The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to Orthodox

Private School 101: A Chill Guide to Surviving and Thriving

You and I both know that your kid is not going to read this article unless you send her the link. So, please do that after you have those initial conversations about going to private school. Of course, it's an easier conversation to have if her older siblings have gone to the same school she's going to. But still, don't assume anything. Be proactive in addressing her concerns. After all, you want her to be happy.

I understand that more than you know because my four children all attended private schools. We took great care to make going to private school their idea. That produced lots of anticipation, enthusiasm, and eventually appreciation for our support of a great educational opportunity.

Student: Hey, I'm heading to private school soon. Any tips on how to survive?

School: Yo, congrats on the new adventure! Here's the lowdown on thriving in private school.

Dive In and Get Involved

Student: What's the deal with all the activities?

School: Dude, it's like an all-you-can-eat buffet of opportunities! We've got three main plates:

• Academics (obviously)
• Sports
• Extracurriculars

The cool part? You gotta try 'em all. It's not just about hitting the books. Jump into a new sport or club you've never tried before. Trust me, you won't be the only newbie, and you'll have a blast. But don't take my word. Check us out on social media. YT has tons of videos. And we're on TikTok

Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know

Most private schools have Codes of Discipline that will not tolerate substance abuse. Smoking pot or drinking alcohol are common examples of substance abuse. I am bringing this up because many parents think that they can appeal disciplinary action a school brings against students. The problem is that students attending a private school are covered by what is known as contract law. In a public school they would have rights. That is not the case in a private school. Students' rights are clearly spelled out in the contract parents and the school sign.

Here, then, are some common questions parents have about private school discipline and how infractions of the school's discipline code are usually handled.

Parent: My child has been expelled for smoking pot at their private school. I'm shocked and don't understand why the consequences are so severe. Can you explain?

School: We understand this is a difficult situation. Private schools have strict policies regarding substance abuse, including marijuana use. When students break these rules, they face immediate consequences, often including expulsion. This is because private schools operate under contract law, which allows them to take action in disciplinary matters compared to what can happen in public schools.

Basically, it means that if you go to a private school, you are not covered by the same laws as you were when you attended public school. Private schools are covered by something called contract law. It

Why Do You Need A Guide for International Students?

So, you're thinking about shipping your kid off to an American private school? And all you have to do is apply and write a check? Well, buckle up, because we're about to take a wild ride through the world of admissions, student visas, and yes, even the dreaded TOEFL. Don't worry, though – I've got your back. Oh, sometimes I will refer to you as the parent; other times you will be the student. It'll be easy to figure out. Let's dive in, shall we?

The Lay of the Land

First things first: American private schools are a whole different ballgame. We're talking day schools, boarding schools, and everything in between. These places are like mini-United Nations, with international students making up about 15% of the population in private schools. Pretty cool, right? Now, if you have just started looking at American private schools, most international students will want to attend a boarding school. There are about 400 of those, so you'll have lots of choices. After you read this blog, have a look at the schools we have listed for you over on our sister site, Boarding School Review. If you have family in the town with a day school you like, then you're all set. Your child can live at home and attend school just like a local. The big hurdle with this approach is making sure the school you want

Introducing Three Early Childhood Education Approaches

As parents of 1- and 2-year-olds, you embark on an exciting early childhood education journey. This guide will explore three popular and innovative approaches: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. Each method offers a unique perspective on young children's learning and development, emphasizing child-centered, experiential learning. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to choose an educational path that aligns with your family's values and your child's needs. All three approaches offer advantages you probably won't find elsewhere. Indeed, you will find that other early childhood education approaches have adopted bits and pieces of these. But if you want the real thing, explore Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf before committing.

Disclaimer: my eldest daughter attended a Waldorf school. All these years later, I remember how happy she was in an environment where she could explore to her heart's content. Music, math, language arts - all the subjects were interwoven in the most satisfying way for her young inquisitive mind.

So, whether you're considering preschool options or want to incorporate these philosophies into your home life, this guide will provide valuable insights into nurturing your toddler's growth and development.

Chapter 1: The Montessori Method
The Montessori approach, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, focuses on fostering independence, self-directed learning, and respect for a child's natural development.

Widespread Adoption
There are over 8,000 Montessori schools in the U.S., making it a widely available option for parents. Most belong to