What is the Value of an Independent School Education?
Independent Schools Make the Difference that Lasts a Lifetime
As a parent, you have the opportunity to choose a school with a mission- a school's philosophy, values and approach to teaching- that is right for your child, resulting in an education that will prepare your child for successful and rewarding experiences in high school, college and beyond.
For more than a century, Lake Forest Country Day School has worked closely with parents to cultivate the essential academic and life skills children need. Led by a talented faculty of passionate educators, the School brings together a research-based curriculum and secure community environment where students realize their highest potential.
What are independent schools?
According to the National Association of Independent Schools, there are approximately 2,000 independent schools in the United States. As part of the private school community, these schools provide more than 700,000 students from preschool through high school with a unique and high-quality education. Independent schools are "independent" because they have distinct missions and are primarily supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue. Independent schools include coeducational and single sex institutions, as well as boarding and day schools. Each school meets high accreditation standards and is held accountable by its Board of Trustees.
Why are independent schools successful?
This is what the research says:
- Close-knit communities
- Individualized attention for students
- High-quality and committed teachers
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Educational experiences beyond the classroom
- Actively engaged parents
- Supportive learning environments
Why attend an independent school?
The reasons cited over and over again by the families who send their children to independent schools include individual attention, small classes, excellent teachers and high academic standards. However, the main motive for families looking into independent private schools is that they want a high-quality, well-rounded experience for their child. Independent schools offer all of the above within a school that not only has high-academic expectations, but also offers opportunities to flourish in fine arts, music and athletics.
The National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS), conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, confirms what independent school families have known for years: larger percentages of students in independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial and other private schools.
Independent school students:
- Do twice as much homework as their counterparts
- Watch only two-thirds as much television
- Are significantly more likely to participate in varsity or intramural sports
- Are more likely to agree that students and teachers get along well, discipline is fair and teaching is good.
With results like these, it is not surprising that independent school enrollments are increasing at double the rate of all other schools in this country.
Your decision to consider an independent school is the beginning of a journey to discover the right independent school for your child. While all independent schools set high standards and emphasize values, they are each wonderfully unique. Please click on the link below to learn more about the value of an independent school education.
Values Added: The Lifelong Returns of an Independent School Education