For private pilot priviliges (recreational flying) you do the paperwork excercise and a Flight review with an FAA authorized instructor. ME and IR included.
I don't see how doing an entire rating is " the same".
However, I applaud your efforts for getting the rating.
Knowing nothing about your proficiency I would guess, 4-5 days for your training.
Also if the school doesn't bother to reply, take your business elsewhere.
But then again if you need a particular airplane, give them a call.
Flight Instructors and flight school owners are notoriously dyslectic.