Traditional Private Schools

This section focuses on the core attributes of conventional private schools, highlighting their unique features, educational approaches, and the benefits they offer compared to public education. It provides an in-depth look at what defines a private school and why families might choose this option.

View the most popular articles in Traditional Private Schools:

The Value of a Private School Education

Updated
|
The Value of a Private School Education
Why pay $30,000, $40,000 or more for something which public education gives you for free? Here are five reasons why you would do so.

A private school education is not cheap. It is a substantial financial sacrifice for many families. So why do parents willingly pay $30,000, $40,000 or more for something which public education provides free? Here are five reasons why you would do so.

1. Public education is not free.

We often forget that public schools are not free. You and I pay for public schools directly and indirectly through our property and other taxes. Public school facilities and properties are not taxable. As a result, they reduce the tax rolls of the municipality in which they are located. Attend a budget hearing for your local school district. Examine the financial statements. Then you will understand how and where your tax dollars are spent.

What kind of education are your public schools providing? Do the public schools offer the depth and breadth of academic programs you want and need for your child? What about sports programs and extracurricular activities? Have these been cut or substantially reduced because of budget cuts? Peter Green spells out what budget cuts can do to an arts program in his article What We Lose When We Cut Fine Arts Education. It is pretty much the same story with any program which is deemed an extra in public education.

Private education is an investment in your child's future. You educate your child privately because you want something better for your child. Private schools do not cut sports, arts and extracurricular funding as a rule.

. . .read more

State Associations

Updated
|
State Associations
Do the schools you are researching belong to state independent school associations? If not, find out why not!

Most private schools belong to state associations. Besides the 'strength in numbers' which benefits them in state and local issues, schools learn from each other through seminars, workshops and conferences. State associations often provide listings of open houses and employment opportunities. Find out whether the schools in which you are interested belong.

What's a Private School?

Updated
|
What's a Private School?
Private K-12 schools are non-public schools. In other words, they are not part of the public K-12 education system. A brief history of K-12 education in the 17th and 18th centuries and more.

Private K-12 schools are non-public schools. In other words, they are not part of the public K-12 education system. While private schools are regulated in the same way most businesses are with respect to safety, zoning and registration, they are not required to do many of the things public schools must do such as state testing and accepting any student who applies.

First, let's take a quick look at the history of K-12 education in the United States of America. What were the first colonists were up against as far as education was concerned? The challenges were enormous simply because there was nothing here. Native Americans did not have school buildings. They educated their offspring in their natural surroundings. The colonists, on the other hand, had left a country with an organized educational system. For example, King's School, Canterbury, opened its doors in 597. In the Middle Ages, the kings and queens of England established schools and universities to educate young men. In most cases, these educational establishments were founded to educate and train clergy, judges, and other public officials. Edward VI set up free grammar schools which were open to all, regardless of religious beliefs or ability to pay. Many of the great cathedrals and abbeys had choir schools where they provided for the education of boys.

Leaving a country with a long history of education, the earliest settlers in America arrived here in the early part of the 17th century and very quickly and resolutely set

. . .read more

What's an Independent School?

Updated
|
What's an Independent School?
Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the tapestry of private schools, providing a comprehensive overview of the different names, types, and educational philosophies that define them. Whether you are a parent seeking the perfect fit for your child's educational journey or simply curious about the diverse educational landscape, this article is your gateway to understanding the multitude of private school options available.

Private schools come in a remarkable variety of names and types, each offering a unique educational approach and philosophy. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the fascinating world of private schools, shedding light on the diverse range of institutions available to families seeking alternative educational options.

From elite prep schools to Montessori academies, religious-affiliated institutions to progressive learning centers, the landscape of private schools is rich and diverse. We examine the various names and labels associated with these educational establishments, uncovering the meanings behind them and the educational philosophies they represent.

Discover the distinctive characteristics of different private school types, such as independent schools, boarding schools, single-sex schools, and alternative schools. Gain insights into their educational methodologies, curriculum choices, and core values. Whether you are interested in a traditional academic focus, a specialized arts program, or an emphasis on experiential learning, this article will help you navigate the vast array of options available.

Furthermore, we explore the benefits and considerations associated with each type of private school, allowing parents to make informed decisions based on their child's unique needs, interests, and learning styles. We highlight the advantages of smaller class sizes, personalized attention from dedicated faculty, and the availability of extracurricular activities that foster holistic development.

The definition of an independent school.

Collins Dictionary defines an independent school as "a private school, not open to or controlled by the public, especially one that is nonreligious and supported mainly by tuition and private funds." An independent

. . .read more

What Overseas Parents Need To Know

Updated
|
What Overseas Parents Need To Know
If you live outside the United States, choosing an American private school can be a confusing process. Here is an overview of the process.

If you live abroad and are thinking about sending your child to an American private school, you need to be aware of several things about American schools. If you are being transferred to the United States by your employer, your move will entail help finding and paying for private schools for your school-age children. Let's explore five characteristics of American private schools you need to know.

1. The U.S. has many private schools.

First of all, like everything else in the U.S., the number of private K-12 schools in the United States is overwhelming. There are over 29,000 private schools. See Private Schools: A Brief Portrait for an overview of the private school scene. Private schools educate approximately 10% of K-12 students.

This video gives you an idea of why Cabrini High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, is much loved by its students. Children attend American private schools by choice, not because they have to.

In North America, “public” refers to a school that receives funding from a government entity. The federal, state, and/or local authorities support our public schools with tax dollars. Generally, public schools are largely funded by property taxes at the local municipal level. Private schools, on the other hand, are generally supported almost exclusively by their own resources. These include tuition fees, fund-raising campaigns, and endowments. Private schools do not, as a rule, accept any form of state funding. To do so would jeopardize their independence. Another difference in nomenclature is

. . .read more

Recent Articles

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.
A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
Use this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.