Why Private School

A comprehensive look at private schools and why they might be right for your child. Explore the history of private school education, weigh the pros and cons of public vs. private school, and get valuable advice on making the best choice for your child. Learn more about the various types of private schools from military to progressive and review directories from a variety of resources including private school associations and offline publications.

View the most popular articles in Why Private School:

What's a Private School?

Updated
|
What's a Private School?
Private K-12 schools are non-public schools. In other words, they are not part of the public K-12 education system. A brief history of K-12 education in the 17th and 18th centuries and more.

Private K-12 schools are non-public schools. In other words, they are not part of the public K-12 education system. While private schools are regulated in the same way most businesses are with respect to safety, zoning and registration, they are not required to do many of the things public schools must do such as state testing and accepting any student who applies.

First, let's take a quick look at the history of K-12 education in the United States of America. What were the first colonists were up against as far as education was concerned? The challenges were enormous simply because there was nothing here. Native Americans did not have school buildings. They educated their offspring in their natural surroundings. The colonists, on the other hand, had left a country with an organized educational system. For example, King's School, Canterbury, opened its doors in 597. In the Middle Ages, the kings and queens of England established schools and universities to educate young men. In most cases, these educational establishments were founded to educate and train clergy, judges, and other public officials. Edward VI set up free grammar schools which were open to all, regardless of religious beliefs or ability to pay. Many of the great cathedrals and abbeys had choir schools where they provided for the education of boys.

Leaving a country with a long history of education, the earliest settlers in America arrived here in the early part of the 17th century and very quickly and resolutely

. . .read more

What's an Independent School?

Updated
|
What's an Independent School?
Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the tapestry of private schools, providing a comprehensive overview of the different names, types, and educational philosophies that define them. Whether you are a parent seeking the perfect fit for your child's educational journey or simply curious about the diverse educational landscape, this article is your gateway to understanding the multitude of private school options available.

Private schools come in a remarkable variety of names and types, each offering a unique educational approach and philosophy. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the fascinating world of private schools, shedding light on the diverse range of institutions available to families seeking alternative educational options.

From elite prep schools to Montessori academies, religious-affiliated institutions to progressive learning centers, the landscape of private schools is rich and diverse. We examine the various names and labels associated with these educational establishments, uncovering the meanings behind them and the educational philosophies they represent.

Discover the distinctive characteristics of different private school types, such as independent schools, boarding schools, single-sex schools, and alternative schools. Gain insights into their educational methodologies, curriculum choices, and core values. Whether you are interested in a traditional academic focus, a specialized arts program, or an emphasis on experiential learning, this article will help you navigate the vast array of options available.

Furthermore, we explore the benefits and considerations associated with each type of private school, allowing parents to make informed decisions based on their child's unique needs, interests, and learning styles. We highlight the advantages of smaller class sizes, personalized attention from dedicated faculty, and the availability of extracurricular activities that foster holistic development.

The definition of an independent school.

Collins Dictionary defines an independent school as "a private school, not open to or controlled by the public, especially one that is nonreligious and supported mainly by tuition and private funds." An independent

. . .read more

What's Being Taught?

Updated
|
What's Being Taught?
What curricula do private schools follow? Who accredits private schools? What kind of standards prevail? More here.

American private high schools generally prepare their graduates for academic work after graduation. With that in mind let's take a look at the various academic options which you will find in American private schools.

Because private schools are indeed private or independent, as opposed to being state schools, they can set their own curricula and the qualifications of their faculty. Most private high schools meet or exceed the course requirements mandated by the state education department for the state in which the school is located. For example, here are the State of Minnesota's graduation requirements:

Minnesota students are required to complete three kinds of requirements by the time they graduate. Students must:

  • Satisfactorily complete the state course credit requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.024.
  • Satisfactorily complete all state academic standards or local academic standards where state standards do not apply.
  • Meet graduation assessment requirements.

Course Credits

Students complete the academic standards by taking a core course of study that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need for success in postsecondary education, highly skilled work, and civic life. In order to graduate, your child’s high school coursework must include at least the minimum state course credit requirements. A course credit is equivalent to a student successfully completing an academic year of study or mastering the subject matter, as determined by the local school district. Students must complete a minimum of 21.5 course credits as follows:

  • 4 credits of language arts
  • 3 credits of mathematics, including algebra,
. . .read more

Why Private School?

Updated
|
Why Private School?
Is private school right for your child? Learn about the things you should consider and the unique benefits of a private school education.

The question of how to educate a child is one of the most important a parent can ask. Many parents struggle with a basic choice of public vs. private school. Parents do not want to incur unnecessary expenses if they will not ultimately benefit their child. After all, many public schools do an excellent job of educating students. But while it is true that public schools do not have tuition costs (and a private school can run, on average, from $12,000 to $40,000 a year), the benefits of private education can still far outweigh the costs depending on the local options parents may face. Private schools can challenge their students academically, expose them to clearer value systems, give greater access to teachers, and allow them to feel safer than at a local public school. If you do decide to pursue private schooling for your child, start the research process early. Admission to private schools can be competitive, and finding a school that is a perfect fit for your child, where he or she will also be accepted, may take some time.

A Higher Bar

A major advantage to private education is that your child will likely be challenged to a higher academic standard. Private schools can be more academically rigorous than public schools, and private school students may have to meet more criteria to keep up their grade point averages. According to The Condition of Education 2018, from the National Center for Education Statistics, “Private high

. . .read more

Recent Articles

Corporal Punishment Still Exists
Corporal Punishment Still Exists
Did you think that corporal punishment in our schools was extinct? Sadly, it isn't. Here are some facts and some suggestions as to what you can do to help eliminate corporal punishment once and for all.
Rolling Admissions
Rolling Admissions
Discover why many institutions opt for rolling admissions and how it can offer flexibility and opportunities for applicants throughout the year.
Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
March 21, 2024
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.

Why Private School

SCHOOL LIFE
Get a glimpse of private school life. Here you'll find a survival guide for parents, brush up on terms and jargon, and learn why extracurricular activities are so important.
Athletics Are Not Optional
Athletics Are Not Optional
Computers in Private School
Computers in Private School
A Survival Guide for Private School - Student's Version
A Survival Guide for Private School - Student's Version
DIRECTORIES
We offer several directories to aid in your choice of a private school. Included are quick links to national, regional and state associations, a list of offline resources to aid in our decision, and local school directories for several metropolitan areas.
Seattle Area Schools
Seattle Area Schools
National Associations
National Associations
State Associations
State Associations