Why Choose an Independent School

Although each ISSFBA school is driven by a different educational mission, they all share a commitment to providing a safe environment in which young people can learn academic skills plus the importance of hard work, leadership, personal responsibility and good citizenship.

These schools have the freedom to serve their distinct individual missions — the philosophy, values and approach to teaching that are right for your child.

They have the freedom to let passionate teachers create educational experiences that meet your child’s individual needs, without state mandates regarding curriculum, textbooks and testing.

They have the freedom to select the academic and extracurricular programs they want to offer, and to offer these programs to the students whom they feel most capable of serving well.

What are some of the advantages that an independent school education affords?

• High academic standards. Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial and other private schools.
• Small classes and individual attention. Independent schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The average ratio in NAIS schools in 2008-09 was 8.6 students to 1 teacher.
• Excellent teachers. They usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what interests and motivates each individually.
• Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s or graduate degree.
• Education for the whole child. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences.
• Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2008-09, students of color were 22.4% of total independent school enrollment nationally.
• A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.
• The opportunity to choose a school with a mission. You can select a school whose philosophy, values, and teaching approach is right for your child.
• And most important: An education that will pay dividends for a lifetime.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Resources for Parents
School search timeline
Five ways to make your application process easier
The school visit and interview
Preparing an older student for the interview
A touchy problem: How much information should you disclose?
Choosing the right recommendations
Financing a private school education
The ins and outs of testing
Six special considerations
Admission Officers' pet peeves
The decision

Read the article, "Why Choose an Independent School," by Patrick F. Bassett, President of NAIS.