Parents want to provide the best for their children – especially when it comes to their education and their future. As parents search through different education environments to find the best fit, many are turning to independent schools because of their small class sizes, hands-on learning activities, student support resources, and more.Here are just six of the many advantages that an independent school education might offer your child:
1. SMALL CLASS SIZES
Students learn best when they are acknowledged and included in the classroom. For this reason, many independent schools value small class sizes in order for teachers to provide individual attention to each student. On average, independent schools assign about 9.8 students to each teacher.
2. EXCELLENT EDUCATORS
At independent schools, teachers are often experts in their fields and have a passion for educating young minds. Independent school teachers strive to cultivate each student’s talents by understanding their interests and learning styles. By keeping communication open, they are able to identify their students’ motivations and needs, and instill a lifelong love of learning.
3. HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Education at independent schools is often rigorous and encourages high academic standards. Students in independent schools often seek out more academic challenges that prepare them for further education. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), students in independent schools are more likely to enroll in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools; independent school students are also are more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.
4. MISSION-DRIVEN EDUCATION
Independent schools provide a mission-driven education. Every independent school has its own unique perspective, set of core values, philosophy, and approach to education. With such a diverse pool of options, independent schools provide an opportunity for each parent to find the right school for their child.
5. INCLUSIVENESS
Independent schools celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative community. Independent schools know that forging strong connections among school community members is conducive to both intellectual and social growth. A research review from the National Coalition on School Diversity showed that “students from all racial and class backgrounds who attended integrated schools performed better in math at each grade level.”
6. EDUCATION FOR THE WHOLE CHILD
Students need more than academic rigor to grow. That is why independent schools seek to educate the “whole child” through enriched arts programs, athletic competitions, leadership experiences, co-curricular offerings, and service opportunities. Programs like these promote their students’ intellectual excellence, strength of character, and help shape them into exemplary people.