The goal of choosing a school is to match a child’s abilities, interests and needs with the most appropriate educational setting. Independent schools have unique missions, philosophies and core values. The right school for any child is the one that can best meet the needs of that child. This decision may be made at the beginning of your child’s educational career or even in “midstream”. If an independent school was not your initial choice, at some point in your child’s education, you may decide that your child is not thriving and you want to pursue a different learning community.

• Private School do not administer the state-mandated STAR Test. 
• Public schools, funded by the state, are available free of charge for every child. There are many public schools options, including traditional, fundamental, magnet and charter schools. Public schools adhere to a set curriculum and all students participate in annual state standardized testing.
• Private schools often are founded by parents and community members who adhere to a certain philosophy. They are supported through tuition from parents and alumni.
• Independent schools may be secular or religious and may be based on a particular educational philosophy. They are governed by a board of trustees that is solely responsible for the school and are independently funded, mostly through tuition. Independent schools are characterized by strong academics, adherence to quality standards, autonomy in choosing curriculum and adherence to school mission.

All types of schools typically administer annual standardized tests, but nonpublic schools are free to choose the testing program that best fits its educational goals, rather than state-mandated tests.

After researching the schools in your area by visiting websites and talking with friends, neighbors, business associates and colleagues, call the school to arrange for a campus tour while school is in session. During the tour, ask key questions regarding curriculum, faculty, mission, extra-curricular activities and accommodations. Each school’s process will be unique, but in general, the steps following the school tour may include: completing an application, inquiring about a shadow date for your child, completing financial aid forms, if applicable, arranging for any required testing and contacting current school to have transcripts, testing results and references forwarded.

Independent schools adhere to a “triangle” approach to education – student, family, and school. These three are linked together to ensure a solid education for each child. Thus, parents are considered integral to the success of their child. Regular communication, including parent-teacher conferences, online and/or paper progress reports, newsletters and, sometimes, parent portals, are the norm in an independent school. Parents are encouraged to be active participants in the life of the school.  Schools typically have a wealth of volunteer opportunities where your involvement will be welcomed.

Financial assistance is based on family need; many families with above-average family incomes will qualify for some support.  The amount of assistance varies from school to school.  As part of the admission process, many schools will allow you to submit a Financial Aid form, which is the initial step in calculating the financial aid award.

Independent schools increasingly adhere to the following values and skills that are crucial for success in the 21st century, according to former NAIS President Pat Bassett:  Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical thinking, Character Education and Cosmopolitism, or the understanding of global communities.  In the fall 2011 edition of Independent School magazine, an NAIS publication, an article entitled “Independent Schools: A Well-rounded Preparation for College and beyond”, cites impressive comparative statistics between public and independent school graduates.