Like many serious people, I am closely following the biggest school placement news of the summer: Prince George will attend Eton College this fall, following in the footsteps of his dad Prince William and uncle Prince Harry.

After years of speculation, tours, rumors, and royal-watcher analysis, we can all be relieved that the pressing question of where George will be educated has finally been put to rest.

While George’s future responsibilities may be different from civilian NYC, Westchester, and Greenwich kids’, his family still faced the same question every parent eventually confronts: where will our child have the best chance to succeed?

Locally, families are not choosing between ancient British boarding schools founded by kings in the 15th and 16th centuries. (One exception: Harrow‘s Long Island branch, opened in 2025.) However, beneath the rankings, reputations, tour notes, and spreadsheets, the process is remarkably similar to what we go through here. You identify strong options, weigh the tradeoffs, and try to present the strongest possible case for admission.

In light of our nation’s 250th anniversary, I’m especially sorry to report that New York private schools are not necessarily free of royal aspirations. Back in 2012, I was quoted in the Daily News about Dalton’s admissions application, which not only included Mr. and Ms., but also Prince, Princess and Baroness.

George would have been in luck. As the future King of England, he has a unique admissions hook. For the rest of us, even if we know someone or give a building, we don’t get waved through the gates with a scepter. That’s why preparation matters. The strongest applicants’ interests, confidence, academic habits, and accomplishments are usually taking shape long before they submit applications.

That’s one reason I like summer. It gives you the chance to think strategically rather than reactively. Whether your child is applying this year or years from now, the best outcomes tend to come from thoughtful planning, not last-minute scrambling.

The good news: the Wales kids will stay across the pond and out of the pool.