Questions to consider when selecting an independent school
The Commission on Independent Schools has developed this guide to assist parents and their children who are interested in attending private schools. It is designed to help them define each child's specific needs, to learn details about schools that might match those needs, and to use that information to reach a careful decision.
Before beginning any detailed questioning, parents should first prepare a list of school features they prefer and another of their child's particular needs and interests. The lists don't need to be long and they may well expand or contract during the screening process. Both will save a great deal of time and possible mis-direction in the long run.
The next step is to write to or telephone any school of interest and ask for a copy of its mission statement. All schools that are affiliated with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges -- and many others as well -- have such statements in print. As they read each mission statement, parents should ask whether the school's asipirations match theirs and whether it has unique features that are attractive to them and their child.
Parents should remember that independent schools are an alternative to public schools. They should be confident that the school or schools they choose can match their child's needs and interests well enough to justify the considerable expenditure and commitment required.
The detailed questions that follow should produce most or all of the remaining information needed. Parents can then weigh this information against the specific needs of ther own child.