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Finding a Private School
Part I of a two part series

Why Attend an Independent or Private School?
The reasons cited over and over again by the families who send their children to independent or private schools include individual attention, small classes, teacher excellence, and high academic standards. But the main motive for families looking into independent or private schools can be summarized in one word: Quality. These families want their children to be part of an educational community with high expectations of every student. They want, quite simply, the best for their sons and daughters.

Ensuring Quality
How do independent or private schools ensure the standards of quality and excellence that you want for your child? Though schools differ from each other in philosophy and approach, they must all go through an approved accreditation process to become members of a national association such as NAIS. The accreditation process ensures that certain standards of educational quality, operation, and staff competence are met and maintained. The requirements for accreditation are different in various organizations.

School Accountability
Private and independent schools are directly accountable to parents; this influences both structure and services. Time and again, exceptional teaching, emphasis on ethics, and individualized instruction are cited by families as the characteristics they value most. Parents are often pleased to discover that these schoolteachers studied in college the discipline they teach, rather than majoring in teaching. This allows for greater depth of knowledge in the classroom, and dedication to ongoing learning in the teacher's chosen subject matter. Also, because most private schools offer small classes, teachers know their students as individuals, allowing deep relationships to develop.

Narrowing the Choices
With your “wish list” in hand, you are ready to start narrowing your school choices. If you haven't done so already, contact each potential school for materials dealing with philosophy, curriculum, extracurricular offerings, admission process, and financing options. Compare each school's literature with the items on your list; this should give you a preliminary sense of which schools are a good match. Take into account what type of environment would be best for your child and consider his or her individual strengths as you examine each school's program. Eliminate any school that doesn't meet a fundamental requirement: for instance, if your child wishes to study Japanese but the school doesn't offer this course, you may need to look further.

Here are some questions to start with as you look through each school's materials:
Is the school accredited and by whom?
What is the school's mission and does its philosophy appeal to you?
Does a school have a special or particular educational focus?
Is the atmosphere competitive? Nurturing?
Does the school meet your child's needs?
How large is the school and its student body?
Where is the school located and what are your transportation options?
What varieties of learning experiences are available at the school: in class, on the playing field, in extracurricular activities, and in community service?
Does the school seem to have a diverse student body and faculty?
Do the school materials discuss parental involvement?
For high schools, what are the graduation requirements?
What percentage of students enters colleges?
What kind of colleges do they attend?
What is the tuition and how flexible are the school's financing options?
What is the school's application process?
Are deadlines drawing near?
On your own, write down additional questions and notes. Consider starting one sheet of paper per school. That way, you will be able to easily look up questions that are pertinent to the school you are visiting. You might even want to set up a questionnaire you can copy and use for each school.

The Visit and Interview
Though independent and private schools all meet rigorous standards, the differences among them are great. Admission materials are useful but they don't always convey a school's atmosphere. That's why a campus visit and personal interview are crucial. When you schedule your visit, allow enough time to get a feel for each school. (Ask how much time you'll need for a complete tour.) Bring your wish list and notes to the interview and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions! Remember that the interview is a two-way process allowing you to find out more about the school, and helping admission officers to better understand your child. During the interview, take time to honestly discuss your child's candidacy as well as to ask any unanswered questions that may be lingering in your mind.

Here are a few to help get you started:
Is the school willing and eager to involve parents?
How, and how often, does the school communicate with the family?
Do the students you see seem productive, engaged, and happy?
How do the teachers interact with their students?
What will students at your child's age be expected to study?
What are the backgrounds and experiences of the faculty?
Does the school provide its teachers with opportunities for continuing professional development?
How does the school measure individual achievement and progress?
Is the campus clean, well lighted, secure?
What kind of leadership and governance does the school have?
Are faculty and staff involved in decision-making and curriculum development?
Does what you see reflect the school's stated mission?
What kind of counseling and support services are offered?
Does the school feel like a community? Are students interacting with teachers outside as well as inside?
Can you picture your child growing in this environment?
Before you leave each school, consider asking for a list of parents you can call for personal referrals. You may feel more comfortable if you can talk to families experiencing the school now. As you visit schools, keep notes on responses to your concerns. Also, write down any additional thoughts that you have on the day you visit while impressions are fresh in your mind.

The Next Step
The next thing will be the application process and your evaluation of each school. These issues will be discussed in Part II as well as financial aid and making a final decision.

Other Resources
The following are additional resources you may find helpful in your search.

Florida Council of Independent Schools
www.fcis.org
info@fcis.org
1211 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 612
Tampa, FL 33607
813-287-2820 Fax 813-286-3025

National Association of Independent Schools
www.nais.org
publicinfo@nais.org
202-973-9700

Florida Kindergarten Council
www.fkconline.org
info@fcis.org
1211 N Westshore Blvd, Suite 612
Tampa, FL 33607
813-286-2997 • Fax 813-286-3025

Southern Association of Independent Schools
www.sais.org
sais@sais.org
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA
404-633-2203 • Fax 404-633-2433

Association of Christian Schools International
www.asci.org
info@asci.org
PO Box 35097
Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3509
800-367-0798

The Association of Boarding Schools
4455 Connecticut Avenue, Suite A-200
Washington, DC 20008
202-966-8705 • Fax 202-966-8708
Offers a free directory of schools for prospective families.

Independent Educational Consultants Association
3251 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 33030
703-591-4850
www.educationalconsulting.org
Offers a free consultants directory to families seeking professional advice in school selection.

American Association for Gifted Children
PO Box 90270
Durham, NC 27708
919-783-6152
www.jayi.com/aagc
Services include an introductory letter, articles, and a complimentary newsletter.

International Coalition of Boys' Schools
c/o Ann Frieberhauser
2785 S.O.M. Center Road
Hunting Valley, OH 44022
216-831-2200
Offers a free brochure and case-by-case help.

National Coalition of Girls' Schools
228 Main Street
Concord, MA 01742
978-287-4485
www.ncgs.org
Offers a free directory and a list of publications.

Junior Boarding Schools Association
142 The Valley Road
Concord, MA 01742
413-774-7411
www.jbsa.org
Offers free pamphlets including: questions & answers, member profiles, and a directory.

Families and Students of Color: A Better Chance, Inc.
419 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-421-0950
www.abetterchance.org

Adults & Children's Trust Programs for Families
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
212-316-7530
www.stjohndivine.org/act

American Indian Science and Engineering Society
1630 30th Street, Suite 301
Boulder, CO 80301-1014
303-939-0023
Offers informational packet on AISES and its promotion of American Indians in the sciences.

ASPIRA of America, Inc.
1112 16th Street, NW, Suite 340
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-835-3600
Offers educational and leadership programs, including a summer internship program for Latino youths.

Baltimore Education Scholarship Trust
808 North Charles Street, Suite 200 C
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-752-2225

Early Steps
540 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
212-288-9684

Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs
1545 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 711
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-484-2411

Summerbridge
3101 Washington Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-749-2037
Offers an informational package, including program descriptions, a student and staff profile, and an application.

Directories of Private, Independent Schools
(These publications are often available in school counseling offices or public libraries.)

The Educational Register, Vincent-Curtis
224 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-536-0100

Handbook of Private Schools
11 Beacon Street
Suite 1400
Boston, MA 02108
617-523-1670

Peterson's Annual Guide to Independent Secondary Schools
PO Box 2123
Princeton, NJ 08543-2123
609-243-9111

Private Independent Schools
Bunting and Lyon
238 North Main Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-269-3333