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Private Schools: Consider the Possibilities

Welcome to the 2nd Annual What's Up? Private School Guide. Here in our region, we are fortunate to have a variety of private schools offering quality curriculum, excellent instruction, and fine facilities. If you and your family have decided that a private school is the right choice for your child, how do you choose which one is best? Every child is different and what might be a great school for one might not be the best choice for another.

Click here for lists of Annapolis and Eastern Shore private schools.

Twenty four percent of all the elementary and secondary schools in the United States are private. That's a big number. More than 10% of our High School students in the U.S. attend private schools.

In broad terms, private schools fall into two categories: religious or non religious. Approximately 85% of all private school students attend religious schools and half of those schools are Catholic. Religious schools in our region include schools that identify themselves as Christian, Jewish, Lutheran, Episcopalian and Quaker . The designation Independent School means that a school is independently governed by board of trustees rather than a church, religious organization, or the state. Independent schools can be nonsectarian or religious in orientation.

Who Sets the Rules?
Generally a school is founded on the basis of an educational philosophy, which tenets they strive to uphold. While the school's headmaster and other administrators run the school on a day today basis, the board of trustees tries to steer the school in a fashion that will uphold its ideals. The alternative form of management are Catholic schools operated by the dioceses which are under the direction of the bishop. Thus, when you read in our chart that a school is a member of AIMS, which stands for the Association of Independent Maryland Schools, you know they are Board of Trustee managed. On a nationwide basis, independent schools often are members of NAS, which stands for the National Association of Independent Schools. Take a look also and you'll see schools that are members of ACCA, the Association of Classical and Christian Schools and other that are members of the National Catholic Educational Association.

One of the first things you'll want to do, when evaluating a private schools is to read a copy of the school's philosophy or guiding principles. The Montessori method puts their focus on observation and guidance rather than formal teaching along with the emphasis that each child be enabled to develop skills at their own pace. As past of a Waldorf education, every child must learn how to play a musical instrument. While one school's philosophy might emphasize written communication skills, another might focus on community leadership and service.

.While private schools are free to manage their own affairs, they usually seek a periodic review and accreditation by an independent agency. These evaluations help them to qualify for possible grants and/or government assistance. Some of the accreditations to look for on the chart in our guide include the Middle States Association, Association of Montessori International, Maryland State Department of Education, and American Council on Education.

Thinking Outside the Box
Until the 1930's there was no standardization of a public schools system in the United States. Some of the schools in local jurisdictions were managed by private organizations. In response to a standardized public school system, private schools have evolved in response to many parents wanting their children to experience different educational approaches and receive instruction in specific areas of specialization, certain activities, and services.

Since the private school sets is own structure and rules they can offer anything from a field trip every week, classes held out-of-doors, and experts giving workshops in the classrooms to bible study, instruction in Chinese, or a fencing class. A longer school day, evening activities, international travel, and an extended school community can all be a part of the supplemental offerings of a private school education.

Special Needs
While not required by law to serve children with special needs, there are private schools that specialize in addressing various disabilities, often focusing on communication impairments. Due to smaller class sizes and alternative educational approaches, a private school may be able to offer an accommodation and assistance not available in a public school. In some situations public funding may be available for tuition assistance when a public school is unable to meet the needs of a child with a disability as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Contact your local school district to get more information on supplementary services and guidelines.

Ways and Means
Smaller classes, a higher ratio of teachers to students, and better facilities can all be offered by a private school because the school is able to determine for itself how many students it will admit and how many staff members it will hire. Utilize our guide to see how many students are in an average size class. and the student to teacher ratio. Visit the school and sit in on a class. To learn more, ask about the education and training of faculty members. Compare the statistics with other private schools you are considering along with your public school system. Much of the information you'll be seeking is right there on their websites.

Because more private schools are primarily funded by each tuition fee, the cost of sending a child to a private school can deter many families from considering private schools as an educational option. Many schools offer scholarships for low income students along with payment plans that help with budgeting expenses. Do not be afraid to ask what assistance is available. Most schools seek a diversity of students that resembles the population in their communities. Take into consideration the services being offered, when calculating the cost to your pocketbook. For example, if you are paying for additional music and theater instruction which is offered as part of a private school's curriculum, the impact on your finances may not be a great as you initially thought. Don't forget , however, that unlike a public school, you will be asked to pay for books and transportation, you'll need to consider those costs.

The best way to evaluate a school is to visit. Open houses are a great way to make an initial introduction but you'll want to visit more than once. Attend sporting and theatrical events open to the general public. Ask plenty of questions and talk to other parents along with teachers, administrators, and students. Allow your child, when possible, to be part of the process. Most importantly, relax and take your time. These kinds of decisions are not ones that are quickly made. We hope the information in this year's education section will help you in the process. Visit our website at www.whatsupmag.com to read some of the useful articles published last year's January edition.

The Admission Process
The first rule of thumb when applying to a private school is to give yourself plenty of time. Private schools may start processing applications up to a year in advance of the school year for which a child is applying, depending on the school. While a proportion of private schools give preferential treatment to siblings, children of alumni, and in the case of religious schools-- membership in the congregation or parish, others process admissions strictly in order of the date of application. At some schools, if a class has already been filled, they will allow your application to roll over into the next academic year and put your child at the top of the list

Test scores, recommendations, and grade point average may figure highly at some institutions while other schools may factor heavily on interviews, extra-curricular activities, and service learning hours. The admission criteria will help you to discern the underlying school philosophy. Be prepared to adjust your concept of which grade level is the correct level for your child. Often private schools have different birth dates for class placement than public schools and may recommend that it be advantageous for your child to start school later or to repeat a grade.

Click here for lists of Annapolis and Eastern Shore private schools.

Be aware that there are particular grade levels such as kindergarten, first grade, 6th grade, and 9th grade which attract the largest numbers of student applicants. Discuss placement strategy with the school admission counselors and provide your child with more than one option for success. Be realistic in your expectations and you won't be disappointed.

Applying to schools can be an exciting process. Use the experience to learn more about the schools and about your child.