Alternative 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

• 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?
• Charter Schools and Vouchers
  Are charter schools private schools? What do vouchers have to do with private schools? Some answers here.
• Private Schools Glossary
  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.
• What's an Independent School?
  A look at the different names and types of private schools.
• Top Roman Catholic Boarding Schools
  These Roman Catholic boarding schools offer good value, great educations and a faith-based community experience.
• What's Being Taught?
  What curricula do private schools follow? Who accredits private schools? What kind of standards prevail? More here.
• What's a private school?
  Is a private school the same as an independent school?
• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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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