Traditional Private Schools

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

Choosing the right educational path for your child is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. I have compiled this guide to help you navigate the complex, often confusing, world of private school education. I want you to understand why it might be the right choice for your family. I'll show you how to weigh the pros and cons of boarding schools versus day schools. Then, we'll identify the key factors that should influence your decision. Drawing from my years of experience in the private education sector, we'll explore real-world scenarios, expert insights, and practical advice to empower you in making this crucial choice.

Whether you're just beginning to consider private school or are deep into the selection process, this booklet will provide you with the tools and knowledge to make an informed decision that aligns with your family's values and your child's needs and requirements.

Chapter 1
7 Reasons Why Private School May Be The Right Choice
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. Many of us who choose private schools share common goals: we want our children to think critically, analyze information, and read widely. My late wife and I, for instance, wanted to stretch our girls academically, which led us to private school. Our backgrounds - her passion for literature and languages and my career in church music - shaped our educational priorities. Likewise, your own personal experiences

Your baby is not even a year old, but already you're thinking about preschool. Should you send her to preschool or wait until kindergarten? Will she be OK in your local public school, or would the private preschool your friends and family keep mentioning be a better option? I've been there. Done that. Both of my daughters attended private preschools, mainly because back in the 70s, there was no public preschool option, at least that I can remember. Furthermore, I was blessed with a supportive mother-in-law who paid for her granddaughters' preschool. So, with that in mind, here are my suggestions to help you choose preschools that suit your needs and requirements best.

Which Early Education Approach?

Choosing the right early childhood education approach for your child is a significant decision that can shape her developmental journey. With various fine educational philosophies available, parents often face a confusing array of options. This article aims to demystify three popular early childhood education approaches: Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia. By understanding the core principles, benefits, and potential challenges of each, you can make an informed decision tailored to your child's unique needs.

The Montessori Method: Fostering Independence and Self-Discipline

The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) in the early 20th century, emphasizes independence, self-discipline, and hands-on learning. In a Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace, guided by specially designed materials that promote sensory-based learning.

Key Principles and Practices

Child-Centered Learning

What's involved in choosing a private school for your child? Which school is the best one? Can I get financial aid? How do I apply? I've got some answers for you. And they're based on my experience as a parent. My daughters attended private elementary schools, and those were great experiences. So, when it came to choosing a private high school, I thought I knew everything. Was I ever wrong! That's why I wrote this article. I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did. So, here is my 10-step guide to choosing a private school. When you want to drill down for more detailed answers, click the links I have included with each step.

1. Identify Your Child's Needs and Family Requirements

When choosing a private school, the first focus must be understanding your child’s unique needs and your family’s requirements. Begin by assessing your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses to pinpoint what educational environment best supports their learning style. Consider your family’s values and educational philosophy, as these will guide you in selecting a school that aligns with your principles.

Next, determine whether you are looking for a day or boarding school, which can significantly affect your child’s development and family dynamics. Additionally, evaluate the need for special programs, such as those for gifted students or students with learning differences, to ensure the school can provide the necessary support.

Finally, define your

As a Young Person

I remember being intimidated by the private schools in my hometown of Montreal. I only became aware that there was such a thing as a private school in fifth or sixth grade when a couple of my classmates took the entrance examinations at Lower Canada College and Selwyn House School. I don't recall much discussion at home about the schools except that the academic work was hard and that my parents couldn't afford to send me to a private school. Then, in high school, we got a couple of new classmates who had previously attended a boarding school in the Eastern Townships. These lads struck me as snobbish, arrogant, rich, undisciplined, and not serious about learning. So, I understood why they had been asked not to return after a year at their school. That was the first time I knew private schools strive to be genuine learning institutions.

As a Parent

I had a different impression of private schools when we began thinking about preschools and elementary schools for our daughters. My late wife had attended private schools in Manhattan, so sending our kids to private schools made sense. Both girls attended preschools operated by the churches we attended. My eldest daughter then attended the local Waldorf school for the elementary grades. Again, we had positive experiences at all three of these schools. A few years later, we moved to Litchfield County, Connecticut. It's beautiful country, but not many people live there.