IIndependent School Alliance serves families by providing guidance and counseling during the process of applying to independent schools. Families and students admitted into our cohort are supported with nine months of preparation and navigation throughout the independent school admissions process. Through our common application, our families and students are not required to fill out separate school applications for each school. 

Our intimate knowledge and deep member-school relationships allow us to advocate on behalf of our parents.

Independent School Alliance seeks students from underrepresented and economically under-resourced communities whose school records demonstrate significant ability, achievement, motivation, and good citizenship. Standardized test scores (if applicable) must be strong to be accepted as a candidate for referral to a member school. Kindergarten applicants must demonstrate school readiness and meet all birthdate requirements.

Cohorts are a group or community of people with shared interests and goals who progress through an experience together. Simply stated, a cohort consists of a group of students and families working together in the same program, progressing through the same programming, and finishing their experience together.

Our application process is competitive. Each application is reviewed, and a recommendation is made. We aim to accept as many families as possible, keeping in mind that Independent schools are very competitive.

No. We advocate for our families using our intimate knowledge and our deep relationships with member schools, however, final admissions decisions are made by member schools and are based on their respective criteria (recommendations, grades, test scores, interviews, etc.).

There is a $350 non-refundable program fee paid directly to the Independent School Alliance. Please note that there may be additional fees to register for exams, financial assistance applications, etc., which are not administered by the Independent School Alliance.

Yes. Each student enrolled in the Independent School Alliance cohort model pays a fee of $350.

On average, 90 percent of the students in our cohort model are accepted to a member school. Our success rate can be credited to our individualized counseling, expert advocacy, intentional recommendations, and strategic matches between our families and member schools.

No, the Independent School Alliance does not award or administer financial assistance. All need-based financial assistance is offered by member schools to accepted and qualified students and families.

Our application opens in March and closes in June for all grade levels.

After submitting an inquiry, we will send you information on our application process. We encourage you to be thorough with your application responses.

Item Yes. Each student is required to submit a new application and materials for the desired entry year.