriculars? STEM? Performing arts?
Do your research before a school visit.
You should have a sense of the school’s mission, ethos, learning objectives, emphasis and culture prior to touring schools.
Visit several schools to talk with faculty and staff.
This will help you see where your wants and each school’s mission align.
Apply to more than one school.
Private school admissions can be very competitive. If you have determined that private school is the best route for your family, you want to make sure you have options. Speak with families that attend the private school you are considering. How has their experience been? What do they love about the school? What would they like to see done differently?
Look beyond the brochure.
Every school promises excellence, so dig deeper. Tour campuses, observe classes and talk to current families. Notice how students interact and how teachers engage. Great schools blend rigor with warmth, offer both challenge and nurture, and encourage kids to reach for their potential while maintaining a sense of balance.
Share your child’s story.
Grades and test scores matter, but they’re only part of the picture. Admissions teams want to know who your child is, what sparks their curiosity, and what values guide them. Share authentic examples in the application that demonstrate character and potential, not just accomplishments. We know that the students applying are works in progress. Don’t be afraid to share moments of growth or challenge.
Engage purposefully.
Attend open houses, ask thoughtful questions and connect with admissions teams, parents and faculty. You don’t have to attend every event just to “check the box.” Aim to connect with schools in ways that are meaningful for you, rather than simply going through the motions.
Prioritize fit over prestige.
The right school for your child is the one that aligns with their strengths and matches your family’s values. Finding that place means researching from your unique family perspective, not just relying on rankings or history. Be open to challenging your own biases to discover the best fit for your child in this moment.
Ask about support systems.
Great private schools do more than teach—they provide wrap-around support for student success. Inquire about character development, social-emotional counseling, advisory programs, learning support and college guidance. A strong support network ensures your child feels seen and prepared for life beyond the classroom.
Sarah Morgan Bonham, Director of Enrollment and Outplacement
Trinity School
Exploring schools can feel overwhelming.
Only attend the admissions events you need to inform your decision. You do not need to attend everything on a school’s calendar!
This is a marathon, not a race.
Focusing on admissions tasks one month at a time can make the season feel more manageable.
Remember that everyone’s experience is unique.
While much insight can be gained by word of mouth, what is right or wrong for one child or family does not necessarily apply to yours.
Make a list of what your dream educational experience is for your child.
Also consider what is important to you in a school for your family. Atlanta is lucky to have an abundance of unique and exceptional schools, and this list will help focus your search and answer key questions.
Trust the process.
Admissions professionals are always happy to share feedback and assist you in your journey.
Gain an understanding of the multi-step admission process.
Stay on top of paperwork, prepare to spend time on campus with assessments and interviews and communicate well with your current school.
Prioritize finding the right fit over prestige.
Do your research on the school’s mission statement and offerings.
Explore financial possibilities.
Don’t assume you can’t afford the school. Complete the applications and have open conversations with the school.
Be a partner with the admissions team.
Stay positive and supportive, complete deadlines and represent your family in an open and honest manner.
Applying early is an advantage.
Complete the process as early as possible to ensure that your child gets every opportunity in terms of classroom space, financial aid and more.
Mac Maccullum, Director of Admissions
Pace Academy
Keep an open mind.
What you believe today may not be what you believe six months from now. Your perspective will evolve as you visit campuses and meet educators, parents and students. Avoid: Searching for the “perfect” school because it may not exist. Instead, aim to find the school that best fits your child and family.
Cast a wide net but know your priorities.
Start by naming what matters most to your family: educational philosophy, programming, logistics, community, faith-based or secular programs. Then explore broadly. You might be surprised by what stands out. Avoid: Ruling out a school just because you don’t know much about it. Give every option a fair look before you decide.
Tune out the noise.
It’s easy to get caught up in what other families are doing, but this process should be about your child. Be flexible and excited about searching for and discovering multiple great options in Atlanta. Avoid: Following the crowd. What works for the Joneses might not be right for your family’s needs, values or schedule.
Ask direct questions and expect clear answers.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions teams and ask the tough questions. If something matters to your family, it deserves a clear answer. Avoid: Feeling pressure to attend every event or program. Focus on the opportunities that truly help you understand whether a school is the right fit.
Read between the lines and enjoy the ride.
A school’s website and communications often reveal its priorities or areas for growth. Pay attention to both. Look for alignment between the school’s direction and your family’s values. Avoid: Mistaking polish for perfection. Every school is evolving. And most of all, don’t let the logistics and deadlines overshadow what this really is: an exciting chance to imagine great possibilities for your child.
Nija Majmudar Meyer, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Woodward Academy
Discover each school’s core values.
Your journey begins by getting to know each school. For instance, Woodward Academy is more than just a school—we’re a family where each student is celebrated for their unique qualities and achievements.
Experience campus life through a visit.
Seeing is believing! One of the best ways to understand a school’s distinct environment is to visit. At Woodward, you can take a personalized tour of our beautiful 140-acre campus, where you can witness classrooms in action, speak with faculty and observe the dynamic interactions that make our community thrive.
Submit your application.
Once you’ve discovered that a school is the right fit for your family, the next step is to apply. At Woodward, our admissions process is designed to be transparent and supportive, helping you showcase your child’s potential. The application will ask for essential details, including academic records, teacher recommendations and any extracurricular involvement that highlights their passions. Be sure to start your application early; this will give you plenty of time to gather all required documents and have earlier access and more flexibility in scheduling admission testing and appointments.
Showcase your child’s strengths.
Depending on the grade level, your child may participate in an academic assessment or an interview. These allow schools to better understand their individual strengths and how they will thrive within the school community. The process at Woodward is tailored to be as supportive as possible, giving your child the opportunity to shine.
Embrace your future.
At Woodward, once the admissions committee has reviewed your application, assessments and interviews, you will receive a decision notification. For families who are offered admission, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. You will receive an enrollment contract outlining the next steps, including orientations and key dates for starting the academic year.
