FAQs

As a parent, you have an opportunity to choose a school with a mission—a school’s philosophy, values, and approach to teaching—that is right for your child, resulting in an education that will pay dividends for a lifetime. The following information is designed to provide you with an overview of independent schools and to help you make the right investment in your child’s future.

A recent U.S. Department of Education study shows that private schools are on the right track by placing such a strong emphasis on small school and class size. The report, The Condition of
Education 2002, suggests that small and intermediate-sized schools and relatively small classes have advantages, often leading to higher achievement for students.  The report finds that teachers can better communicate consistent goals to their students and collaborate more effectively on raising student achievement in small learning environments commonly found in private schools.

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.  Independent schools are “independent” because they have distinct missions and are primarily supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue.  Independent schools include coeducational and singlesex institutions, as well as boarding and day schools.  Each school meets high accreditation standards and is held accountable by its Board of Trustees.

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
• Actively engaged parents
  

• Search for a school that is a good “fit” for your child.
• Read informational materials such as school literature and independent school guidebooks.
• Browse individual school websites.
• Visit a range of schools.
• Talk with admissions representatives, faculty, and students.
• Take a school tour.
• Accompany your child to a school sporting event, school play, or science fair to experience co-curricular options.
• Ask questions:
  Are there high-quality and committed teachers?
  What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
  Do students feel challenged by their school?
  Are there strong partnerships among parents, teachers, and students?
  Does the school have a climate that supports achievement?
  What is the tuition?
  What student financial aid is available?
  How does the school measure quality and meet high standards?

• Among private schools, 80 percent had enrollments of fewer than 300 students.
• Teachers at private schools report having significant influence on teaching practices and school policies.
• Teachers at private schools report being satisfied with teaching at their school.
• A majority of teachers at private schools express positive opinions about their school head and their school’s leadership.
• Private school students generally perform higher than their public school counterparts on standardized achievement tests.
• Private high schools typically have more demanding graduation requirements than do public high schools.