Wondering where to send your child to school next fall?  In the competitive world of private school admissions, most people would be surprised to find a group of schools working together, collaborating and supporting each other. Member schools of the Hudson County Alliance of Independent Schools (HCAIS) do just that.

The group, founded in 2004, is now a driving force in the Hudson County independent school world with ten member schools. “There was a time where there were just a handful of private schools in the area, and many families left Hudson County when their children were ready to start Kindergarten.  Around that time we found the community was changing quickly and realized the need for peer support. HCAIS offers that support from brainstorming about safety procedures to the latest trends in professional development," says Rachelle Grossman, Director of the Kaplan Cooperative Preschool.

The private school admissions process is competitive in Hoboken and Downtown Jersey City.  Hundreds of students apply for limited spaces at both the quality preschools and well-respected elementary schools. Applying to a school that is a member of HCAIS means parents will not only be applying to a school with a solid academic program, they can be assured that their child’s social and emotional needs will be met throughout the years.  Parents can also be closely involved in their child’s education.  

One of the goals of the organization is to coordinate admissions practices and procedures. Nancy Rossi, Director of Admissions and High School Guidance at Stevens Cooperative School, is one of the founding members of HCAIS. “By setting guidelines, we were able to establish an admissions process that is respectful to applicant families, as well as to other member schools,” says Rossi.  “One of the ways we help families is that we send our acceptance letters on the same day”.

Last year, the group hosted a workshop for parents and teachers led by Dr. Eileen Kennedy Moore: “Emotion-Coaching: Helping Your Child Cope with Feelings." Look for information on our next  workshop scheduled for February 2015. 

HCAIS member schools include All Saints Episcopal Day School, Garden Preschool Cooperative, Hamilton Park Montessori, Hoboken Montessori, Hudson Montessori, Kaplan Cooperative Preschool, Mustard Seed School, Park Prep Academy, The River School (Exchange Place and Newport), Stevens Cooperative School. To learn more about HCAIS visit their website at www.hcais.org.