Private School Articles

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  • Education News
    Education news from around the country.
  • Private School Jobs
    Teaching in a private school is different from teaching in a public school. Find out more here including information on duties, compensation and where to find jobs.
  • Paying for Private School
    Some people can write a check for a year's tuition and never miss it. The rest of us have to be creative. Here are some options for paying for a private school education.
  • How to Find a Private School Job
    You can send in a resume and use an agency, but the very best way to find a private school job is to use your network. You do have a network, don't you?
  • Do Ranks Matter?
    How do I know how this school compares with the others I am considering? Has anybody ranked private schools?
 

News

News and information pertinent to the world of private K-12 education.

 

Employment

How to find a private school position.

  • Do I Need to be Certified?
    Each state sets its own teacher certification requirements. While many private schools do not require you to be certified, it is in your best interests to obtain certification. This article includes contact information for state education offices so you can begin the process.
  • Private School Employment Dos and Don'ts
    It's a tough job market out there. Observe these Dos and Don'ts to keep yourself ahead of the competition.
  • Private School Jobs
    Teaching in a private school is different from teaching in a public school. Find out more here including information on duties, compensation and where to find jobs.
  • What About Teaching Overseas?
    With the job market looking bleak, teaching is an option many recent college graduates are considering. Teaching overseas has all kinds of attractive features. We look at private school teaching jobs and explain what is involved in finding one, applying and more.

Applying and Interviewing

How to apply for a private school job

Basics

Information about working in private schools

 

Choosing a School

Step by step guides and tips on finding the right school.

  • Choosing an Elementary School
    You would think it would be easier to get your child into an elementary or primary school than into a prep school. But in fact it is almost as complicated.
  • Evaluating and Choosing a Private School
    How should parents evaluate and choose a private school? Read about some helpful tips regarding this important decision.
  • Changing Schools and Moving to New Area
    Find out tips and services for changing schools and moving to new area.
  • Should You Send Your Child to Private Primary or High School?
    If you had to choose when to send your child to private school, would you send her to private school for the primary grades or high school?
  • Open Houses
    You must visit schools on your short list. Open houses are an efficient way to do this. More on organizing this task here.
  • Small Is Good
    Private schools offer individualized attention to their students because their class sizes are generally small.
  • 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.
  • Why Private School?
    Is private school right for your child? Learn about the things you should consider and the unique benefits of a private school education.

Identifying Schools

Make lists of schools which seem to fit your requirements.

  • Choosing A Prep School
    Here's a recap of the steps you need to follow to find the right school for your child. Work through the process in sequence from beginning to end.
  • Boarding or Day School?
    Many parents agonize over sending their child to boarding school or keeping them at home and sending them to day school. A look at the pros and cons here.
  • If We Did Rank Schools...
    Ranking private schools is almost impossible because it is so difficult to gather the data needed to compare statistics. If we did rank schools, this is how to do it.
  • Do Ranks Matter?
    How do I know how this school compares with the others I am considering? Has anybody ranked private schools?
  • When Should You Consider a Therapeutic School?
    It is a heart-stopping moment for any parent when you realize that your child needs much more help than you can give him at home and at his current school. Perhaps a therapeutic school is the answer.
  • Single Sex or Coeducation?
    Sooner or later you ought to consider a single sex school as opposed to a traditional coeducational school. Why? For several reasons.
  • When Should You Consider A Special Needs School?
    Dealing with the reality that your child has a learning difference can be a defining moment for many parents. So much is at stake. Special needs schools offer programs and highly trained faculty.
  • Which School Is The Best For Your Child?
    It depends on your requirements. But in the end only one thing matters most anyway.

Evaluating Schools

Doing your due diligence.

 

Schools

Different kinds of schools, schools in various locations, associations and directories.

  • Reviews: Gossip Girl and NYC Prep
    Two television series about private schools have received a certain amount of buzz recently. Gossip Girl airs on CW. NYC Prep is on Bravo.

About Schools

Associations

National, state and regional association of private schools

  • National Associations
    As you research schools, check the national and state associations. Is the school you are considering a member? If not, why not?
  • Regional Associations
    Some states do not have their own private school associations. Schools band together across state lines forming regional associations. These associations have the same purpose as state associations. More here.
  • State Associations
    Do the schools you are researching belong to state independent school associations? If not, find out why not!

Directories

Guides and web sites with lists of schools

  • Directories
    A list of directories of private and independent schools.
  • Guides To Private Schools
    Do you prefer to peruse a book rather than going online to find private schools? If so, there are some excellent guides to private schools available.

Kinds of Schools

Various kinds of schools

  • Alternative Schools
    Sometimes a regular school is not the right fit for a child. Perhaps she needs an alternative school.
  • Classical Christian Schools
    Classical Christian schools combine strict adherence to Christian beliefs with classical principles of education.
  • Semester Schools
    A semester school allows you to experience new surroundings, new environments, different ways of life and much more.
  • Hockey Schools
    Got an aspiring hockey player in your family? Many American private schools enjoy a great reputation for excellent hockey teams as well as superb academics.
  • Free Schools
    There are but a few free private schools in the United States. Most of them were founded by visionary businessmen who believed that children from working class and poor families should have the same educational advantages as children from families with money.
  • Progressive Schools
    Progressive schools have been around since the early 1900's. Some educators think that progressives are rebels against traditional rote learning. The progressive educators like to think of themselves as reformers. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
  • 5 Clues That It Might Not Really Be Montessori School
    Of the approximately 8,000 Montessori schools in the U.S. only 1,100 schools are members of the American Montessori Society. Does this matter? What else should you look for to determine if a Montessori school is the real thing?
  • International Schools
    Sending your children to an international school might make sense if you plan on being in the U.S. only for a few years.
  • Lab Schools
    What is a lab school? It's a K-12 school or school with some variation of those grades which is operated by a university or college.
  • Military Schools
    Military schools offer structure and discipline as well as a top-notch education.
  • Montessori Schools
    Montessori schools are popular world-wide with parents of children in the primary grades.
  • The Oldest Schools
    The oldest American private school is Collegiate School in Manhattan founded in 1628.
  • Religious Schools
    Religion is important to you. You want your children to be educated in a school where your religion matters.
  • Schools For The Arts
    Schools for the artistically gifted child are in short supply.
  • The PG Year
    A PG or Post Graduate year offers time to mature and time to perfect a sport or other interests.
  • Special Needs Schools
    Do you think your son has a learning disability? Not sure what to do? A special needs school might be the way to go.
  • Waldorf Schools
    Waldorf schools offer a well thought out approach to K-12 education.

Locations

Schools in major cities

  • Boston Area Schools
    The metropolitan Boston area offers a wide range of academic and cultural activities. Just as impressive is the area's selection of private schools.
  • Litchfield County Schools
    Litchfield County, Connecticut, is home to a couple of dozen excellent schools catering to just about every need. The setting about 90 miles north of New York City is convenient to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.
  • Seattle Area Schools
    The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to Microsoft and Boeing.
 

Admissions

We cover every aspect of the admissions process so that you and your child know what to expect.

  • Application Calendar
    Keep track of all aspects of choosing a school as well as the application deadlines.
  • Guidelines for International Students
    In addition to complying with all the admissions requirements, international students must also obtain a student visa.
  • How Do I Apply?
    You can apply online or submit a paper application via snail mail.
  • They Didn't Accept My Child!
    You thought everything was set. The test scores were excellent. She had glowing teacher recommendations. The visit and the interview went well. But the school didn't accept your child. What do you do now?
  • Waitlisted? What Next?
    Being waitlisted is not the end of the world. More here.
  • The Scramble For Places In Primary Schools
    It is almost as tough getting your child into a good Manhattan or Bay area primary school as it is getting them into an Ivy League university.
  • What If I Miss The Deadlines?
    Finding a school which will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done.

School Visits

After exploring schools on the web, you need to explore the ones which you are considering applying to in person.

  • 5 Common Admissions Interview Mistakes
    When you meet with the admissions staff, create a favorable impression by avoiding these five common mistakes.
  • Your Admissions Profile
    The admissions process can seem confusing, even intimidating. In reality all the admissions staff want to do is to get to know you.
  • The Interview
    Part of the admissions requirements of almost every private school is the interview. While it sounds as though this is a one sided exercise, you should be interviewing the admissions personnel as well.
  • The Visit
    Visiting the schools on your short list is very important. You need to inspect the campus yourself.
  • What If You Cannot Visit The School?
    Distance and finances may preclude your actually visiting schools. But you have some other options.

Test Preparation

Standardized admissions tests require thorough preparation and practice. You will find test prep texts and other materials here.

  • Admissions Test Preparation: 2 Approaches
    Admissions tests are supposed to measure accomplishments. But what if your child has serious problems in math or English? What do you do then?
  • COOP, HSPT and TACHS
    You will encounter COOP, HSPT and TACHS if you are applying to some Roman Catholic high schools.
  • Do My SSAT or ISEE Scores Really Matter?
    SSAT and ISEE scores are one part of the total picture which most private school admissions staff review.
  • SSAT and ISSE
    Most private schools use standardized tests as part of their admissions process. The SSAT and ISEE are the common tests you will encounter at independent schools.
  • How To Read The Test Scores
    SSAT test scores can be mysterious to most parents. What do they mean? How does the admissions staff use them?
  • Preparing for Admissions Tests
    Don't leave admissions test preparation to the last minute. Adequate test preparation will give you the confidence to take the test and do as well as you can.
  • The Writing Sample
    At some point in the admissions' process, you are going to have to write an essay otherwise known as The Writing Sample.

Applications

The applications process consists of several parts.

 

Paying For It

Guidance on paying for a private school education.

 

School Life

What is life like in a private school? Find out about programs and activities. Read books and watch DVD's about private schools.

  • Graduation Gifts
    Graduation is always a warm, happy occasion. Mark this important milestone with a memorable gift. Here are some suggestions.

About Schools

  • Athletics Are Not Optional
    Athletic programs are an integral part of private school life. They are not optional as they often are in public schools.
  • Books About Private School
    What's private school really like? Find out from people who have been there.
  • Computers in Private School
    Some schools require you to purchase a laptop as part of their book fee. Others let you bring your own computer.
  • DVDs About Private Schools
    While it is not a long list, movies set in private schools include several classics such as the Harry Potter series and Dead Poets Society.
  • Books for Educators and Parents
    These titles have been recommended by other educators. Add these to your vacation reading. Enjoy.
  • School Year Abroad
    Several private schools offer a whole academic year abroad. Still others offer a summer abroad.

Issues

Diversity, harrassment, cellphones and other important issues commonly found in private schools

  • Codes of Conduct
    Discipline in private schools generally begins with a code of conduct.
  • 5 Things You Must Not Do With Personal Technology
    Young people take personal technology devices for granted. We parents and teachers must make them aware of how such devices are used in the real world.
  • How Diverse Are Private Schools?
    Decades ago private schools could have been accused of being elitist. You had to have money to attend. The student populations were fairly homogeneous. Fortunately that has changed.
  • My Child Has Been Expelled For Smoking Pot!
    If your child is caught smoking pot or drinking on her private school campus, the consequences will be severe.
  • Preventing Teen Suicide
    Teen suicide is the 3rd largest killer of young adults between the ages of 15-24. It can be prevented.
  • Uniforms and Dress Codes
    School uniforms are largely found at religious, parochial and military schools. Dress codes have replaced uniforms at most schools.
 

Running a School

  • Hiring A Headmaster
    Hiring a headmaster is one of a board of trustee's most important jobs. Here's how one search firm handles the hiring process.
  • Keeping In Touch With Your Graduates
    Keeping in touch with your graduates is not easy these days. You must communicate via snail mail, web portals and social networks.
  • Safe Schools
    A safe school does not happen. A safe school is the result of a concerted effort on the part of your school community to have a safe school.
  • Starting A School
    Douglas Halladay is experienced in starting schools. He offers tips and advice for those of you thinking about starting a private school.
  • State Regulation of Private Schools
    State Regulation of Private Schools provides a brief description, by state, of the legal requirements that apply to private schools.

Administrative

Issues relating to your back office

  • Are Employees Stealing From You?
    Part of a trustee's job is to ensure that sound business practices are in place. Employee fraud occurs all the time. Here's how to prevent it.
  • Does Your School Avoid Politics?
    Does your school avoid politics? You might want to make sure it does if you are set up as a non-profit corporation.
  • For Profit vs Not for Profit Schools
    What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of a for profit versus a not for profit school? Is one kind of school better than the other?
  • Developing A Strategic Plan
    Developing a strategic plan is an exercise your school will probably undergo once a decade or so. Read what an expert has to say on the subject.
  • School Strategic Planning - How To Ensure Success
    Strategic planning is a disciplined effort to produce fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, what it does, and why it does it, with a focus on the future.

Technology

Issues relating to technology in your school

  • Technology Products for Schools
    Your community expects the best technology to be in place in your classrooms. Take advantage of the fast moving market which is always coming out with new products at ever lower prices.
 

Teaching

  • Cellphones In School
    Cellphones are leading the wave of the future. Convergence is here. It is changing the way students learn and how teachers teach.
  • Are You a 21st Century Teacher?
    21st century schools need 21st century teachers. Are you a 21st century teacher?
  • Froebel, Montessori and Steiner: Champions of Children
    Friedrich Froebel, Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner were trail blazers in early education.
  • Don't Leave Any Evidence!
    Future and current employers can find out all sorts of things about you these days. Make sure that you don't leave behind any damning electronic evidence.
  • Gay Teachers
    Several prep schools have pushed the envelope of diversity by allowing committed same sex couples to live on campus in school housing.
  • Interactive Learning the Harkness Way
    Students sitting in rows of desks listening to a teacher lecture? You are not likely to find this scenario in a school which uses Harkness Tables.
  • What's In A Grade?
    The letter grade at one school may or may not be the same as the letter grade scheme at another school. Some answers to the inconsistencies here.
  • A Teacher's Influence
    Never underestimate the influence you have on your students. You may not think that you are getting through, but you are! This little bit of fiction shows the influence teachers had on some famous people.

Humor

Teacher Training

  • Becoming A Teacher Later
    Many people have successful careers only to realize that something is missing. Teaching can satisfy that missing 'something'. Explore the possibilities of becoming a teacher in your 30's, 40's and even your 50's.
  • How Do You Become a Private School Teacher?
    How do you become a private school teacher? We look at internships, licensing and more.
  • The Pros and Cons of Teaching Overseas
    Hundreds of private schools (and for that matter, public schools) outside the United States will be happy to have you as a teacher for a few years.
  • What Is Praxis?
    Praxis is part of the teacher licensing process many states require.
 

Facts

Data to help you research schools.

  • Summer Sessions
    Summer sessions offer a chance to experience a private school in a relaxed, less stressful environment. More here.
  • What Overseas Parents Need To Know
    If you live outside the United States, choosing an American private school can be a confusing process.
  • Top Ten Myths About Private Schools
    There are a lot of misconceptions about private schools. This is probably because private schools are indeed private.
 

FAQ's

Commonly asked questions about schools.

  • What is AP?
    AP is short for the Advanced Placement Program offered by the College Board. More here.
  • What Is IB?
    What is IB? IB or International Baccalaureate is a curriculum offered by the International Baccalaureate organization based in Switzerland.
  • Do You Know....?
    If you know the answers to all these questions, you probably teach or work in a private school. Be that as it may, these questions contain links with the answers.

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