Private School Interview: How to Prepare and Question Checklist

Interviews are a key part of private school admissions. From Kindergarten to Grade 12, they help schools get to know your child and your family beyond the application. This guide covers interview formats, research tips, common questions, and how to prepare with confidence.

TL;DR

Private school interviews are a crucial part of the admissions process, whether your child is entering Kindergarten or applying to high school. In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The different types of interviews (student, parent, group) and how they’re scheduled
• How to research a school and align your values with its mission
• What kinds of questions students and parents might be asked—and how to answer them thoughtfully
• How to build strong, authentic responses using storytelling and self-awareness
• Tips for handling the day of the interview with confidence and calm

Plus: Download a printable checklist of commonly asked parent and student interview questions.

6 Steps to Prepare for Private School Interview

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Private School Interviews

Before preparing, it’s important to understand the different types of interviews you may encounter.

Most private schools conduct individual interviews for students and parents. At the early elementary level, schools may invite the entire family or organize group play-based observations. As students grow older, interviews become more structured and resemble a typical one-on-one conversation.

Not every applicant is guaranteed an interview. Some schools only offer interviews after an initial application review, especially when the number of applicants exceeds available slots. Applying early may increase your chances of receiving an interview invitation.

Interview formats and timing vary by school, but here’s what to generally expect:

• Student interviews typically last 15–30 minutes
• Parent interviews range from 20–30 minutes
• Group sessions for young applicants may run 30–120 minutes,

The interview often takes place a few weeks after submitting your application, though in some cases it may happen after the deadline, depending on how the admissions team schedules appointments.

Step 2: Research the School Thoroughly

Doing your research before the interview is essential. Schools expect students and families to demonstrate familiarity with their mission, values, and academic approach. Showing that you’ve done your homework not only helps you tailor your answers but also signals genuine interest.

How to Research a School

1. School Website

• Review the Vision & Mission statement
• Read the Head of School’s Welcome Letter to understand the school’s culture
• Explore Academic Programs and curriculum highlights
• Identify special programs or strengths (e.g., STEM, arts, leadership)

2. Attend a School Tour or Open House

• Observe the facilities and classroom environment
• Note how teachers and staff interact with students
• Talk to current families to get real-world feedback

3. Check Independent Ratings

• Niche.com
• U.S. News (especially for high schools)
• Private School Reivew
• Or parent and school communities on Reddit

This research will help you personalize your answers—and shows the school you’ve done your homework.

Step 3: Build a Strategy for Answering Questions

Instead of rehearsing canned answers, focus on understanding the purpose behind common interview questions. Schools aren’t just looking for high-performing students—they want to admit families who are aligned with their mission and who will thrive in their community.

Take the question: “What values are important to your family?”

This isn’t a trick question. The school is trying to understand whether your values align with theirs. A thoughtful answer might identify two or three priorities—like academic rigor, integrity, and open communication—and briefly explain why each one matters to your family.

To craft strong responses:

• Start by identifying what the question is really asking
• Think about why the school is asking it
• Choose a few focused, relevant examples that show alignment with the school’s environment

A well-crafted answer might sound like:

“Academic growth is very important to us—not just for future success, but because we want our daughter to develop a lifelong love of learning. We also value transparency and strong school-family communication, so we can work together to support her personal and academic growth.”

Step 4: Understand the Most Common Interview Questions

For Elementary School Applicants

In Kindergarten and early elementary interviews, schools assess school readiness more than academic achievement. Younger students may be asked to complete basic tasks or have a short conversation with a teacher or admissions staff. The focus is on behavior, communication, and the ability to follow instructions.

Key areas of observation include:

• Academic readiness – Can the child recognize letters, numbers, shapes, or colors?
• Behavioral cues – Can they sit still for a short activity? Follow instructions? Show curiosity and respect?
• Basic conversation – Can they talk about their favorite book, family member, or activity?

For Middle and High School Applicants

At higher grade levels, interviews become more structured and are designed to explore a student’s academic habits, personal strengths, and long-term goals. Common questions include:

• How would you describe your learning style?
• What are your academic and extracurricular interests?
• What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you handle it?
• Why do you want to attend this school?
• What does leadership or community mean to you?

For Parents

Whether at the elementary or high school level, parent interviews are equally important. Admissions staff may ask:

• What makes your child unique?
• How do you support learning at home?
• Why does this school align with your family’s values?
• How does your child handle stress, transitions, or frustration?

The goal is to assess not just your child’s fit—but also how your family will engage with the school community.

If you want to explore more possible questions that parents and students may encounter in private school interviews:

Step 5: Focus on Storytelling and Communication Skills

You don’t need to rehearse perfect answers—but you do want to help your child (and yourself) feel comfortable speaking with clarity and confidence.

The best way to prepare is through meaningful conversations, not memorization. For younger students, this may involve regular dialogue with unfamiliar adults. For older students, practice answering open-ended questions using a simple story structure: situation, action, and reflection.

Encourage your child to:

• Speak in full sentences
• Use real examples from their experiences
• Be honest and enthusiastic
• Show curiosity by asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview

Mock interviews are a great tool, especially for older applicants. Use a timer to simulate the real setting, and mix in both expected and surprise questions. Don’t over-coach—but do provide feedback on tone, posture, and clarity.

Step 6: What to Do on Interview Day

The interview day itself can set the tone for your entire application. Being calm, respectful, and prepared goes a long way.

Here are a few simple but effective tips:

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast
• Dress appropriately—clean and neat, with at least business casual
• Arrive 5–10 minutes early, but no more
• Remind your child to smile, make eye contact, and speak politely
• Reassure them that it’s not a test—it’s just a chance to be themselves

A calm and confident first impression can help your family stand out—and leave the admissions team with a strong sense of who you are and what you bring to their community.

More articles to help you prepare for private school applications:

• Types of Private Schools and How to Choose the Right One
• All-in-One Guide: How to Get Into a Private Elementary School

About Think Academy

Navigate your child’s educational journey with expert guidance from Think Academy, part of TAL Education Group. We provide valuable educational research and insightful analyses to help parents and students strategically plan for long-term academic growth in K–12 education. Trust Think Academy for authoritative information and resources to ensure informed decisions and successful educational outcomes.

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