What's Being Taught?

Published January 05, 2008
American private high schools generally prepare their graduates for college level academic studies. Because they are private or independent, as opposed to state schools, they can set their own curricula and the qualifications of their faculty. Consequently you will find a wide range of standards and achievement within the private school community. Fortunately for parents and other interested parties, most schools are very proud of where their graduates have been accepted. If a list is not available in the school's catalog or on its Web site, ask the admissions staff for a list of universities and colleges where their last class was accepted.
 
Accreditation
Find out if a school has been accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting body. This is usually a solid indication that a school meets certain minimum standards as the accreditation process is rigorous and covers all aspects of the school’s operations, not just academics. Accreditation must be renewed, typically every five years.
The five accrediting organizations are:
 
Advanced Placement Courses and the International Baccalaureate
Schools which are serious about preparing their students for college level work will offer AP or Advanced Placement courses or participate in the IB or International Baccalaureate program. Schools which offer either of these programs must have highly qualified, well-trained and experienced faculty to achieve good results. When you evaluate a school review the number of faculty who hold advanced degrees in their subject. Don’t be fooled by advanced degrees. If the degree is for something other than the subject being taught, it is not relevant. For example, a French teacher with a masters in instructional technology does not have as impressive credentials as a French teacher with a masters in French language and literature from Harvard.
 
Schools which offer AP and IB coursework have invested heavily in their physical plant. Classrooms are generally well-equipped with state of the art educational technology including high speed Internet access. Science laboratories, arts facilities and libraries often rival those found at many colleges and universities. Because parents have made such a serious financial commitment in choosing a private school education for their children, they demand and expect only the best. Generally they get it in the American private school market.

 

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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.

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