Workshops & Webinars

Each year, we regularly host free webinars to help families:

Better understand the private school admissions process
Navigate the independent school landscape
Learn about different school models and educational approaches
Explore different school options and find the right fit for their children
Hear directly from school leaders and admissions professionals

Our workshops cover a wide range of topics, including understanding the independent school landscape and different school models, school selection and finding the right fit, application timelines and strategies, entrance exams (ISEE/SSAT), interviews, parent and student essays, and how to prepare students for the admissions process at different grade levels. We also invite school leaders to share insights into their schools, educational approaches, and communities.

Led by our experienced consultants and former admissions professionals, these webinars also give families the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance tailored to their child’s unique profile. Whether you are just beginning your research or already in the application process, our goal is to provide clear, practical guidance to help families navigate each step with confidence.

Upcoming & Recent Webinars

Navigating Financial Aid in Independent Schools: The Dos, the Don’ts, and the Questions to Ask

Join us for a free webinar designed to help families better understand the financial aid process at independent schools. From determining eligibility and navigating applications to understanding how schools evaluate financial need, this session will provide practical guidance for families considering financial aid as part of the independent school admissions process.

Our featured presenter, John Bonhom, Assistant Head at Indian Creek School, will share his expertise and perspective and help families navigate the process with greater clarity and confidence.

Topics will include:

Understanding the independent school financial aid process
What schools consider when evaluating financial need
Common misconceptions and important dos and don’ts
Questions families should ask schools about financial aid
Practical tips for navigating the process with confidence

The conversation will be co-hosted by Dr. Rona Frederick, Founder of Moja Educational Consulting; Ying Zhu, Founder of Primary Education Group; and Theodra Washington, Founder and Managing Partner of Metropolitan Educational Consulting Group and Senior Admissions Advisor for K–12 Consulting at Primary Education Group, bringing together perspectives from experienced educators and educational consultants.

Whether you are applying to an independent school for the first time or simply want to better understand how financial aid works, this webinar will offer practical information and an opportunity to have your questions answered.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Tuesday, November 10

7:30–8:30 PM ET

Free Online Webinar

2026 DMV Independent School Webinar Series — Why Choose a PK–8 School for Your Child?

In September and October 2026, Join Primary Education Group for a special webinar series featuring admissions directors and heads of school from leading PK–8 independent schools across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Why we’re hosting this series

Families in the DMV have access to many wonderful independent schools, with different school models, educational philosophies, and approaches to teaching and learning. We created this series to help families better understand the local independent school landscape, learn more about the PK–8 model, and explore the different options available as they consider the right educational environment for their children.

During each session, participating schools will introduce their communities and share insights into what makes the PK–8 educational model unique. Our conversation will explore topics including:

Mission, philosophy, and school culture
School model (progressive, traditional, etc.)
Advantages of choosing a PK-8 school
Reason why families choose their school
The importance of middle school leadership opportunities
Student profiles that would be a good fit
Outplacement process for high school

Families will also have an opportunity to hear directly from heads of school and directors of admissions and ask questions during the live discussion.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 7:30-8:30 PM ET

The Langley School — McLean, VA
Deborah Don, Director of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid

Leslie Bray, Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid

Lowell School — Washington, DC
Tanya Espy-Disparti, Director of Enrollment Management

Sheridan School — Washington, DC
Karen O'Connor-Floman, Director of Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 7:30-8:30 PM ET

Friends Community School, College Park, MD

Rachel Kane, Head of School

Stephanie Orji, Director of Admissions, Enrollment, and Outreach

Norwood School, Bethesda, MD

Lara Morford, Director of Admission and Enrollment

Kaylyn French, Assistant Director of Admission

St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School, Washington, DC

Jon Kunz, Director of Enrollment Management

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 7:30-8:30pm ET

Grace Episcopal Day School, Kensington, MD

Jen Danish, Head of School
Laura S. Yee, Director of Enrollment and Strategy

Grace Episcopal School, Alexandria, VA

Julia Byrnes, Director of Advancement

National Presbyterian School, Washington, DC

Robin Baker, Director of Enrollment and Marketing

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 7:30-8:30 PM ET

Alexandria Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
Scott Baytosh, Head of School

Caroline deKieffer, Director of Admission & Financial Aid

Browne Academy, Alexandria, VA
Steve Marshall, Director of Enrollment

Kara Schutter, Associate Director of Enrollment & Community Engagement

Capitol Hill Day School, Washington, DC

Elizabeth Yen, Director of Admissions

Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:30-8:30 PM ET New!!

Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
Jeff Sindler, Head of School
Karen Teich, Admissions Director

Christ Episcopal School, Rockville, MD

Janet Gerber, Director of Admissions

The River School, Washington, DC
Megan Campbell, Director of Admission and Enrollment Management

Westminster School, Annandale, VA

Nancy Schuler, Head of School
Jori Schreiner, Admission Director

What to Expect in K-12 Private School Admissions Process

Overview

Overview of the admissions season timeline
Key components of the application process

Description

This webinar provides families with an overview of the K–12 private school admissions process and timeline. We will walk through each key component of the application process—including parent and student essays, interviews, playdates or shadow visits, testing, report cards/transcripts, and teacher recommendations—so families understand what to expect, when to prepare, and how to navigate the process with confidence and clarity.