“Private school” is maybe a more familiar term than “independent school”, which is the term most now seem to prefer. An independent school is a nonprofit institution governed by a board of trustees that depends on private funds -tuition, gifts, grants- for its financial support. All must meet state and local health and safety standards including mandatory school attendance laws. Since each school is free to determine and practice its own educational philosophy.

Many parents with students at independent schools will speak of the opportunities and challenges at their child’s school. Many independent school parents speak also of their schools in terms of their “values”, “purpose”, “traditions” and “culture’- as well as lauding their strong teaching academic rigor, individual attention to students, supportive atmosphere, and sense of community.

Neither statement is true. Together, they represent a misperception based on stereotypes. In truth, independent schools are often more diverse than other schools. Independent schools enroll students from varied economic, cultural, ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds.

Like every child, each school is unique. Parents should not seek the “best school,” rather the “best school for our child.” The search requires keen insight and honest assessment regarding a child’s strengths, needs, and preferences. All parents want their child to live and learn in an environment of high expectation and effectiveness. The school that meets this measure can be different from child to child. Give your child the gift of searching for this “best” place together.

Like every child, each school is unique. Parents should not seek the “best school,” rather the “best school for our child.” The search requires keen insight and honest assessment regarding a child’s strengths, needs, and preferences. All parents want their child to live and learn in an environment of high expectation and effectiveness. The school that meets this measure can be different from child to child. Give your child the gift of searching for this “best” place together.

First, parents must define the child’s needs as distinct from their own. It is paramount to keep the child’s needs in mind throughout the process.

Next, examine each school’s mission. Be sure you understand the mission statement, and ask for specifics as to how that mission is implemented.

Look beyond the school’s reputation when making this important decision. Ask about specific programs and where students go after they graduate or leave the school. What scores did students earn on the SAT or other Standardized tests? Schools should publish this summary data.

The child should have the opportunity to visit the school before any final decision is made. Depending on the size of candidate pools, many schools encourage a potential student to come to visit for a day. If your child is accepted, it is reasonable to request a visit, especially if you have doubts.

First, parents must define the child’s needs as distinct from their own. It is paramount to keep the child’s needs in mind throughout the process.

Next, examine each school’s mission. Be sure you understand the mission statement, and ask for specifics as to how that mission is implemented.

Look beyond the school’s reputation when making this important decision. Ask about specific programs and where students go after they graduate or leave the school. What scores did students earn on the SAT or other standardized tests? Schools should publish this summary data.

The child should have the opportunity to visit the school before any final decision is made. Depending on the size of candidate pools, many schools encourage a potential student to come to visit for a day. If your child is accepted, it is reasonable to request a visit, especially if you have doubts.

The most common missteps concern parents’ reasons for selecting or getting their hearts set on certain schools based on name recognition, being with friends, or on cost alone. A school search is successful when it discovers the school that is right for the child. Many parents do not visit schools that might be perfect for their child because they are initially intimidated about inquiring about potential tuition assistance and creative financing plans that may be available. You never know until you ask!

Visiting schools, reviewing the schools website, speaking with parents at the school are all best practices for prospective parents.

The Exceptional Schools Group showcases the many wonderful school choices available to families of children with diverse learning needs in Maryland, DC, Virginia and beyond.  www.exceptionalschoolfair.comBSF has produced a spread sheet of special learning resources available in the AccessBSF library.

Just about all independent school faculty members hold undergraduate degrees in the subject area they teach, and many hold advanced degrees. Many have also worked professionally in their subject area. Additionally, independent schools place a high value on supporting teachers with ongoing professional development and other opportunities for growth.

Accreditation is an independent review process. An independent school’s accreditation serves as the primary external seal of approval that a school is meeting its stated objectives. There are many accrediting agencies serving the private school community. Some are national, others are regional, and others statewide organizations. BSF member schools are accredited by AIMS.

Location can very important for many families. Many students attending independent schools community commute more than 45 mins each way to and from school. The minority of independent schools offer transportation. This makes location a major factor in many parents decision-making process. Access BSF offers a geographic breakdown of BSF Member Schools here.