The Value of an Independent School Educationby Catherine T. Washburn Director of Admission Rocky Hill School East Greenwich, RI 02818
As a parent, you have the opportunity to choose a school here in Rhode Island because of its mission, values, size, and overall approach to teaching that is right for your child. So, why should you choose an independent school and how would an independent school benefit your child? You may start by asking, what is an independent school? Independent schools are close-knit communities that are uniquely capable of providing students with individualized attention. They typically have small classes that are intimate learning environments in which teachers are closely connected to their students. In a recent U.S. Department of Education study it confirmed that independent schools average student-teacher ratio of 13:1 leads to greater student success in college. Independent school teachers know and care about their students and will work hard to build a relationship that encourages them to achieve their full potential. There are more than a dozen independent schools in Rhode Island which include schools that are coeducational and single sex, boarding and day, and schools with urban and country day campuses. Independent schools are private, pre-collegiate learning institutions, each with a distinct mission. They are nonprofit entities that are governed by an independent board of trustees comprised of parents, alumni, educators, and community leaders. Independent schools are primarily supported through tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment income. Finally, independent schools uphold high standards of educational quality and are publicly accountable to parents, communities, and the agencies that accredit them. In a recent National Association of Independent School (NAIS) publication it states that a U.S. Department of Education study shows that independent schools are on the right track by placing such a strong emphasis on small school and class size. The report, The Condition of Education 2002 , suggests that small-sized schools and relatively small classes have advantages, often leading to higher achievement for students. The report finds that teachers can better communicate consistent goals to their students and collaborate more effectively on raising student achievement in small learning environments commonly found in independent schools. Another major study indicating that students attending independent schools have a distinct advantage is the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS). NELS conducted by the National Center for Educational Statistics with funding from the U.S. Department of Education was designed to track student outcomes over more than a decade. NELS traced the life experiences of students from Independent, Catholic, Public, and other Private schools who were eighth graders in 1988 into the 21 st century. The study produced valuable information on student progress toward lifetime goals. Listed below are a few highlights from the NELS report:
Finally and perhaps the most significant factor that distinguishes independent school graduates from others was the strength of their commitment to lead healthy adult lives and pursue a more active range of personal interests such as: reading the newspaper and books, attending plays and concerts, participating in community service work, engaging in regular exercise, and using computers in the home, than their peers from other schools. If you want your child to be in a school that nurtures intellectual curiosity, stimulates personal growth, and encourages critical thinking and innovation than you want your child to attend an independent school. To learn more about independent schools, visit the National Association of Independent Schools at www.nais.org.
Collegiate Series Articles The Grass Was Not Greener: One Student's Journey to Boarding School and Back Why Your Child Will Benefit From a Small School Community Senior Projects: Is Your High School Student Ready? The Value of an Independent School Education How
to Choose the Right School for Your Child Strategies
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