Many families view private schools as “Plan B” if they don’t get into BCA. But private schools often provide advantages that public magnet schools can’t always match.
There have been numerous times where some of our top-performing students, all of whom gained admission to BCA, chose private schools instead. Here’s why:
The Private School Advantage
- Smaller class sizes and individual attention. At most private schools, teachers know every student’s name, learning style, and goals. For example, if your child thrives with more personalized feedback, the 12:1 student-teacher ratio available at some private schools might be a much better fit than BCA classes.
- Flexibility in course selection. Private schools often allow students to accelerate in their strength areas while getting extra support where needed. This kind of customization is difficult to achieve in larger school systems.
- Strong college counseling from day one. Many private schools begin college planning conversations in 9th grade, not junior year. They have dedicated counselors who build relationships with admissions officers at top universities.
How Private Schools Fit Your 40-Month Strategy
Private school choice isn’t just about the next four years, it’s about setting up your child’s entire college preparation strategy. Our patented 40-Month Project starts with this question: how do we make the 40 months from September of 9th grade to December of 12th grade count?
Private schools often provide advantages for this timeline:
- 9th grade foundation building: Private schools help students “build a strong GPA buffer and foundation for academic rigor” and “develop a plan”
- Strategic course selection: The flexibility to accelerate or get extra support aligns with long-term college planning
- Early college counseling: Starting college conversations in 9th grade matches the 40-Month Project timeline
Making the Strategic Decision
The choice between public magnet and private schools should be based on where your child will develop most effectively over four critical years.
Here are the key questions we explore during consultations:
- Does your child thrive with more structure and individual attention, or do they prefer independence and larger peer groups?
- What are your family’s priorities: academic intensity, well-rounded development, or specific program strengths?
- How important is flexibility in course selection and scheduling?
- What kind of college counseling support do you want throughout high school?
What This Means for Your Family’s Timeline
Most private schools have application deadlines in January and February, with testing requirements in the fall. This gives families more time to visit schools, meet with admissions counselors, and make informed decisions.
Unlike the single-test format of BCA/BT admissions, private schools typically consider: • SSAT or ISEE scores (multiple test dates available) • School transcripts and teacher recommendations • Personal interviews and essays • Extracurricular involvement and character references
This holistic approach often reveals student strengths that don’t show up on a single standardized test.
How MEK Supports Private School Applications
We offer specific programs to help students succeed in private school admissions:
- SSAT/ISEE Prep: Comprehensive test preparation for private boarding and day school admissions (Source: High School Admissions catalog)
- HSPT Prep: Specialized preparation for parochial high school admissions (Source: High School Admissions catalog)
- Strategic application guidance: Helping families navigate multiple school types and timelines
Our Students’ Private School Success
The Reality About Costs vs. Value
You may be thinking: “But Ann, private school tuition is expensive.”
You’re right, it is – but many families have been pleasantly surprised by financial aid opportunities. In 2025, our students received $290,000+ in scholarships to parochial schools.
In 2024 & 2025, our students were accepted to Phillips Academy Andover, Phillips Exeter Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall, Lawrenceville School, Horace Mann School, Dwight-Englewood School, Hackley School, Emma Willard School, Regis High School, St. Peter’s Preparatory High School, Academy of the Holy Angels, Immaculate Heart Academy, Bergen Catholic High School, Don Bosco Preparatory High School, Paramus Catholic High School, and St. Joseph Regional High School.
We’re confident we can help you.
Your Next Steps
The most important thing you can do right now is get clear on what environment will help your child thrive.
During our academic consultations, we walk through your child’s learning style, academic goals, and family priorities to determine which schools deserve serious consideration. We also help families understand the true costs and benefits of different options, including financial aid opportunities many families don’t know exist.
Book Your Academic Consultation →
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Assess your child’s academic profile and learning preferences
- Review private school options that match your family’s priorities
- Discuss scholarship and financial aid opportunities
- Create a strategic application timeline that keeps all options open
P.S. – Fall SSAT/ISEE testing begins in October, and our prep classes start in September. If you’re considering private schools, now is the time to secure your spot in our test prep programs and begin visiting campuses. Don’t wait until after BCA results to explore your options—the best private school opportunities require early preparation.
