Frequently Asked Questions

The Independent School Alliance works closely with families throughout the entire admissions process and counsels families on independent school choice. Families and students admitted into our cohort are provided nine months of support to prepare and navigate through the independent school admission process. Through our common application and waived member school application fees, our families and students are not required to fill out individual school applications. With our intimate knowledge and deep relationships with our member schools, we are able to advocate on behalf of our parents.

Independent School Alliance seeks students from racially underrepresented and economically under-resourced communities whose school records demonstrate significant ability, achievement, motivation and good citizenship. For students applying to grades 1 through 9 grades and standardized test scores must be strong to be accepted as a candidate for referral to a member school. Students who have excessive tardies or absences maybe disqualified for referral. For kindergarten applicants, students 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. Their benefit is based upon certain educational theories of how people learn and the desire for support, teamwork, and shared resources. 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. With our intimate knowledge and deep relationships with our member schools, we are able to advocate on behalf of our families. Each member school, however, makes its own decision regarding admissions according to existing procedures and criteria (recommendations, grades, test scores, 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 and financial assistance applications, which are not administered by the Independent School Alliance.

Yes

Approximately 86 percent of the students who apply through the Independent School Alliance are accepted at member schools. This high percentage can be credited to personal counseling, appropriate recommendations, and good matches between families and schools by the Independent School Alliance staff.

No, the Independent School Alliance does not give any financial assistance. All financial assistance is offered by member schools to students who have been accepted, who will enroll, and who have qualified for financial assistance.

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. When you are in receipt of our application materials, early submission of an application gives families the greatest opportunity to visit schools and complete admission requirements in a timely manner.