Choosing Schools

When you begin comparing schools on your shortlist, it is important to at least be aware of certain important aspects of the school and its operation. While you can certainly tell whether a school is well-run just by visiting it and observing the condition of the grounds and facilities, it is worth asking a few detailed questions. The answers to these questions can be found online, as a rule, so explore the school's website thoroughly before asking the admissions staff.

How long has the head of school/principal been in office?

This question speaks to the stability of the school. If the headmaster or headmistress (also called head and occasionally director) has been there for a couple of years, that's a good sign. Private school heads will stay forever if they are doing a good job and the trustees are satisfied with his job performance. Nowadays a private school head is the de facto CEO of the school. But his major responsibility is going to be in the area of fundraising. Public relations is another part of his brief.

If the door to the headmaster's office has become a revolving one with several heads coming and going over a period of a few years, you might want to find out why they didn't stay. Most private schools conduct national searches for a head of school and involve the school community in the process. So it would be unusual for a school to get the fit wrong.

Is there a

The historic metropolitan Boston area offers a wide range of academic and cultural activities. Just as impressive is the area's selection of private schools which cater to almost every need.

A fine transportation network and the fact that the Big Dig is finally finished make Boston a wonderful place in which to live and go to school. After graduation, there are thirty-seven colleges and universities to choose from. Head north a few hours and you will find excellent skiing in the winter and a host of recreational activities in the summer. Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard to the east and south are treasures in their own right. Boston's accommodations and restaurants are decidely world-class. Perhaps one of these fine schools should be on your short list.

• The Advent School, Boston
• Archbishop Williams High School, Braintree
• Arlington Catholic High School, Arlington
• The Atrium School, Watertown
• Beaver Country Day School, Chestnut Hill
• Belmont Day School, Belmont
• Beverly School for the Deaf, Beverly
• Bishop Fenwick High School, Peabody
• Boston College High School, Boston
• Boston University Academy, Boston
• Brimmer and May School, Chestnut Hill
• Brooks School, North Andover
• Buckingham Browne and Nichols School, Cambridge
• Cambridge Friends School, Cambridge
• The Cambridge School of Weston, Weston
• Catholic Memorial High, West Roxbury
• Chapel Hill-Chauncy School, Waltham
• Charles River School, Dover
• The Chestnut Hill School, Chestnut Hill
• Concord Academy, Concord
• Cushing Academy, Ashburnham

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

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