What are independent schools?

Independent schools are “independent” because they have distinct missions and are primarily supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue rather than government funding. Independent schools include coeducational and single sex institutions, as well as boarding and day schools. Each school meets high accreditation standards and is held accountable by its Board of Trustees. There are approximately 2,000 independent schools across the United States. As part of the private school community, these schools provide more than 700,000 students from pre-kindergarten through high school with a unique and high-quality education.

Why attend an independent private school?

The reasons cited over and over again by families who send their children to independent schools include individual attention, small classes, teacher excellence, and high academic standards. But the main motive for families looking into independent private schools can be summarized in one word: Quality. They want, quite simply, the best for their sons and daughters.

The National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS), conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, confirms what independent school families have known for years: larger percentages of students in independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools.

Students in independent schools:

• Do twice as much homework as their counterparts
• Watch only two-thirds as much television
• Are significantly more likely to participate in varsity or intramural sports
• Are more likely to agree that students and teachers get along well, discipline is fair, and teaching is good.

With results like these, it is not surprising that independent school enrollments are increasing at double the rate of all other schools in this country.

Why are independent schools successful? Here’s what the research says:

• Close-knit communities
• Individualized attention for students
• Supportive learning environments
• High-quality and committed teachers
• Hands-on learning opportunities
• Educational experiences beyond the classroom

Getting Started

Before visiting your first school, sit down with your family and determine your "ideal" educational community:

• Is it public or private?
• Is it small or large?
• Traditional or progressive?
• Is religious affiliation important to you?
• What special programs (arts, sports, computers) does it offer?
• Is a diverse school community important to you and your family?
• Does your child have special needs or interests?

Remember, this is just a starting point. You can amend the list as you move through the selection process.

Questions To Ask When Narrowing Your Choice

If you haven't done so already, contact each potential school for materials dealing with philosophy, curriculum, extracurricular offerings, admission process, and financing options. Compare each school's literature with the items on your list; this should give you a preliminary sense of which schools are a good match. Take into account what type of environment would be best for your child and consider his or her individual strengths as you examine each school's program. Eliminate any school that doesn't meet a fundamental requirement. Here are some questions to start with as you look through each school's materials:

• Is the school accredited and by whom?
• What is the school's mission and does its philosophy appeal to you?
• Does the school have a special or particular educational focus?
• Are academics rigorous?
• Is the environment competitive? Nurturing? Are there high expectations?
• Does the school meet your child's needs?
• How large is the school and its student body?
• Where is the school located and what are your transportation options?
• What variety of learning experiences are available at the school—in class, on the playing field, in extracurricular activities, and in community service? Are extracurricular activities obligatory?
• Does the school seem to have a diverse student body and faculty?
• Do the school materials discuss parental involvement?
• What is the tuition and how flexible are the school's financing options?
• What is the school's application process? Are deadlines drawing near?

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. Taking the time to examine all of the options available will help you to make the best decision for your child and your family.