Supporting Documents & a few tips

I hope you all were able to enjoy our first snow of the season!

Part of the application process includes requesting a teacher recommendation and a release of records form from your child's current school. If you are applying for the 14/15 school year it is time to make that request. Why do we do this?

We want to hear from your child's teacher. Their input is so valuable because they are able to give us a window into your child's current setting. What skills have they mastered? What tasks are challenging for them? Are they supportive of their peers? Do they respect classroom routines? Can they be a friend? Are they curious? 

Please be sure you sign your teacher recommendation form before turning it over to their teacher. It certainly does not hurt to give your teacher a stamped envelope addressed to the school you would like the form sent.

Recommendations are confidential as we want teachers to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with us. Most independent schools guarantee the confidentiality of teacher recommendations and therefore do not make these accessible to parents. An admission decision at SSSAS has never been made solely because of a teacher recommendation, so please do not worry. It provides a helpful glimpse into their daily school life. 

For example, if a child is nervous on their visit day and their teacher recommendation shows they are comfortable doing certain tasks in their daily setting, we have more insight. 

A record release form gives us access to checklists or grade reports. Very few preschools have a transcript per se. Checklists of your child's developmental milestones are sometimes mailed to us - which helps give us more information about your child. If no forms are available, your preschool director will sign the form and return it to us. 

A tip or two:

If you have not scheduled your child's WPPSI-IV and you are applying for the 14/15 year, I would call a tester next week. The weather can turn quickly and you might need to reschedule. A bad cold could also lead to a reschedule, so it is best to have time on your side. 

If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your admission director! 

Happy Weekend!

Sincerely,

Katherine 

Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended an independent school from preK-12th grade, Katherine Carbo earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree before returning right back to the independent school world. With experience at four different schools from coast to coast, she writes insights and observations from the front line of independent school admissions.  Mrs. Carbo is the Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.