Types of Private Schools

When your child has emotional or behavioral difficulties, and other educational methods or community-based counseling solutions have failed, you might want to consider an alternative school. Length of treatment varies according to your child's individual needs and requirements. As always, investigate schools thoroughly before signing anything.

Only a handful of private schools in the United States are devoted exclusively to the arts and the performing arts. They combine artistic training with serious academics. From Adda Clevenger in San Francisco to Interlochen in Michigan, these schools are just what your actor or violin virtuoso needs.

Back in the 1970s boys' schools fell out of favor. Coeducation seemed somehow to be more equitable for students. Now the pendulum is swinging the other way. Research has shown that single sex education might just be beneficial for many students. Boys, for example, learn in their own unique way. Placed in a nurturing, supportive, single sex environment, boys enjoy the arts and foreign languages without fear of criticism. They study drama and learn to play stringed instruments - pursuits which they might not normally pursue in a mixed setting. A boys' school is an option well worth exploring.

There is only one residential church-affiliated choir school in the United States. Indeed there are only four left in the rest of the world. Choir schools, both residential and day, have seen a steady decline in their numbers largely because of two devastating world wars in Britain and changing values in modern society both in America and abroad. On the other hand if you seek a truly special educational opportunity for your son, consider sending him to a choir school.

A couple of private schools have equestrian facilities which rival some of the best in the world. If your child rides, you will want to consider these schools. Most offer English style riding. A couple of schools feature western riding. A few combine both.

Education should know no economic or social restrictions. These private schools are a wonderful tribute to that sentiment. Philanthropists like Stephen Girard and Seymour Hershey have left lasting legacies in schools which bear their names.

Many girls cannot achieve their full potential in a coeducational school. Peer pressure, their perceived need to conform to popular opinion and thinking, their desire to be accepted - these are some of the reasons which make many girls suppress their own personality and individuality in a coed academic setting.

Only about 30 private schools offer the IB or International Baccalaureate program. Schools which do adhere to strict standards monitored and scrutinized by an international body. They are required to teach a specific curriculum laid out by the International Baccalaureate Organization. That alone should offer some reassurance to parents.

Many Jewish parents wish for their children to have a Jewish education in a Jewish school. Jewish schools run the gamut from reform to orthodox. The main thing to know is there will be a school out there to suit your needs. mazel tov!