Strategic School Choices

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 and national associations which is promote private schools and to share latest and best practices. Also included are several associations in major metropolitan areas.

• Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington
• Association of Independent Schools of New England
• Cleveland Council of Independent Schools
• Fairchester Independent Schools
• Independent Schools Association of the Central States
• Independent Schools Association of Northern New England
• Independent Schools Association of the Southwest
• Long Island Association of Private Schools and Day Camps
• Los Angeles Area Schools
• New York Interschool
• Pacific Northwestern Association of Independent Schools
• Southern Association of Independent Schools
• Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools
• Western Boarding School Association

Most private schools will claim to be a member of several national associations. These links will help you do your own due diligence to confirm that claim. They are also very useful for finding a specific kind of school in your area. Schools which are members of national associations inspire confidence because they are privy to the latest and best in private education.

This short video featuring a prominent private school head of school illustrates the purpose of private school education.

• American Association of Christian Schools
• American Montessori Society
• The Association of Boarding Schools
• Association of Christian Schools International
• Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the U.S.
• Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
• Catholic Boarding Schools Association
• Council for American Private Education
• Department of Defense Schools
• The Friends Council on Education
• Islamic Schools League of America
• Jesuit Secondary Education Association
• National Association of Episcopal Schools
• National Association of Independent Schools
• National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools
• National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children
• National Association of Street Schools
• National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
• National Catholic Educational Association
• National Coalition of Girls Schools
• National Independent Private Schools Association
• National Lutheran School Association
• NAFSA: Association of

You would think that finding out how one private school compares to another would be a no-brainer, right? In a consumer-driven age where we can find out information instantly, it is still very difficult and very tedious to find out how one private school compares to another. In other words, there is no easy answer to the question parents ask most often: “What is the best school in _______?”

Why is it so hard to get answers? For two reasons. First of all, the private schools themselves circle their wagons and will not participate in any survey which tries to rank schools. The private school community refuses to engage in the sort of annual publicity stunt which U.S. News and World Report and other publications put out for colleges and universities every year

Secondly, private schools don't receive any direct public funding. As a result, they are not subject to the kind of reporting requirements with which public schools must comply. NCLB (No Child Left Behind) does not apply to private schools, only to public schools.

The federal Department of Education does maintain data on private schools. The Private School Universe Survey (PSS) supplies statistical information about K-12 private schools. The PSS does not rank schools. It merely helps you determine how many Montessori schools are located in Montana. It is useful for policymakers and planners who need to know how many students go to private schools as opposed to public schools. It will not help

Evaluating and Choosing a Private School

You have your reasons for thinking about sending your child to a private school.

Perhaps she has unique needs that you feel the public school system cannot remediate. Maybe you are less than satisfied with the academic achievements or the safety records of the public schools where you live.

Perhaps you attended private school as a child, and you want your children to enjoy the same experience.

Canva generated this picture of a couple.

The Rationale

No matter what the reasons are for deciding to enroll your child in private school, the fact remains that deciding which school to send your child to is a tough decision.

• With so many schools from which to choose, selecting a school is not simple by any standards.
• Several aspects of school and child must be considered before deciding.

Let me help you work out a process with which you can evaluate and choose from private schools.

• First, you need to identify your needs.
• After you identify and prioritize your needs, you can survey private schools.
• After you’ve narrowed your list, you’ll want to set up school visits and interviews.
• Deciding on that final school can be a two-way street between your family and the private school.
• After interviews, you’ll need to prioritize your school list again to make that final decision as offers to enroll your child come in.

This video offers a video of