Choosing a Private School

This section will provide expert advice, valuable tools, and relevant resources to aid in the decision making process. Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a private school, what to expect at an open house, and how an educational consultant can help.

View the most popular articles in Choosing a Private School:

Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools

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Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
We explore the key elements contributing to the success of leading private schools, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, a rich legacy, and a focus on comprehensive learning experiences.

Now and then, the question that occurs to me, as it should to you, is precisely why I think a particular school is one of the best.

  • I have to conclude that the best schools have all of the following characteristics. What's more, they have them in abundance.
  • Now, before you start thinking that I am only talking about older established schools, that ain't necessarily so.
  • I am aware of a couple of newer schools that fit neatly into the category of best schools simply because they have all of the characteristics explained below.

So let's look at what I think are the traits of the best schools:

  • Great Leadership
  • Solid financial backing by their graduates
  • Stellar faculty
  • Extensive academics
  • Extensive extracurricular activities
  • Superb facilities
  • Graduates accomplishing great things

Great leadership

The best schools have strong, dynamic, dedicated leaders.

  • They are led by women and men who envision their goals and have the experience to execute their plans to achieve that vision.
  • The head of the best school is a superb fundraiser, capable administrator, and leader by example.
  • She expects the best from everybody in her school community.

I know of several schools which could have been great. But they never made it because their fractious board of trustees kept getting in the way of progress.

  • Change is never easy. But it seems that boards often have a rather difficult time with change.
  • That always surprises me because most board members come from business backgrounds.
  • You would think they would understand
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All About JROTC

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All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3813058/flight-academy/

All About JROTC

How did JROTC get its start?

The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program has its roots in the National Defense Act of 1916.

  • The NDA of 1916 authorized military training in secondary schools.
  • Initially known as the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), the program aimed to prepare young Americans for military service while still in high school.
  • Following World War I, the ROTC underwent significant expansion. In 1919, the first high school unit was established at Manual High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • Over time, the program evolved to include junior-level training, leading to the establishment of the JROTC in 1964.

JROTC's primary purpose is to instill in students the values of citizenship, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.

  • While military training remains a core component, the program also emphasizes leadership development, character education, and physical fitness.
  • Today, JROTC has units in over 1,700 high schools across the United States and its territories.
  • These units are sponsored by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps and operate under the guidance of active-duty or retired military instructors.

Participation in JROTC is voluntary, and students who complete the program are not obligated to join the military.

  • However, they may benefit if they enlist or pursue a commission.
  • Overall, the JROTC program plays a vital role in shaping the lives of young Americans, providing them with valuable skills, leadership training,
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Exploring Reasons for Choosing Religious Schools for Children

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Exploring Reasons for Choosing Religious Schools for Children
This article delves into the reasons why parents choose religious schools for their children. It provides insights into the educational philosophies of Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Seventh Day Adventist, Muslim, Jewish, Quaker, and Christian schools. By exploring the unique offerings of each religious affiliation, parents can gain a better understanding of how these schools align with their values and aspirations for their children's education.

Choosing the right educational environment for a child is crucial for parents. For some, the decision involves considering religious schools as an option. Religion cannot be taught in public schools per se. The concept of the separation of church and state is a fundamental principle in American jurisprudence that emphasizes the independence and autonomy of religious and governmental institutions. It refers to the constitutional principle rooted in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Sending your child to a religious school offers the unique advantage of an education that integrates faith, values, and academics, providing a solid foundation for spiritual, moral, and intellectual growth.

In this article, we will explore why parents might choose to send their children to religious schools, focusing on specific religious affiliations.

Roman Catholic

  • Strong Moral Foundation
    Roman Catholic schools emphasize the importance of moral values and character development. Parents may choose these schools to provide their children with a solid ethical framework.

  • Faith Integration
    Catholic schools incorporate religious teachings into various aspects of education. Parents who prioritize religious instruction may opt for Catholic schools to ensure their children receive a comprehensive faith-based education.

  • Community and Sacraments
    Catholic schools often provide a close-knit community where children can form lasting relationships. Additionally, these schools offer opportunities for students to actively participate in sacraments, fostering a deeper connection to their faith.

Episcopalian

  • Inclusive and

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Demystifying College Admissions Tests

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Demystifying College Admissions Tests
This in-depth article explores the key differences and common features among the three prominent college admissions tests: SAT, ACT, and CLT. As an expert analysis, it provides a comprehensive comparison of the test structure, content coverage, scoring mechanisms, and interpretation. The article also examines why college admissions staff use these tests as part of the admissions process and discusses the role of standardized testing in college admissions. By understanding the nuances of each test, students can navigate the testing landscape more effectively and make informed decisions.

As you evaluate private high schools, review the kind of standardized college admissions tests on which they base their curricula and teaching. College admissions tests play a significant role in the admissions process, providing colleges and universities with standardized measures of academic preparedness. This article aims to delve into the similarities and differences between the three prominent college admissions tests: SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), ACT (American College Testing), and CLT (Classic Learning Test).

Test Structure and Format

The SAT is a widely recognized college admissions test the College Board administers. It consists of sections in Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and an optional Essay. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with an additional essay score (if taken). The test allows approximately 3 hours without the Essay and 3 hours and 50 minutes with the Essay.

The ACT, developed by ACT, Inc., consists of sections in English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Essay. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with an additional essay score (if taken). The test allows approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes without the Essay and 3 hours and 35 minutes with the Essay.

The CLT, offered by the Classic Learning Test organization, features sections in Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and an optional Essay. The CLT is scored on a scale of 0-120, with an additional essay score (if taken). The test allows approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes without the Essay

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Children With Learning Differences: How To Proceed

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Children With Learning Differences: How To Proceed
Facing the reality that your child has learning differences is never easy. But with a diagnosis from a qualified professional, and skilled experienced teachers who know how to remediate those differences, your child can learn to handle her differences. More here.

At the first sign that their child has a learning difference, many parents panic and withdraw into a state of denial. That may help you. But it will not help your child. Your child's teachers know what to look for. As a rule, the signs of a child with learning issues are pretty obvious. While teachers may not know how to treat the disorder professionally, they have the training to alert parents and the school administration when they suspect your child has a learning issue.

In this TEDx Talk, Dean Bragonier discusses the true gifts of a dyslexic mind.

Definition of Learning Differences

Learning differences, or learning disabilities, affect a person's ability to learn and process information. The signs of learning differences can vary depending on the specific type of disability, but some common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling: People with learning differences may struggle with decoding words, recognizing everyday words, understanding sentence structure, and spelling correctly.

  • Problems with math: People with learning differences may struggle with basic math concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and they may also have difficulty with more advanced concepts such as geometry and algebra.

  • Poor memory: People with learning differences may have difficulty remembering information, especially regarding rote memorization of facts or details.

  • Difficulty with organization and time management: People with learning differences may struggle with organizing their thoughts, planning and prioritizing tasks, and managing their time effectively.

  • Trouble

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Recent Articles

Should Your Child Stay at the Same Private School K–12?
Should Your Child Stay at the Same Private School K–12?
Explore whether your child should attend the same private school from kindergarten through graduation, weighing academic continuity, friendships, changing needs, tuition costs, and opportunities at different educational stages.
When Your Child's Closest Friends Leave Private School
When Your Child's Closest Friends Leave Private School
Learn how to support your child when close friends leave private school, manage loneliness, maintain friendships, encourage new connections, recognize emotional challenges, and decide when additional school support is needed.
When Your Child Doesn't Connect With Their Teacher
When Your Child Doesn't Connect With Their Teacher
Discover when parents should intervene if their child struggles to connect with a private school teacher, including warning signs, communication strategies, classroom concerns, and practical steps toward improving relationships.

Choosing a Private School

GETTING STARTED
In this section we offer a look into some of the most important factors of choosing a private school. Investigate single-sex education and read what students have to say, learn more about what is important when choosing a private school, and get valuable advice on transitioning to a new school.
FINDING SCHOOLS
Learn more about how to find and evaluate private schools. Find out why price should not be your only consideration. Get valuable advice on how to save time and money when choosing a school. Learn more about ranking schools and why it may not work.
EVALUATING SCHOOLS
Here you will find resources and tools to aid in your search and evaluation of private schools. Explore the ranking system and read what schools have to say about it. Learn more about the most important questions to ask and how an education consultant can get answers. Use our checklists to help compare school administration, curriculum and more.