The Times of London has once again published its listing of Schools of the Year which is worth a look for two reasons. First of all, it is always interesting to see what's going on back where private schools got their start. (The land of Harry Potter and all that...) Secondly, it makes me very envious to see that British parents have such a terrific searchable database of their top 2,000 public and private schools. Why do they rank their schools and we can't seem to rank ours? The reason, as far as I can tell, is that British students all have to take the same standardized national examinations. The results of those examinations are available for all to, well, examine. Parent Power 2009 explains in detail how it arrived at its rankings.

What do you think? Should we have a similar system over here? Would it be useful to rank private schools? You can leave a comment here or Tweet one to me at PRIVATESCHL.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. She will be on the plane home next weekend! So exciting! Unfortunately, you and I both know how problematic air travel is these days. So read my Travel Tips for Students. Like you I have experienced just about every kind of travel glitch you can think of. I have always coped with them because I had a credit card, lots of patience and a good book to read.

But kids are different. A teen with ear buds firmly implanted listening to Cold Play can miss a gate change announcement. A teen immersed in a video game or texting on his phone can miss a boarding call. Next thing you know he's being told that the plane is leaving without him. It happens.

Remind your children firmly, using that authoritative tone of voice only we parents understand when and how to use, that she must keep her wits about her at the airport. Total focus on what's going on is what is needed. Don't worry about her getting to the airport on time. The school will see to her timely arrival. Tell her that no matter how exhausted she is, she must not sleep at the gate. Board first. Then sleep. Oh, and happy Thanksgiving in advance!

You can follow me on Twitter. PRIVATESCHL is my handle. (I know Twitter doesn't call them handles. But I am from the CB generation. Remember CBs?)

This week's spotlight takes us to Gould Academy in Maine. Gould is a small boarding school with about 250 students in 9th grade through PG year. Located a couple of hours north of Boston, the Academy offers some interesting programs which set it apart from other schools. The Point Programs, for example, offer experiential learning in each year a student is at Gould. Winter sports are another feature at which schools in the northern climes excel.

Read Gould Academy's profile. If you went to Gould, tell us about your experiences and what you thought of the school. Please post your response here.

You can follow me on Twitter at PRIVATESCHL.

Recently I asked Jeff Wolfsberg to answer a few questions about teen substance abuse. The result was a splendid interview which I am honored to publish. Parents and educators alike need to read what Jeff has to say. He speaks with authority and eloquence on an issue about which he cares very deeply.

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