One of the most important decisions parents make is the type of education they choose for their child/children. It is important to know that public schools across the Bay Area are not uniform in their offerings and characteristics. As a result, many parents choose private schooling for their children, depending on what they are looking for in a school and their financial resources.

If you are moving to the Bay Area, you may not have experienced the American or Californian educational system before. As part of our mission to help you settle quickly and successfully into your new life, iRelo offers you valuable guidance on:

  • How the educational system works from pre-school age through to college years.
  • What to expect from the public system versus the private system.
  • Which private schools best fit your educational objectives if you are opting out of the public school system.

Public Schools
In the U.S., generally the public school your child is eligible to attend is determined by where you live. It is therefore very important to check out your local schools before buying a house if you wish your child to go through the public education system. Some areas have very popular schools and even hold a lottery for places at those establishments. Whilst, we are not specialists on the public school system, we can help identify which schools have the best scores and reputation and lead you through the enrollment process.

Private Schools
We have conducted thorough research into private schools in the Bay Area, from Almaden to Hillsborough, including visiting all the campuses, meeting with staff and students and understanding the philosophy, teaching style and curriculum offered by each school.

We map your requirements to the available learning environments for your child/children and identify a list of the most appropriate establishments for you to visit. We will provide assistance with all the necessary appointments and administration required to apply and enroll into the school of your choice.

Admissions Process for Private Schools
Schools usually hold Open Houses (the opportunity for non-attending families to visit the school and meet teachers and students) from October through February. Some require pre-registration. Most require previous exam/test results as well as school reports. Students will often be required to take a test and attend the school for a day. Typically the deadline for applications is mid-January and notifications are sent out in March. We can help guide you through the process and liaise with the school if you arrive out of the normal application period.