Private
schools give you a choice.
Each independent
school is unique. Founded by individuals pursuing a vision of superior
education, the aims, philosophies, and campus reflects the vision of the
founders.
Some schools
offer a structured, traditional approach. Others feature open classrooms
and multi-age groups. Some schools are academically demanding, while
others are geared toward the arts.
Grade
configurations are just as varied. You may want your child at the same
school from preschool through high school. Or you may want a small,
nurturing elementary school for your child's early teen years and a
large competitive high school for college preparation.
The choice is
yours.
Look
beyond the facilities.
When you are
looking at a school, realize that superior education can occur in
unpretentious surroundings. It is the programs, teachers, services, and
school leadership that creates an outstanding educational experience for
your child.
Peer pressure works for education.
Bound by common
aspirations, students find an environment where peer pressure works
toward education. It is just as important to have an atmosphere where
academic achievement is valued and doesn't conflict with social
acceptance.
And while intellectual curiosity can't be taught, it can be caught. Your
child's interests can be encouraged and rewarded in order to lay the
foundation for a lifetime of achievement.
Your child
can accelerate.
Private school
teachers are expected to tailor their teaching to each student, not to
the lowest level of the class. This allows your child to progress faster
in areas of strength and receive the extra attention needed to master
subjects that are difficult for him or her.
When your child
needs help, it is there - often one-on-one. When your child succeeds,
there is personal recognition of his or her accomplishment which
reinforces that winning attitude.
It is from these seeds that self-esteem blooms.
Your child won't be lost in the crowd.
Most private
schools are small as are class sizes. Teachers are familiar with every
one of their students on an individual basis in both the classroom and
in the various extracurricular activities. Seeing your child in various
environments and activities gives teachers insight that enhances the
whole learning experience.
Another important outgrowth of the close teacher-student relationship is
trust. Students feel free to discuss ideas and challenges with their
teachers. In a private school, every teacher is an advisor.
With the guidance of faculty and staff your child can safely explore
ideas and feelings without losing individuality.
Your child
is encouraged to participate.
Such diverse experiences help your child build not only self-confidence,
but self-knowledge. When the time comes to choose a college, your son or
daughter will have a full bank of experiences on which to base
decisions.
Your child
is in a disciplined environment.
Self-discipline, responsibility, and self-motivation are among the
benefits of an environment that is both nurturing and structured.
Private schools
are able to provide a disciplined environment because they have the
freedom to set admittance requirements and enforce standards of conduct.
Your child
can develop sound values.
Private schools are free to set moral and ethical criteria and apply
them to daily life.
These standards may be visible in the form of a dress code or in the
insistence of good manners. They may be seen in the respect children
show each other, in the honest way they deal with daily challenges, and
in the careful way they treat property. What is important is that the
school provides a framework of values upon which your child can develop
character and a wholesome attitude.
Private school teachers are committed.
Private schools attract teachers with initiative. Teachers who thrive in
an environment where they can make a difference and where their input on
a curriculum is important. The time they spend with each student is
valued. They are usually highly committed to the school's vision.
Teachers are selected based on their knowledge of a subject and their
ability to teach it rather than simply for the kind of degree they
possess.
Private schools are accountable.
Private schools are directly accountable to the families they serve.
Parents select a school and keep their children in that school on the
basis of results: the solid academic preparation and personal growth
they see in their children.
Performance is the key element that builds and maintains a private
school's reputation in the community.
Private schools are responsive.
Part of
accountability is being responsive to the changing needs of students and
changing requirements of the real world. Simple administrative
structures allow private schools to respond and act quickly.
Private schools respond to your needs as a parent while providing a
service to enhance both you and your child's life. When choosing a
private school, look for the services that are appropriate for your
family's needs and circumstances.
Your
participation is important.
Private schools welcome parent involvement. Your participation
in the social life of the school helps the school community advance.
You are
invited to visit.
The selection of
a private school should not be made lightly. Study your options. Tour
the campus, observe classrooms, and speak to administrators, teachers,
and current parents.
You will then be in a position to choose the school that best reflects
your values and meets the needs of your child.
In private
schools, the choice is yours.
