What's an Independent School?

About Private Schools

Learn about the benefits of private schools and how they work.

• 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.
• Private and Public Schools Compared
  This table sets out the basic characteristics of private and public schools so that you can compare them.
• The Rumors About Private School are True
  What is private school really like? Is there any truth to the rumors you keep hearing? Let's find out.
• You Won't Find....
  You won't find several things in private schools which you will find in public schools.
• A Timeline of Private School Events and History
  What was the first private school? What's the oldest school? What are some of the educational philosophies commonly found? Some answers here.
• Why Do Private Schools Not Have To Teach To The Test?
  Private schools don't have to teach to the test because they do not accept public funds.
• What's Happened to Catholic Education?
  Schools are closing. Student populations declining. Why? Here are some answers.
• Why You Won't Find Cheating in Private Schools
  Strict codes of conduct are one reason why cheating in private schools is not a major issue. Not teaching to the test is another.
• What's a Private School?
  Is a private school the same thing as an independent school?
• 10 Misconceptions About Private Schools
  There are a lot of misconceptions about private schools. This is probably because private schools are indeed private.
• 5 Things Not To Like About Private School
  What are the five things critics like the least about private schools? Start with the fact that everybody who goes to private school is rich. Or are they?
• 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.
• Being an Expat and Educating Your Children Abroad
  If you have the chance to move overseas, don't worry about educating your children. You have several options.
• Which School Do Malia and Sasha Obama Attend?
  Many famous children have attended private schools. Here is a sampling of schools and the famous folk who graced their hallowed halls.
• Reviews: Gossip Girl and NYC Prep
  Two television series about private schools received a certain amount of buzz. Gossip Girl aired on CW. NYC Prep was on Bravo.
• Books About Private School
  What's private school really like? Find out from people who have been there.
• What's Being Taught?
  What curricula do private schools follow? Who accredits private schools? What kind of standards prevail? More here.
• 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.
• Is Your Grandchild Going Away to Private School?
  There are several ways in which you can stay connected with your beloved grandchild.
• 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.
• What's an Independent School?
  A look at the different names and types of private schools.
• Books for Educators and Parents
  These titles have been recommended by other educators. Add these to your vacation reading. Enjoy.
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• Kinds of Schools (23)
• Top Roman Catholic Boarding Schools
  These Roman Catholic boarding schools offer good value, great educations and a faith-based community experience.
• 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?
• Waldorf Schools
  Waldorf schools offer a well thought out approach to K-12 education.
• Teaching Boys
  Why teach boys in a single sex setting? The answer to this question and several others here.
• Schools for Gifted Children
  Teaching gifted children requires deft handling. These children need intellectual and sensory stimulation. But they also need guidance and careful nurturing so that they grow up handling their special gifts and themselves appropriately.
• You Know You Are in a Montessori School When....
  Montessori classrooms are different from the classrooms in conventional schools. Here's what to look for.
• 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.
• 5 Facts About Progressive Schools
  Progressive schools are different from traditional schools. These five facts highlight some of those differences.
• Why Waldorf?
  Vicki Larson provides detailed answers to my questions about Waldorf schools.
• The Oldest Schools
  The oldest American private school is Collegiate School in Manhattan founded in 1628.
• 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.
• 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.
• Military Schools
  Military schools offer structure and discipline as well as a top-notch education.
• 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.
• You Know You Are in a Progressive School When...
  In many ways progressive schools epitomize the uniqueness of the genre of K-12 education known as private or independent schools.
• Semester Schools
  A semester school allows you to experience new surroundings, new environments, different ways of life and much more.
• Religious Schools
  Religion is important to you. You want your children to be educated in a school where your religion matters.
• Montessori Schools
  Montessori schools are popular world-wide with parents of children in the primary grades.
• 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.
• Alternative Schools
  Sometimes a regular school is not the right fit for a child. Perhaps she needs an alternative school.
• Schools with Non-traditional Approaches
  Categorizing schools is not a neat process. But there are several educational approaches and philosophies offer some alternatives to traditional schools. Here are some pros and cons about alternative schools.
• Schools For The Arts
  Schools for the artistically gifted child are in short supply.
• Classical Christian Schools
  Classical Christian schools combine strict adherence to Christian beliefs with classical principles of education.
• School Life (5)
• Extracurricular Activities and Why They Are so Important
  Extracurricular activities are not an extra in a private school. They are an integral part of the program each school offers.
• 5 Things Every Parent Should Do
  Every private school parent is encouraged to help the school in whatever way he can. Here are some things you can do to make a contribution to your school.
• 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.
• The Private School Survival Guide for Parents
  It's a big step sending your darling off to private school. She will probably survive the transition just fine. But how about you?
• Private Schools Jargon and Terms
  Private schools have their own jargon just like any activity or affinity group has. Here are some of the more common terms you are likely to encounter as you explore private schools.
• Directories (8)
• Seattle Area Schools
  The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to major companies such as Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks.
• 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.
• Directories
  A list of directories of private and independent 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.
• 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.
• State Associations
  Do the schools you are researching belong to state independent school associations? If not, find out why not!
• 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.

• Top Roman Catholic Boarding Schools
  These Roman Catholic boarding schools offer good value, great educations and a faith-based community experience.
• Comparison of Montessori, Waldorf & Reggio Emilia
  A table comparison of the three popular early childhood education approaches.
• Seattle Area Schools
  The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to major companies such as Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks.
• 5 Facts About Montessori Schools
  Here are five facts about Montessori schools to bear in mind when exploring preschools and primary schools for your child.
• Private School May Be Free If You Make Less Than $75,000
  Harvard, Yale and Dartmouth set the pace. Now several top private schools are offering free or greatly reduced tuition for children from families making less than $75,000.
• More articles: Choosing a Private School, Elementary Issues, High School Issues, Jobs in Private Schools, Running a Private School