Strategic School Choices

So Many Choices (2025 Edition)

Selecting a private school can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of options across the U.S., from boarding to day, religious to non-sectarian, and traditional to progressive, parents often feel paralyzed by the sheer number of decisions. Yet by breaking down the process into manageable steps, families can make informed, confident choices about where their child will thrive.

In 2025, the private school landscape continues to evolve. Tuition costs are higher, financial aid options are more robust, and schools are placing greater emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and whole-child education. Let’s walk through the essential questions every family should ask.

Boarding School or Day School?

This is often the first—and hardest—question parents face. The difference isn’t simply about where a child sleeps; it shapes the entire educational and social experience.

In 2025, boarding schools typically range from $65,000 to $75,000 annually, while day schools average between $15,000 and $35,000, depending on location and grade level, according to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). While these figures may seem daunting, most boarding schools offer substantial financial aid, with nearly one-third of students receiving need-based assistance.

Letting go emotionally can be as challenging as managing tuition. “Parents often underestimate how quickly students adapt to a structured boarding environment,” notes Dr. Emily Chen, an educational psychologist and former boarding school dean. “Teens benefit from consistent mentorship, peer support, and independence—skills that serve them well in college and

A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family?

Choosing the right private school is a major decision—it influences not only your child’s education but your family’s daily life, finances, and long-term goals. One of the most important choices is whether to enroll in a day school or a boarding school.

Both models offer outstanding academics and personalized attention, but they differ in structure, lifestyle, and the independence they foster. Understanding these differences can help you make the best decision for your family.

What Is a Day School?

Day schools are private institutions where students attend during the day and return home in the evening. They can be coeducational or single-sex, secular or religious, and span from preschool through grade 12.

Key Benefits

• Daily family interaction. Students live at home, allowing for close involvement in family routines and values.

• Lower cost. Without room and board, day schools are typically less expensive than boarding schools.

• Local convenience. Students remain connected to community activities, friendships, and extracurriculars.

Considerations

• Limited after-school supervision. Parents often manage homework, time, and transportation.

• Less immersion. Students may not experience as much of the school community culture outside of regular hours.

For comparison with local options, parents may explore private schools in Florida or private schools

Independent Schools in Africa

About to be posted to a major city in Africa? Got questions about schools for your kids?

We receive lots of inquiries from parents asking about private schools in Africa. Most of the time parents want information about schools, tuition fees, available places, and so on.

Now, if you're an expat looking for schools, not to worry! Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya, and all the other African nations have plenty of private schools to choose from. Of course, it stands to reason that the bugger the city, the more schools it will have. I've listed some of the schools that teach American, British, Canadian, Italian, French, and German curricula.

So, whether you are being posted to Cairo or Tunis, you will be able to find a school that follows the curriculum your kids would have had back home. That way, once your tour of duty is over, your kids will be right up to speed when you get back home.

I was an expat! So, I speak from my own experience as an expat whose daughter attended a private high school in The Bahamas. While obviously there were subtle differences in the curriculum and the way it was taught, she adjusted well. Indeed, she subsequently attended two distinguished universities and earned a master's degree.

Photo of Lycée Français International du Cap, Cape Town, South Africa courtesy the school

List of Schools

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Introducing Three Early Childhood Education Approaches

As parents of 1- and 2-year-olds, you embark on an exciting early childhood education journey. This guide will explore three popular and innovative approaches: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. Each method offers a unique perspective on young children's learning and development, emphasizing child-centered, experiential learning. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to choose an educational path that aligns with your family's values and your child's needs. All three approaches offer advantages you probably won't find elsewhere. Indeed, you will find that other early childhood education approaches have adopted bits and pieces of these. But if you want the real thing, explore Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf before committing.

Disclaimer: my eldest daughter attended a Waldorf school. All these years later, I remember how happy she was in an environment where she could explore to her heart's content. Music, math, language arts - all the subjects were interwoven in the most satisfying way for her young inquisitive mind.

So, whether you're considering preschool options or want to incorporate these philosophies into your home life, this guide will provide valuable insights into nurturing your toddler's growth and development.

Chapter 1: The Montessori Method
The Montessori approach, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, focuses on fostering independence, self-directed learning, and respect for a child's natural development.

Widespread Adoption
There are over 8,000 Montessori schools in the U.S., making it a widely available option for parents. Most belong to

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right educational path for your child is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. I have compiled this guide to help you navigate the complex, often confusing, world of private school education. I want you to understand why it might be the right choice for your family. I'll show you how to weigh the pros and cons of boarding schools versus day schools. Then, we'll identify the key factors that should influence your decision. Drawing from my years of experience in the private education sector, we'll explore real-world scenarios, expert insights, and practical advice to empower you in making this crucial choice.

Whether you're just beginning to consider private school or are deep into the selection process, this booklet will provide you with the tools and knowledge to make an informed decision that aligns with your family's values and your child's needs and requirements.

Chapter 1
7 Reasons Why Private School May Be The Right Choice
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. Many of us who choose private schools share common goals: we want our children to think critically, analyze information, and read widely. My late wife and I, for instance, wanted to stretch our girls academically, which led us to private school. Our backgrounds - her passion for literature and languages and my career in church music - shaped our educational priorities. Likewise, your own personal