An application waits before you, a hope for the future. Its questions must be answered carefully; its deadline must be met. You are seeking to offer your child the chance he deserves, the education you know to be essential (the differences between public and private schools have already been learned, charted out by you again and again). You wish to enroll him in the best classes. And all that remains in this process is a singular form. You assume it to be perfunctory. Your son will be selected, after all. How could he be refused?
He is, however — and you are stunned.
Private education is sought by countless parents each year. The desire is to receive a more comprehensive curriculum, with all attention offered to students and their needs. But this intention is not always secured. Instead many individuals will find themselves denied entry to their districts, with their children unable to attend.
And the reason for this is all too simple.
Private institutions are not required to accept all applicants (even those who have been proven able to pay). They instead create their own standards and many families can be refused access — merely because they did not match the vital criteria. These schools are governed by:
One: Academic standing. All students must have a high grade point average and suffer from no mediocre courses.
Two: Community service. Students are expected to be involved with their districts, exemplifying humanitarian efforts.
Three: Behavioral certainty. Students must refrain from less than ideal behaviors; and those with disciplinary problems will be denied.
Four: Classroom quota. Students will not be allowed to enroll if classrooms have already reached their maximum limits. Small sizes are to be maintained.
Such rules can cause even the most worthy of applicants to be rejected. And this can become the great concern of all parents. Private education is not guaranteed, unlike its public sibling. This must be understood by all and anticipated.



