Taking the JATP in COVID-19

Introduction to the JATP

With the frenzy of online school, Google Classrooms, and Schoology crippling Atlantan parents, families are considering independent school options for the 2021 school year. If your children are in lower school (rising grades K-5), a required component of the application is a standardized cognitive test called the JATP (Joint Admissions Testing Program).

Purpose of the JATP

The network of independent schools—AAAIS (Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools)—requires the JATP for all Lower School applicants. This cognitive evaluation is administered by member psychologists to assess a student’s potential academic performance in an independent school setting. The test is nationally standardized and score reports indicate a student’s proficiency in several key areas (described in a future blog post) based upon that year’s national applicants. Research suggests that there are many kinds of intelligence and types of learning styles, so reports from the JATP testing measure convergent thinking.

Format of the JATP

The JATP, a nationally standardized measure of cognitive functioning and mental ability, is administered by Atlanta-member psychologists. As of the time of this article, there are 9 psychologists who administer the JATP (WLG recommends three psychologists to our clients). Evaluated in a 1:1 setting, each child will be assessed through a series of verbal, visual, and motor tasks. Depending on the age/grade of the applicant, the interaction will last approximately 35-90 minutes. This single evaluation meets the standardized testing requirements of JATP member schools and can only be administered once per twelve months.

JATP in COVID: What Has Changed

Independent school applications will open on October 1st. At that juncture, prospective families will be able to preview school-specific requirements in Ravenna. However, the JATP is a universal component required for lower school applicants by all AAAIS schools. With our clients, we implement a specific strategy for prospective families on when to schedule their JATP.

This year, JATP testing looks different than ever with COVID-19 safety protocols. Some of the Atlanta Area member psychologists are offering virtual testing options to comply with current safety measures. For families relocating to Atlanta, this historic change will make the admissions process much more convenient. Before, we have had clients fly into Atlanta for a weekend for a JATP appointment. Over the next few weeks, we will illuminate strategies and changes to virtual JATP testing procedures, insight into specific grades, and information about how out-of-town families can make the JATP component of the application process as seamless as possible.