A parent emailed me yesterday asking about summer programs which offer serious academics. Those programs are available. Most private schools offer summer programs. These can range from a few weeks of day camp with minimal academics to full fledged summer institutes at which some serious academic work is expected. Places at most of these fill up very quickly. In fact you may actually have missed the deadline for some of them. Don't delay! Call or email your program of choice today. Read more...

Why do some schools have uniforms and others do not? Is there any benefit to uniforms and dress codes? Aren't uniforms and dress codes an infringement on individual rights? Read Uniforms and Dress Codes for some background on the issue.

Today's primary states have some fine private schools. Brebeuf Jesuit Prep in Indianapolis and St. Mary's School in Raleigh, for example, typify the selection of schools you will find. Explore private schools in Indiana and North Carolina virtually. Then be sure to visit the schools on your short list.

The Private School Teacher's Guide gives you an inside look at the many facets of a private school teacher's job. We touch on certification and credentials, finding a job and more. Teaching in a private school is different from teaching in a public school. Those differences are pointed out as well. Your comments are appreciated.

Some schools are very competitive because they are highly sought after. Their course offerings, their facilities, their faculties, but, most of all, their reputations create a huge demand for places. These schools are known worldwide, so applicants come from a much larger pool than some other schools might enjoy. As any educational consultant will tell you, the most competitive school may not be the right school for your child anyway. Start in the Decision Center and review the process of identifying the right school.

It is a question which is on the minds of many parents as they look at their options for paying for their child's private school education. Most private schools have generous financial aid programs. Be sure to ask about them. So, how do you apply? Find out here.

I have always felt that we needed to do more to encourage girls to be comfortable with technology. Role models help. But I now think that encouraging girls - and boys for that matter - to follow their passions and combine those passions with technology makes so much more sense. For example, if you are crazy about art, combine it with technology so that you can explore new worlds. Put another way, technology is a means to an end, not the end in itself. What do you think?

Can you imagine writing a book 140 characters at a time? It's been a craze in Japan for over a year. Now it's catching on here in the U.S. Check out quillpill - one of the sites which allows you to write and post your creations from your mobile. What would John E. Warriner think of this?

The most famous movies about private schools are the Harry Potter series. Dining in the great hall, masters wearing academic robes, old-fashioned classrooms - it's the stuff of great romance. J.K. Rowley tells a good story. Over here in America private schools enjoy a slightly different reputation. Watch some of these DVD's. Most are available through the usual sources. If you come across one I have missed, please let me know.

The school has done a good job. Your son will graduate in a few weeks with excellent grades. He also got into a fine college where, in fact, your cousin went. It has been a whirlwind of activity these past three years. He went to Henley with the rowing team, sang in the chapel choir and spent a summer in Italy studying romance languages. He also was treasurer of the investment club and did well with his money too. Not to mention that he seems to have a nice circle of friends, the kind you know he will keep in touch with for the rest of his life. So, why not mark the occasion with a special gift to the school? It has far more deserving students who need financial assistance than it can possibly help. Your gift will come in very handy.