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 an Independent School?

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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

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What's Being Taught?

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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,
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Why Private School?

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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 $20,000 to $30,000 a year), the benefits of private education can still far outweigh the costs depending on the local options parents may face.

Private schools 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. When 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.

iStock Photo by ZmasterA Higher Bar

A major advantage to private education is that your child will likely be challenged to a higher academic standard. Private schools tend to 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

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Recent Articles

Filling Your Seats
Filling Your Seats
This article provides valuable insights for marketing staff at small private schools, focusing on strategies to boost enrollment and retention. It addresses common challenges such as budget constraints, resistance to change, and the need for both short-term and long-term planning. With expert advice and real-world examples, this guide is essential for any school looking to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.
Early Childhood Education: Which Approach to Choose?
July 31, 2024
Early Childhood Education: Which Approach to Choose?
Explore the world of early childhood education with our comprehensive guide to Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia approaches. Learn the key principles, benefits, and practical considerations of each method to make an informed decision for your 2-3 year old's educational journey.
Your 10-Step Guide to Choosing a Private School
July 29, 2024
Your 10-Step Guide to Choosing a Private School
Selecting the best private school for your child is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and research. Our "10 Step Guide for Choosing a Private School" provides a detailed roadmap to help parents navigate this complex process. This guide covers everything from assessing your child's unique needs and researching potential schools to evaluating academic programs and exploring financial aid options. Whether you're looking for a school that offers PK-12 or just high school grades, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make the best choice for your child's education.

Why Private School

ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOOLS
An in depth look at private schools, including history, a comparison to public education, and a glimpse of what's being taught. Learn about the benefits of attending private school, to both students and parents. Explore private schools options when living abroad, and debunk many of the myths regarding private school education.
KINDS OF SCHOOLS
Private schools are just as varied as public schools. From Catholic to progressive, military to special needs, private schools offer a lot of options. Take a comprehensive look into the many types of private schools, weigh the pros and cons of each, and get helpful tips on choosing one that works best for your child.
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.
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.