What You Should Know About Deadlines When Looking for a New School

If you’re considering a new school for your child or exploring options outside a traditional brick-and-mortar public school, what deadlines do you have to hit to keep your child on track?

There are no hard and fast deadlines on a statewide basis. Admission to charter and private schools in Pennsylvania is technically “rolling” as a general matter of policy, but each school and scholarship organization has its own policy for rolling admission or deadlines. This is often contingent on demand.

Take Philadelphia, for instance. Due to high demand for charter schools in Philadelphia, ApplyPhillyCharter has an application deadline of January 25 for the following fall semester. This gets you into the lottery. People may still apply after the deadline, but only to schools that still have space. (This generally means missing out on schools with high demand.)

Tax credit-funded scholarships in Philadelphia are similarly in high demand/limited supply. Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia‘s deadline is March 1 for the following fall semester. That said, kids who apply before November 15 for the following year get priority in the first of two lotteries, and then increase their chances of getting into their desired school. You can find more info here.

You may also be interested in educating your child at home. Traditional homeschooling offers the benefits of flexibility and control—and you can choose homeschooling any time of year.

Another at-home option is Pennsylvania’s public cyber charter schools. Similar to homeschooling, cyber schools require some parental guidance. But the curriculum, program, and materials are provided tuition-free by the school, along with live instruction by the teachers. You can enroll your child any time of year in a public charter school, and there is no cost to enroll. As fall approaches, high parent demand can delay enrollment processing time. To ensure your child is ready to go on Day 1, contact your preferred cyber charter school soon—as early as May or June.

Here is my advice to families exploring alternative options for their children. First, it is always a good time to explore the best-fit educational environment for your child. You know your child best. If a deadline has passed, it doesn’t automatically mean the door is closed.

Second, find out which options are available in your area. Get recommendations from trusted friends and relatives, and bolster their advice with your own research. Note application deadlines and events for inquiring parents.

Third, communicate early and often with the schools or scholarship organizations that interest you. Find out specifically what their deadlines are, keeping in mind that you will maximize your chances of finding the best match by starting your search early, as early as September of the prior year.

Lastly, don’t be deterred by the price tag. Oftentimes, a school that doesn’t appear affordable at first glance is manageable once scholarships are factored in.