How to Answer The Parent Questions for The Kehillah School Admissions

Just as with most private school admissions, the parent/guardian statement is one of the key requirements for admissions at The Kehillah School. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t just another writing assignment. It is a chance to showcase your child in a way that feels real and compelling. We know it can be daunting, but read through our guide to help you write your strong parent statement.
What to Know About the Kehillah School Parent Questions
The parent portion of Kehillah’s application isn’t just a formality. It’s your chance to brag a little, reflect a lot, and give the admissions team a peek into who your child really is when they’re not busy writing essays or recording personal statement videos. On the Ravenna platform, you’ll be asked about your child’s educational journey, how they spend their summers (camp counselor or future CEO?), and the people and experiences that have helped them grow into the amazing human they are today. You’ll also get a chance to talk about what makes your kid truly them—the quirks, the strengths, and the stuff they’re still figuring out. The more real you are, the more the admissions team gets to know the whole person behind the transcripts.
How to Answer Kehillah School Parent Questions
You know your child better than anyone, but writing about them in a way that’s both insightful and authentic? That’s where things get tricky. Here’s how to shine without sounding like a résumé.
Let Your Child’s Strengths Speak for Themselves
Skip the laundry list of awards. Instead, go for storytelling that shows who your child is in everyday life. “Ben is a great public speaker” is fine, but “Ben once gave a full TED-style talk on black holes at Thanksgiving dinner—complete with slides” is memorable. Add color, personality, and the small moments that make a big impact.
Match Your Child’s Passions to Kehillah’s Values
Kehillah isn’t one-size-fits-all. They care about how your family fits into their community and how their programs align with your child’s dreams. Maybe your child is into coding and can’t wait to dive into the Engineering Program. Or maybe they’ve been putting on living room musicals since they were five, and Kehillah’s performing arts scene is calling their name. Don’t forget to touch on shared values, too—whether it’s a commitment to service, faith, or building a close-knit community.
Tell Stories That Show Character in Action
Saying your child is kind or responsible is nice. Showing how they organized a coat drive or helped a new student feel welcome? Much more powerful. Look for those real-life moments that reflect their personality and values. The little stories often leave the biggest impression.
Show Genuine Enthusiasm for The Kehillah School
Generic responses are easy to spot from a mile away. So let your love for Kehillah come through loud and clear. Talk about what drew you to the school, the programs your child is already dreaming about, or the moment you realized it just felt right. The more authentic your excitement, the more your application stands out—and the more admissions gets to see why Kehillah could be a perfect match.
How Cardinal Education Can Strengthen Your Admission
The independent admissions consultants at Cardinal Education can offer expert guidance on private school admissions, helping students apply to top private schools like The Kehillah School. With academic coaching, test prep, and private school admissions support, we ensure students present themselves as top candidates!
For expert insights on maximizing your child’s chances at The Kehillah School, contact us today and let our experts guide you through the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I reuse my answers for other school applications?
We understand that copying and pasting already well-written answers can save a lot of time, but anyone can tell if a statement is too generic. Selective private schools such as Kehillah want you to take your time and really give your best. While you can use parts of your original statement, be sure to tailor it to highlight why Kehillah is the right fit. Mentioning specific programs from the school and explaining why these resonate with your child will make your application stronger. A personalized statement shows genuine enthusiasm and effort, which can make a big difference in the admissions process.
- Is there a word or character limit for my answers?
There is no official word or character limit for your answers on the application, so you are welcome to write as much as you feel is necessary to share what’s important about your child. That said, it’s a good idea to keep your responses clear and concise. The admissions team reads many applications, and thoughtful, well-organized answers tend to stand out more than long or repetitive ones. Focus on the most meaningful details and try to express them in a way that is both honest and easy to follow. Quality matters more than quantity, so aim to be thorough without feeling like you need to write too much.
- Should I be listing achievements, or is this more about storytelling?
It’s natural to want to highlight your child’s accomplishments, but this part of the application isn’t about creating a résumé. Kehillah is more interested in getting a real sense of who your child is. Instead of listing awards or titles, focus on meaningful moments that show your child’s strengths, personality, and values. Think about the stories that reveal how they approach challenges, how they connect with others, or what lights them up inside. Even a small example—like how they handled a group project or pursued a personal interest—can say a lot. That said, always be appropriate to the questions since there are four of them, each designed to give you space to reflect on different parts of your child’s journey. Some might call for more direct answers, while others allow for storytelling. The key is to be thoughtful, honest, and personal in how you respond.