We are lucky to live in an area of the country where there are some of the finest educational options available anywhere, public, parochial and Independent. The options are numerous and strong and navigating those choices can be intimidating.

As you explore your options, please be mindful of a few key points:

• Understand that most of the schools you are considering will be able to provide you with a top flight academic experience.  The trick is figuring out which provides the experience you are seeking! At Newark Academy, we understand that content is not the “be all, end all,” but that understanding, developing opinions and ideas driven by the knowledge of the content and having meaningful intellectual discussion based on that content are the difference between academic and intellectual excellence. At NA, the classroom experience is an ongoing conversation examining the ideas presented in texts and class discussions. The focus for the NA student is to become a strong critical thinker, writer, reader; who asks the follow up question to the content: what does this have to do with me?

• You will find “bells and whistles” at many of the schools you consider.   You will tour beautiful campuses, hear about exciting travel opportunities, watch talented athletes, musicians, actors and artists perform. There will be seemingly endless lists of clubs and ways to get involved as long as your arm. Don’t miss the forest for the trees. Your next school should “feel right” for you. Pay attention to the people: how do they interact? How do the teachers and students deal with each other? Do you feel welcome? Are these the types of people with whom you could see yourself for the next 4, 5, maybe 7 years? At Newark Academy, our students and families are a part of the community in every way and the school you choose should feel like home to you.

• Admission Officers are here to help you. There is no such thing as a silly question. And with the number of schools you might be considering, you need to be as clear as possible on what stands out for you about each one. At Newark Academy, we encourage you to email, call and ask, ask, ask. The school you select will be home for years and you want to know as much as you can before you make such a big decision. You wouldn’t buy a new suit or dress without trying it on, to that end, you should not choose your next school without visiting as many times as permitted. Newark Academy has multiple Information Sessions during the year where prospective students and their parents can meet and speak with administrators, students and current NA families to be as familiar with all aspects of NA life as possible.

It’s not as daunting a process at it may appear at the outset, aim to have clear in your mind what you’re hoping for in your next school and look for it. If you don’t see it, ask the people who are there. At Newark Academy, we look forward to working through the process with you and answering your questions about our community!