Ashley House (Charleston: to rent, preschool, professionals)

[rachel711]

We are moving to Charleston this summer and i really want my daughter to go to the Ashley House. Is it difficult to get in? Any advice when going through the process? We have not applied to private schools before. Thanks-

[beachme]

Do you mean Ashley Hall? I am not familiar with Ashley house?
Ashley Hall
Grades: Preschool-12 (2- to 4-year-old preschool coed; K-12 all girls).
Telephone: 722-4088.
Address: 172 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, SC 29403.
Cost: Varies, $6,762-$15,606.
Enrollment: 649.
Admissions Deadline: Mid-February-early March.

[mrpeatie]

I was actually at Ashley Hall yesterday as a stand-in for a friend (it was father's morning but they have multiple kids- humorously about a quarter of the class was in a similar predicament.) The campus is nice (but not large) with a new buildings going up for the next couple of years . Parking is horrible. The kids seem to really get focussed attention from the start; I think the high school girls are reaping the benefits of strong education in the lower grades as much as anything.

My friends thought about moving the oldest to another school since their 3rd is a boy and can only attend through preK. All the local private schools basically do admissions at once (its like a fraternity or sorority rush to be honest.) My firneds set their plans about a week ago- she will stay there until he is in regular school and the shuttling becomes an issue.

I think you might be able to get in touch and see if any openings remain after spring since some who are admitted are bound to go elsewhere and the number of MUSC staff and younger professionals who send their kids there would also mean more people moving out of the area with jobs than is typical. And not to be morbid- but I'm sure the tuition is going to bite a couple of people in this particular economy.

[rachel711]

I guess you are saying it is possible for us to get in. We are going to Charleston in April and I wanted to take a tour of the school.
I am a very casual dressing person, do I need to dress up, a bit more then jeans? Is it a political environment? Would it help to have a reference?

Is there any advice while interviewing and touring the school? Do they test at age 5 for kindergarten?

We may be looking to rent a house for 3k or less a month starting in August or September. If you know anyone looking to rent their house, please forward information to me.

Thanks for the insight. Rachel