Types of Schools

This topic cluster explores the diverse landscape of private education, offering insights into various school models, philosophies, and specialized programs. It provides parents and students with a comprehensive overview of the different educational options available in the private school sector.

View the most popular articles in Types of Schools:

Lab Schools

Updated
|
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.

What is a lab school? It is a K-12 school or school with some variation of those grades which typically is operated by a university or college. Sometimes it is called a demonstration school. A few lab schools are not affiliated with any institution of higher learning.

The school is a lab or laboratory school because teachers in training and the faculty of the college's education department usually have a hand in teaching and running the school. Like scientists experimenting in their labs, these educators use the lab school as their place to try out theories and methods. They also provide student teachers a controlled situation where they can learn the art of teaching.

Most lab schools are progressive schools as well. What are the differences between traditional and progressive schools? This chart from the Wingras School in Madison, Wisconsin illustrates the main differences. Lab schools adopt the progressive philosophy as part of their child-centric approach to education. The flexibility inherent in the progressive approach works well with student teachers who are just coming to grips with how children learn.

The list of schools which follows includes only private lab schools. Many state and public universities operate their lab schools in conjunction with the local school district. As such they do not charge tuition or charge very little tuition. The private lab schools do charge tuition.

A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, Ruston, LA
Grades: K-8
Program: "The school's purpose is to educate students in a wholesome, challenging

. . .read more

Progressive Schools

Updated
|
Progressive Schools
Explore the world of Progressive Schools as we explain their student-centered approach, emphasis on experiential learning, and focus on critical thinking skills. It discusses the movement's history, fundamental principles, and impact on modern education, highlighting how these schools foster holistic student development.

Progressive schools have been around since the early 1900s. Some educators think that progressives are rebels against traditional rote learning. Progressive educators like to think of themselves as reformers. The truth is somewhere in between the two points of view.

This video offers an overview of the Progressive movement.

The movement has an interesting history. Read about John Dewey (1859-1952), the modern founder of the movement in the U.S. You can only wonder what might have happened to public education had some of his ideas taken root. As it is, progressive educators and schools that employ their philosophies are confined to the private sector. A list of private schools that embrace progressive ideals, teachings, and curricula is below.

The Origins of the Progressive Movement

In

. . .read more

Roman Catholic Boarding Schools

Updated
|
Roman Catholic Boarding Schools
These Roman Catholic boarding schools offer good value, great educations and a faith-based community experience.

Educating the young has been a mission of the Roman Catholic Church for as long as anybody can remember. While curricula and teaching methods have changed dramatically over the years, one thing is immutable: these schools do a great job educating their students as evidenced by the very high percentage of their graduates who go on to colleges and universities all over the country, indeed, around the world. With many other boarding schools charging $55,000-65,000 for their services, these boarding schools offer good value as such things go. A couple of schools are single sex schools. The rest are co-educational institutions.

Roman Catholic orders such as the Jesuits or Salesians which specialize in teaching run many of these schools. The standards are high. Most schools have uniform or dress codes. Core values are also taught together with plenty of instruction in the Catholic faith. These Catholic schools produce graduates whose solid spiritual and academic foundations anchor them for advancement in later life.

Check out the profiles of these schools. Many of them also take day students, so if you live in the area, you can have the best of both worlds.

Canterbury School, New Milford, CT
Grades 9-12
350 students
Coed

"The Canterbury experience is a rich one for both boarding and day students, and the community is made more diverse by students from around the globe. Through an active community service program our students and faculty are constantly involved in serving others outside the Canterbury community."

Chaminade College

. . .read more

Free Schools

Updated
|
Free Schools
Discover tuition-free private schools in the US. Learn about prestigious institutions offering free education and how they're transforming lives through opportunity.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Free Private Schools

. 2. Free Private Schools in the United States

3. Supporting Free Private Education

-------------------------------------------

Introduction to Free Private Schools

There are only a handful of free private schools in the United States. Most of them were founded many years ago by visionary, community-minded individuals who believed that children from working-class and poor families should have the same educational advantages as children from families with money. Several schools have a religious connection, such as Regis High in New York and

. . .read more

Do You Know....?

Updated
|
Do You Know....?
If you know the answers to all these questions, you probably teach or work in a private school. Be that as it may, these questions contain links with the answers.

Do you know....? If you know the answers to all these questions, you probably teach or work in a private school. Be that as it may, these questions contain links with the answers. Test your knowledge. Dispel some urban legends about private schools. Do you know....?

. . .read more

Recent Articles

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.
A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
Use this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.

Types of Schools

TRADITIONAL PRIVATE SCHOOLS
This section focuses on the core attributes of conventional private schools, highlighting their unique features, educational approaches, and the benefits they offer compared to public education. It provides an in-depth look at what defines a private school and why families might choose this option.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION MODELS
Here, we explore non-traditional approaches to education, such as Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and progressive schools. This subheading delves into the philosophies, teaching methods, and learning environments of these alternative models, helping parents understand their distinctive characteristics and potential benefits.
SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS
This category covers schools designed to meet specific educational needs or interests, including military academies, special needs institutions, arts-focused programs, and international schools. It provides information on how these specialized environments cater to particular student populations or educational goals.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
This subheading examines faith-based educational institutions, offering an overview of different religious school types, their educational philosophies, and how they integrate spiritual teachings with academic curricula. It helps families understand the role of faith in these educational settings.