National Associations

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

You can send a resume and use an agency to find a private school job. However, using your network is the best way to find a private school job. You do have a network, don't you?

In truth, the private school job-hunting season never ceases. The main window of opportunity is from December through March. Not much happens on either side of those months unless a school has an unexpected vacancy. This is where your network comes in. Let's say you are considering finding a new position for the next school year. Firm up your decision by the end of October or November so that you can begin your active job search.

The First Steps

Check the job boards in the areas you are thinking about moving to. Register with an agency that specializes in placing private school teachers. They will know about openings. That will get you thinking about the possibilities.

Know why you want to make a move. Are you making a lateral move, i.e., moving to another school to do the same thing you've been doing? Or are you seeking different responsibilities, such as being an administrator? You need to have your goals clearly understood. That will be invaluable during the interview process when the question "Why do you want to leave St. Swithin's and come teach at our school?" is asked.

This brief video offers three tips to advance your career by networking.

Some people can write a check for a year's tuition and never miss it. But with private school tuitions running into the $ 30s for day school and getting close to $50,000 for boarding school, we must be creative.

Here are some options for paying for a private school education.

• Pay the fees in two installments.
• Sign up with a tuition payment service and pay monthly installments.
• Borrow the funds you need.
• Apply for financial aid.
• Investigate other funding sources.

Pay the fees in two installments.

Paying the fees in two installments is common in many educational institutions to ease the financial burden on families. This method allows parents or guardians to divide the total tuition cost into two equal or nearly equal parts, generally paid at the beginning of each semester or term. It provides a balanced approach, ensuring that the entire amount isn't due all at once. This can help families budget their finances better without having to worry about paying the whole sum upfront.

Private schools generally render their bills in early summer and late fall for payment within 30 days. These invoices will include one-half of the academic year's tuition charge as well as incidentals. Incidentals include fees for items such as technology, sports, activities, laundry, and so on. Be sure to ask whether the school offers a cash discount.

Sign up with a tuition payment service and pay monthly installments.

Some families prefer to spread out the tuition costs over several months, making monthly payments more manageable.

Visiting schools is a critical part of choosing a school. Yes, a website can give you a pretty good idea of school programs and facilities. But remember that the school is presenting itself precisely as it wishes to be seen, in a highly edited and sanitized manner.

Accordingly, you must see the school, inspect the facilities, meet some students, and chat with the staff. After all, you are considering entrusting your precious child to these people. You must determine if they are a good fit for your child. Your child won't be just a number in a private school. Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio mean she won't get lost in the shuffle. Consequently, she needs to be in a setting that will nurture and bring out the best in her. Your practiced eye can root out any potential problems. Use a Checklist for Comparing Schools to keep track of your observations and answers to your questions.

This video from Your School Marketing explains how open houses are part of the admissions process.

Remember: a school doesn't shape just educational outcomes; it also strongly influences attitudes and critical thinking. The culture of a school has a lot to do with this. Visiting the school allows you to evaluate all these essential aspects.

Many schools have open houses. These offer you an excellent opportunity to