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.

Sometimes starting a school just makes sense. The local market has a need which isn't being served. It's an idea worth exploring.

It's a question parents ask all the time. Is private school better than public school? The answer? It depends. You have to look at what you are comparing. Things like class size, curriculum offerings and teachers are just the beginning.
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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