Helping Your Kids to Succeed In School

Private schools offer exclusivity and access to programs public institutions often can't. If you're considering private schools for your high school student, it's important to consider the college prep and accelerated learning programs each private school offers.

Here are some questions you should ask before choosing a private school for your high school student.

What's your AP pass rate?

AP (Advanced Placement) courses are designed to offer college-level learning in a high school setting. To earn AP credit, students must earn a passing grade and a score of 3 or higher on standardized assessment in May.  Although many private schools offer AP courses, pass rates can vary significantly.

Data Trends:

Upon request, private school admissions counselors can provide AP pass rate statistics. When evaluating AP pass rate data, it's important to look for trends. For instance, you might find that a private school's AP Bio scores were strong 5 years ago, but have steadily declined in more recent years. These trends can indicate high instructor turnover and/or program deficiencies. If your high school student intends to pursue a degree in a STEM-related subject, look closely at a private school's AP pass rates for STEM courses (Bio, Chemistry, Calculus, etc.).

Do you prioritize AP, IB, or Dual-Enrollment?

Many top private schools offer AP, IB (International Baccalaureate), and Dual-Enrollment programs. However, most private schools prioritize one program over others. Depending on your high school student's academic goals, what a private school prioritizes can be a big deal.

College Feeders:

The best private schools have robust college acceptance rates. A 100% college acceptance rate, however, can be less important than where a private school's graduates are accepted. If a private school prioritizes dual-enrollment courses (often via a local community college), the college credits their students earn may only transfer to in-state, public, institutions. Because AP and IB programs are offered around the world, IB and AP credits are more likely to be accepted universally. Private schools that prioritize AP or IB programs, will often have higher acceptance rates at out of state and private institutions. If you know that your high school students want to attend a particular university, ask the admissions counselor how many of their graduates apply and gain acceptance to the school of their dreams. The private school might staff teachers with alumni connections to these colleges, which can pay big dividends when comes time to apply and gather letters of recommendation.    

To learn more, reach out to a local private school.