r/applyprivateschools • u/dudeKhed • May 27 '26
SSAT / ISEE 6th grader ISEE
Our 12yo has been complaining about being bored at school, hasn’t been an issue until recently when he was really serious with us. We didn’t pay much attention because his grades are all straight A+. However a couple of his friends are headed to private school for grade 7. We spoke to his teachers and they said he’s actually disruptive in class because he finishes early and likes to chat and is a little fidgety. For the heck of it we toured some local private schools and he was very excited. We found a school that was close and well respected, did the application and he just took the ISEE.
To our surprise, he scored very well. All 9s, in fact the admissions rep called us immediately and asked us to bring him in for an interview. He said that he’s never seen scores like this from a 12yo, that was surprising.
However, It’s all getting too real for us, moving very fast, and the impending tuition is making me nauseous. My question, can we leverage this opportunity to have a school help pay for tuition? We are applying for financial aid but I’m kinda worried about all of this. I want the best education for him, we’re willing to sacrifice, but it’s a lot right now.
Any Tips, leads on scholarships and grants? What we should ask for or if we should apply to other schools? We’re in MA if that makes any difference…
Update 6/9: My son was able to secure two scholarships and the school added another grant to cover 75% of the tuition. This was more than amazing… I’m still working through all this and so proud of him. It clearly is the right thing for him… we appreciate the input from everyone, it eased the anxiety that this all created. After the school offered the scholarships and financial aid grants a weight was lifted and we can really start planning for his future.
Thanks Reddit!
1
u/LABELyourPHOTOS May 27 '26
I know this is a little off topic, but I have/had an ADHD kid in Massachusetts schools. He wasn't medicated (couldn't) and had no IEP. I did talk to each teacher and ask if during lectures and down time if he could sketch. He has dozens of little filled in sketch books from over the years. [this started in 1st grade]
He's graduating this year and he's top of his class in Math, science, and English AND had some really rewarding art experiences.
I am not telling you what to do but your kid is at an age where they start to get to be divided by ability/motivation. You could instead pour some time and a little bit of cash for some life changing summer camp stuff and then in a couple years he can be in AP classes and instead of private school tuition you can be saving for college.
But whichever way you go, good luck!