Uniforms, once on their way out, are now popular at private and public schools. Credited with causing a reduction in school violence and fostering a sense of belonging, uniforms are now required in some schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Private schools have long required uniforms or dress codes that mandate certain laws about students' dress, but critics claim uniforms restrict free speech. Read about the pros and cons of uniforms and the surprising consequences of implementing uniform policies in schools nationwide.

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The Winsor School in the Longwood neighborhood of Boston is one of the country's most selective girls' schools. A school for academically motivated girls, Winsor has been educating girls since its founding in 1886 on Beacon Hill. Now educating 430 girls in grades 5-12, Winsor sends students to some of the best colleges in the country. In addition to its rigorous academic program, commitment to diversity, and fine extracurricular activities, Winsor offers the advantages of a single-sex school.

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While some experts still think the jury is out on the advantages of single-sex schools, many studies have shown that students in all-boys' or all-girls' schools benefit from their environment. They tend to have more confidence and behave better than similar peers in co-ed environments. In addition, there are other advantages of private single-sex schools you may not have considered. For example, the conversation about Shakespeare's Hamlet in a boys' school can concentrate on what it means to resolve one's relationship with one's father, while a female mathematician's visit to a girls' school has special resonance. Single-sex schools often have dynamic classrooms in which students aren't afraid to voice their ideas.

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Looking to teach in an independent school? Cornelia Iredell, who runs Independent School Placement with her husband Jim, offers advice about how new teachers can get their foot in the door and explains what independent schools are looking for in their new hires. Even in this difficult economy, it's possible for recent graduates to get teaching experience and for mid-career professionals to transition into working in independent schools.

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