Robert's Private Schools Blog

An unequivocal 'Yes!" is my answer to that question. AP And IB: An Overview explains the differences between these two approaches to college prep curricula. Either one shows a college that you are serious about your academic work.

Most substance abuse starts because the communication between parent and child is minimal or non-existent. You need to spend quality time with your children and discuss tough issues calmly and openly. If you are a school dorm director, keep your eyes and ears open. Always vary your routine. Get up after lights out and walk the halls at different times. Weather permitting, go outside and observe suspicious activity. Be unpredictable. Be vigilant. Read Teen Drinking.

Salvete! The study of Latin has enjoyed something of a renaissance in secondary schools over the last decade. This pleases me, of course, as I fancy myself something of a classicist. I read, in the English university sense of 'read', Latin and Greek at McGill University, and, while I was not the best student by a long shot, I loved and still love the classics. I have an inestimable high school Latin teacher to thank for igniting my classical passions. Jack Boyer taught me for five years beginning in seventh grade. Back then in Montreal you matriculated in Grade 11, unless you were a bit odd and did twelfth grade. Read more...

There's a great article in T.H.E. parents and teachers need to read. Fill 'Er Up discusses ways to use iPods, PDA's and cellphones in education. Now we are getting somewhere. I have watched technology excitedly for years and what has always fascinated me is the convergence aspect of it. A phone becomes a portable computer/media player. How cool is that! The kids got it immediately and have never looked back. Finally parents and educators are getting it. Yea! Read how Durham Academy in North Carolina is using iPods. Very cutting edge. Technology and education marry well. We just have to make the marriage work. Read more...

Conserving energy, reducing global warming and making wiser use of our finite resources are all things we have to do. Furthermore, we have to teach our students how to live in an environmentally sensitive manner. Here are four simple things any school can do to become greener:

Recycle glass, plastic and paper
Turn off lights
Turn off or adjust HVAC settings to use less energy
Encourage car pooling

My colleague Larry West, the Environment Guide, explains how effective these simple steps are in Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming. My own 10 Ways To Cut Energy Costs offers very specific cost saving and energy savings tips. Think green!

Reprieve for a Struggling Catholic School in Jersey City tells the story of Hudson Catholic High School's last minute reprieve from closing in June. It makes me wonder how many other 'unsustainable' schools are out there. Soaring energy costs, dwindling market share, small endowments and poor planning for the future are some of the factors which come into play. In Hudson's case the alumni came through magnificently and rescued the school from the brink. I hope it buys them time to regroup and plan for the future. It would be a shame to see such a fine old institution go under. Read more...

Toronto's Globe and Mail reports the sad story from Selwyn House, a private boys' school in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The building Selwyn House now occupies used to be Westmount Senior High. I attended Grade 10 in that venerable building as I grew up in Westmount back in the 1950's and 60's. Once again, how a school responds to a situation like this is important for all concerned: parents, students and staff. Read Preparing For The Worst for my thoughts on the subject

Two things caught my eye yesterday. Scholar Search Associates has some excellent articles on private schools and teaching. If you are new to private schools or just curious about them, poke around on Scholar Search. Much food for thought! The other interesting item I want to share with you is The Institute for Student Leaders which takes place in Costa Rica from June 20-27. Sponsored by NAIS this superb summer activity still has a few places open. Act quickly.

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.