Thinking Independently

Why more parents are considering a private education

By Carrie Nash

Linda from Westborough had her two boys Liam 12, and Aiden, 8 enrolled in their local public schools. She became increasingly concerned with their educational experiences as she began to hear about budget cuts and more emphasis on state exams.

“Each year, another program would be cut from the school’s budget, and their lessons continued to revolve around nothing but what would be covered in exams,” explains Linda. “I know the schools do the best they can given the resources, but I just felt like my kids were missing out and I was tired of accepting it.”

Many parents have felt some frustration about the lack of say in their child’s education at one point, and making a choice to send their children to independent schools. In fact, Enrollment at independent schools grew 11.9 percent between 1996 and 2006, according to National Association of Independent Schools.

Parents interviewed for this article said they were drawn to private schools when they realized that could find class sizes that appealed to them, decide on the educational environment, have a say in the social setting, and discover a place where their child can be recognized as an individual and challenged and supported appropriately.

What is an independent school?

Independent schools fall under the wide umbrella of private schools. The three attributes that define independent schools are that they have a board of trustees not controlled by any local authority, they have non-profit status, and they do not receive any public funds.  

Without any reliance on public financial support independent schools are not expected to stick to a curriculum that is geared solely to any one agenda such as passing state exams.

“While the intent to level the playing field for all students is commendable, it has affected authentic teaching and learning in our public schools. Independent schools offer students an opportunity to learn in an environment that values all learners by engaging them, develops their critical thinking skills and provides enrichment activities that so many of our public schools have lost due to funding.” says Ingrid Tucker, president of Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center in Dorchester.

According to the National Association of Independent Schools, there are over 46,000 children enrolled in independent schools throughout New England. These schools are as varied as their students. “Independent schools come in all shapes and sizes, from small elementary schools to the biggest boarding schools,” explains Steve Clem, executive director of the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE). They can be co-ed or single-sex, secular or faith-based.

Are they a viable option – financially – for all families?

Independent schools are more accessible than many think. Traditionally regarded as elitist only catering to families in the higher tax-bracket, most experts agree that independent schools are anything but.

“Independent schools are often more diverse by measure of ethnicity and socio-economic difference than some public school systems because they are able to actively seek different backgrounds among their students and compose a student body that is diverse on a number of measures,“ says Jerry Ward, president of the Fenn School in Concord.

Financially, almost all independent schools also offer financial aid for students who qualify. No longer is the image that independent schools are only for the rich. 

“Over 20 percent of students in independent schools receive some form of aid and in some schools that figure is much higher,“ says Clem. “These schools are working to build a diverse community to help develop the child and prepare him or her for the diversity of the world beyond school.”

How do I get started on a search?

The blessing of having the chance to choose among so many different types of schools can also be a curse. Administrators warn that when beginning the search for an independent school, start early.

“Every independent school, almost by definition, has its own character and feel,” says Ward   “As a result, parents should invest time visiting a variety of schools in the broad and diverse field of independent schools.”

The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a school is to have an understanding of what type of environment your child would thrive in. 

“Before looking at an independent school, parents should define for themselves their educational hopes for their child,” says Ward. “In a sense, using their fundamental educational values and instincts as their compass, parents can't go wrong in finding the right school for their child, whether it is independent or public.” 

No matter what your preferences are, the best way to understand what kind of education your child would receive at a particular school, is to visit the schools, meet faculty and students, and let your child get a feeling for the campus.

Tucker believes close scrutiny of how the school operates rather than what it looks like on paper will give you a better feel for the school.

“Pay close attention to the school's culture, mission and core values. Sometimes mission statements are merely documents that collect dust. Schools that are mission centered are authentic. Schools should be a place where students and adults are actively engaged in teaching and learning,” she advises.

The best piece of advice when searching for the right school for your child is to keep an open mind. 

“Many families who have had their children enrolled in a public school are able to find a comfortable and genuine educational match for their child in one or more independent schools of their choosing,” says Ward. “Other parents will decide after comparison that the local public school is indeed the right match for their child.” 

For a good place to start your search on independent schools, visit the AISNE website, www.aisne.org, which has a searchable database of all schools in New England listed in its membership, with links to the schools’ websites. It also has lots of advice on further considerations when looking at a school and help with understanding financial aid.

Types of independent schools

There are generally four different types of independent schools.

1. Day schools: Where the majority of students commute to campus

2. Boarding schools: Where the majority of students live on campus in provided accommodation

3. Coed schools: Where both boys and girls attend

4. Single-sex schools: For just boys or just girls

Of course there are schools that fall into more than one of these categories as well. Independent schools are by the very nature of their classification individual and can provide an atmosphere that fits their specific students.

The cost

Average median tuition for all grades at day schools: $15,158 (meaning that half the schools charge more and half charge less)

Average median tuition for all grades at boarding schools: $32,757

Source: 2005-06 NAIS StatsOnline Survey and 2005-06 Tables

Your best sources of information about financial aid are financial aid officers at individual schools. They can explain the full range of options they offer and may also be able to provide leads on the limited outside funding that’s available.

Source: www.aisne.org

5 tips for a school search

The school search and application process is a series of deadlines for admissions and financial aid. The National Association of Independent Schools advises starting your search early and staying organized with these steps.

1. Start by requesting admissions brochures and visiting the Web sites of the schools your family is interested in. This gives you an initial opportunity to compare what the school offers with what you are looking for in a school. It’s also good to request financial aid information at the same time.

2. Register and start to prepare for standardized tests.

3. Visit school fairs, and schedule tours of the schools. This gives you a chance to ask yourself practical questions such as:

                        Is the school close enough for an easy commute?

                        What are the class sizes?

                        Does the educational philosophy fit with your beliefs?

4. Organize all deadlines for admissions and financial aid applications. Most schools’ deadlines are in January or February.

5. Wait for decisions in March and make your choice!

Carrie Nash is a freelance writer from Framingham.  She enjoys the constant challenge of balancing work with chasing her 7 month old, Zander around the house.