For most parents beginning their private school admissions cycle, the first stop is on a school’s website. Just because you’re landing on the school’s home page, doesn’t mean you’re ready to submit your information through their inquiry form. But not so quick! Inquiry forms aren’t all bad! 

Once you complete a school’s inquiry form, you’re now in their database where they’ll send you additional information. But, how do you wade through the fluff? Here’s what you should look for on a school’s website to help you discern if this is a place where your student can thrive. 

Read Their Written Material
Whether it’s blogs or news releases, make sure you check out any articles or posts written by the Head of School or other school leaders. This can help you learn more about the school's values, and what they find important. School leaders are often the ones setting the overall culture and tone of the school–it starts at the top!

Similarly, check out the school’s social media presence. If they are active on these platforms, this is where you can learn more about what’s new at the school, and gain student perspectives you might not otherwise see on their website. Current students and alumni on social media provide an insightful view of the school’s values and vibe!

Find Their Differentiator

Once you find a school you’re interested in learning more about, take a look around and search for their value proposition. This language should tell you exactly why you should be interested in learning more. You shouldn’t have to guess at why this school might be a great fit for your student, they should tell you. Schools that are clear on their niché and who they serve best have no trouble articulating this!

Understand Their Culture

A school’s website is where you should clearly be able to learn their mission, and vision. It’s here that you can get an understanding of what the school stands for and values the most. Read the faculty profiles and their blogs to “see” the school through their lens—it’s a fascinating read and helps you further understand the personalities within the school. 

Learn What it's Like to Be a Student

What are their schedules, academic calendar and course catalog like? Whether it’s through photos, videos, testimonials, or materials, you should be able to easily get a clear understanding of what life is like as a student at this school. After all, that’s what you’re interested in learning! 

What are the student moments and dynamics they are sharing with the world? Being able to find this information can be a game-changer for your school decision process. If your student can picture themselves at this school, then you’re halfway to finding a place where they can thrive. 

Know the Benefits

Besides understanding what makes this school different from the rest, you should be able to easily learn the benefits of what they offer. Quickly being able to know the school’s student profile, student to teacher ratio, demographics, learning support and financial aid stats can help you make a quick but meaningful decision when it comes time to deciding what schools you want to get to know on a deeper level. Who will best serve your student? It’s not just the what, but the how: what is the impact they are making in students’ lives and how are they doing that?

Take Advice From Alumni

There’s no better way to learn about a school’s environment than to hear from those who have lived it themselves. Make sure you read each alumni or student testimonial to help you get the full picture of what life is like at that school. Check out their alumni magazine, often found on their website. By reading through others' experiences you can get a sense of why this school is worth the investment and how their alumni are going forward in the world! 

The Biggest Takeaways:

Learning more about a school is an intimidating process. Make sure to take your time looking through all the school’s material, find social proof from alumni or current students, and ask questions. Remember that schools expect you to learn as much about them as they will learn about you.

We’d love to hear what you look for on a school’s website? Comment below!