Private Schools: Most Popular Articles

Single Sex Education
Single sex education fell out of fashion in the 1970's. It's enjoying a renewed popularity as people discover the advantages of single sex education. We look at the pros and cons of attending a single sex private school.

An Effective Cover Letter
An effective cover letter is a critical part of the job search process. Get it right and you stand a good chance at being interviewed. Get it wrong and your resume ends up in the circular file. Here are five tips to help you nail this process.

Start a Private School
Starting a private school is a process, a lengthy process. Fortunately for you there's absolutely no need to re-invent the wheel.

Teenage Drinking
Teenage drinking is illegal in most states. More than 22 states have social host laws which make you liable if you serve teenagers alcohol in your own home. What can we parents do to set a good example when it comes to drinking? We must teach our children about substance abuse and what it can do to wreck lives and careers.

Teacher Salaries
Compensation in private schools is just like compensation in any other sector. It's all over the ball park. Some private schools pay very well. Others pay poorly. We take a look at private school teacher salaries and offer some resources to assist your research.

Private Schools in a Minute
An overview of private schools in a minute. Quick Facts and Stats.

Outlawing Beating
There are still states which permit beating in their schools. Is it a question of 'spare the rod and spoil the child?' or 'spare the rod and break the cycle?' Why does a highly developed country like the United States still permit corporal punishment in its schools? Are racist attitudes the reason? Are Christian fundamentalists to blame? Examine the facts and decide for yourself.

Grading Policies
Which grade scale does your school use? Do schools to which your students apply know what an "A" means at your school?

Hazing
Hazing is demeaning and abusive. It's a practice which pervades our educational system from high school to college. It's a practice which should no longer be tolerated by any school.

Teaching In A Private School
What are the differences between teaching in a private and a public school? Are there more or less restrictions to what you can do? Which pays better? Is a union necessary?

FAQs: Montessori Schools
What's a Montessori school? By definition a Montessori school follows the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Bullying
Bullying is one of the underlying causes of violence in our schools. I recall my own personal experience with a childhood bully who went on to be a white collar criminal. I list several things we can do to control bullying.

Teacher's Guide
The Private School Teacher's Guide gathers all the information and facts you need about teaching in a private school into one easy reference guide. We cover everything from finding a job to the technology you will need to use.

Toronto Schools
The queen city of Canada, Toronto boasts a wide and complete range of education offerings. Some of the finest private high schools in the country can be found here.

Terrorism
Terrorism runs riot in places where there is no hope. Society has broken down to the point where ordinary citizens decide to take the law into their own hands. Our children need to understand the root causes of terrorism and what can be done about them. Sadly there are no easy solutions.

Uniforms and Dress Codes
Private schools have had uniforms and dress codes for generations. We explore the pros and cons of uniforms and dress codes as well as their history.

3 Reasons for Cheating
Cheating is rampant in our high schools and colleges. To understand the issue, the root causes and the solutions we explore cheating from top to bottom in this five part feature. Gary Niels, the author of a high acclaimed paper on cheating and Head of Winston Thurston School in Pittsburgh, weighs in with his views on the subject. Pay attention to this issue. It's not going away.

U.S. Private Schools
If it has its own Web site, you can find a school in the United States of America here. Visit these schools virtually to get an overview and sense of what they offer. Experience the wide array of choices and possibilities in private K-12 education.

Parents' Guide
The Parents' Guide To Private Schools offers advice and information to parents thinking about sending their children to private school.

Private Schools in MI
Contact information for private schools in Michigan.

Ranking Schools
Canadians now can review rankings of private schools in their country. So how come Canadians can have universal health care, legalized marijuana, gay marriages and private school rankings and we Americans can't?

Preventing Teen Suicide
One of the leading causes of teen suicide is depression. There are many causes of depression. More here.

Toronto French School
Toronto French School

Private School Teaching
Some people think that you have to wear an academic gown when you teach at a private school. At least that's the impression you get when you watch the Harry Potter movies. That's just one misconception people have about teaching in a private school. Myths abound concerning teacher salaries, teacher certification, faculty housing, same sex partners and the impression that private schools are elitist. Let's find out the facts.

Teaching in a Private School
Experts predict that the U.S. will need 2 million or more new teachers during the first decade of the 21st century. Not all areas of the country will face shortages. Not all teaching specialities are affected. More here.

Montessori Schools in NY
Find a Montessori school in New York.

A Jewish Education
Many Jewish parents have awakened to the intrinsic value a Jewish education can give their children. We explore some of the reasons for sending your child to a Jewish day school here.

Boston Area Schools
Independent prep pchools in the Boston Area

Starting a School
In 2000 I asked Dr. John Friedrick to write a short piece on the founding of a brand new school in Wisconsin: The Conserve School. This article was his response. Informative and brimming with enthusiasm, Dr. Friedrick offers much advice and food for thought to those thinking about starting a private school.

SSAT/ISEE Test Prep Books
Here are some great books to help you prepare specifically for the two most commonly used private school admissions tests, the SSAT and the ISEE.

AP & IB
Advanced Placement courses offer students the opportunity to explore subjects in greater depth than normal course offerings. Most universities recognize a high score in AP exams as the equivalent of first year college course work. Schools which offer the International Baccalaureate follow a rigorous program of studies which leads to a diploma internationally recognized. Both programs are the creme de la creme of secondary education.

Brooklyn
A list of Jewish Schools in New York State and Brooklyn.

Top LD Schools
Children diagnosed with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities thrive in schools with teachers trained in remediating those learning disabilities. These are your guide's picks of the hundreds of schools which offer programs for learning differences.

Music Education Facts
Classically trained musicians forget that they live in a 'different' world from the rest of us! It's not easy for students to understand that world as you will see here.

Choosing A School 101
Choosing a School 101 is your road map for choosing a private secondary school for your child. Explore the various parts of the journey in sequence or jump to something that interests you. It's up to you. Everything you need is here.

The Darndest Things!
Kids say the darndest things and nowhere more so than on tests or quizzes.

Financing Tips
Three ways to finance a private school education are to pay cash, take out a loan or win a scholarship. But there are two more ways to finance it. More here.

Decision Center
Choosing the right school for your child is a daunting task. You can choose from day and boarding schools, K-12 schools, single sex schools serving boys or girls, elementary schools, preparatory schools and high schools. There are military schools, schools for the arts, sports schools and special needs schools as well as schools which follow Montessori and Waldorf methods. Denominational schools include Roman Catholic, Christian, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist and Jewish.

Montessori Schools in AZ
Contact information for Montessori schools in Arizona.

Employment Center
Looking for a job in a private school? Curious about salaries? Want to sign with an agency? Dusting off your resume? Use this as your starting point. All the essentials are here.

Teaching in Private School
want to be a private school teacher? Follow these steps and you will be well on your way.

San Francisco Schools
San Francisco has many fine independent schools to choose from.

Study For the SSAT
Studying for the SSAT will help you do better on this commonly used private schools admissions test.

Florida Schools
Florida is home to over 1,700 private schools. They satisfy a wide variety of needs and requirements. No matter what kind of school you are looking for, you are virtually guaranteed to find one to suit.

Schools for Every Need
Choosing the right private school for your child requires planning and organization. It's a process. Once you accept that and get on with it, it's actually quite enjoyable. I've broken it down into five steps for you. Let's get started.

Hiring Teachers
Hiring teachers is a process which your school must develop carefully and adhere to literally. Your school's future depends on it. We examine the hiring process and also take a look at hiring foreign and non-certificated teachers.

Do You Have To Be Certified?
Many private schools will waive teacher certification in order to attract gifted or experienced individuals who are not trained teachers. The schools reason that they would rather have a person teach a subject about which he is passionate and highly knowledgeable than have a 'trained' teacher just going through the motions.

Technology The Answer?
Computers were supposed to revolutionize teaching. They were supposed to improve results and stimulate learning. Have they done that? If not, why not?

California Montessoris
Find a Montessori school in California.

Graduation Gifts
Graduation from high school is a happy occasion for parents and children. It's a right of passage which deserves to be marked with gifts of dignity and lasting sentiment. Here are my suggestions.

2 Common Admissions Tests
Most private schools assess a candidate's academic skills with the SSAT or ISEE. Here's what to expect and how to prepare for these widely used tests.

Jewish Schools in CA
Jewish Schools in California

Getting Your School Noticed
Your school has a Web site which has been professionally designed. It's a wonderful complement to your catalog and video. They are public relations masterpieces. Now all you have to do is just wait for the admissions inquiries and referrals from consultants to roll in, right? Not exactly. There are several things you can do to optimize your marketing efforts and your Web site.

Finding A Job: 10 Tips
While it's true there is a shortage of teachers, finding THE PERFECT JOB is a daunting task. Here are ten tips to make the process a bit easier. Good luck!

Free Schools
Education should know no economic or social restrictions. These private schools are a wonderful tribute to that sentiment.

Ban Beating?
There are still twenty-two states which permit beating in their schools. Let's take a look at this issue which has far reaching effects. Corporal punishment is not just a school issue involving students, but is a societal issue involving families and cultures.

Jewish Schools
Many Jewish parents wish for their children to have a Jewish education in a Jewish school. Find a school near you easily. These listings are grouped by state except for Brooklyn which has its own page. mazel tov!

New Jersey
A list of Jewish Schools in New Jersey.

Military Schools
There are over 40 private military schools in the United States. If your son or daughter dreams of a military career, then you ought to consider these fine schools seriously.

What Students' Rights?
Don't assume that you have any rights when you attend a private school. Why? Because you are covered by contract law, not the constitution.

Paying For An Education
When it comes to paying for a private school education, you have several options open to you. The most important advice is simple: always ask. If you need financial aid, ask. If you feel you deserve a discount because you have several children at the school, ask.

Web Photos & Safety
Don't expose your students to pedophiles by posting children's photos on your Web site.

British Columbia
British Columbia Schools Online contains links to private schools which have their own Web site. Choose from day and boarding schools, K-12 schools, single sex schools serving boys or girls, elementary schools, preparatory schools and high schools.

Highest Tuition?
Which private school has the highest tuition? Find out the answer here.

Schools in U.S. Cities
Private schools in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Washington-DC.

Teaching Overseas
My 8th grade geography teacher was an Australian. My French teacher was a Moroccan. My orchestra teacher was a Scot. All three taught me about their cultures just by being themselves. How about you? You can be an ambassador for your country too. Here are three reasons to teach overseas.

Pennsylvania Jewish Schools
A list of Jewish Schools in Pennsylvania.

FAQs: Montessori/Waldorf
What is the difference between a Montessori school and a Waldorf school?

Greenwood College School
Greenwood College School, Toronto

What is a Boarding School?
Private schools fall in two basic categories: boarding and day schools. A boarding school is a residential school where students actually live on campus.

Montessori Schools in CA
Find a Montessori school in California.

Integrating Technology
Computer literate students being taught by computer illiterate teachers? It's much more common than you realize. Why? Because some adults refuse to move with the times. Technology shouldn't frighten you. It should open up new worlds to you. Let's embrace new technologies together. We can do this!

Criteria For Choosing A School
Choosing the right secondary school for your child basically boils down to answering four questions. How large a school do you want? Single sex or a coed school? Day or boarding? Denominational or non-denominational? Once you have answered these questions, you can begin to narrow the field of possible schools considerably.

FAQs: What are vouchers?
The school choice debate revolves around the issuance of vouchers or scholarships for students to attend non-public schools.

Famous Private School Alums
If you ever wondered which private school Eliot Spitzer attended or where Bill Gates went, here are the answers.

Private Schools - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Private Schools guide site.

PG Year
Many students and parents like the idea of an extra school year before heading off to college. Known as the PG or Post Graduate Year, it offers students a little extra time to develop academic and athletic skills as well as to grow up a bit.

Cardinal Gibbons High School
Cardinal Gibbons High School, Raleigh, North Carolina

Choosing the Right School
If your child needs specialized instruction in order to learn, you need to consider a special needs school. These schools have highly skilled and credentialled teachers who can hone in on your child's specific learning needs. One on one teaching is often the norm in this academic setting.

Alabama Schools
Private schools in Alabama with Web sites.

Thin Clients
Thin client technology is a clever way to use older computers in your school. It also solves the embarrassment of refusing donations of legacy technology. Thin clients can make them fit in to your technology design efficiently and cost effectively.

2 Common Admissions Tests
The SSAT and the ISEE measure a child's retention of language arts and math knowledge. Hence, you cannot 'cram' for these exams.

Seattle-Tacoma Schools
Private elementary and middle schools lay the foundations for solid academic achievement in later life.

Storing Copyrighted Music
Using illegal software often starts innocently enough. No matter, schools should be aware that using pirated software is immoral and illegal. The BSA can exact heavy fines from organizations which fail to pay for the software they use. Here are four steps you can take to keep your school's software legal.

Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College, Toronto

Canadian Schools in a Minute
An overview of Canadian private schools in brief.

Paying For Private School
Here's how to pay for your child's education. A variety of possibilities including scholarships, loans and payment plans.

Cutting Energy Costs
Soaring energy costs can devastate your school's operating budget. Here are ten ways to reduce your energy costs. Written with small schools in mind.

Survive Your Admissions Int...
how to survive your admissions interview

Protecting Your Network
Your school's network is vulnerable to attack from outside and from within. There' no question about 'if' your network will be hacked, it's simply a question of 'when'. So you need to be prepared. Fortunately there are some relatively simple and inexpensive steps which you can take to lock down your systems and prevent unwanted intrusions.

Private Schools - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Private Schools guide site.

Most Common Questions
10 questions which are most commonly asked by parents about private schools.

Headmasters' Pay
Which headmaster is paid the most? Like most things, it depends. Cash salary is just one component in a headmaster's compensation package.

First Impressions
First impressions of your school are lasting ones. How does your school present to visitors? How about your Web site? Here are some tips on how to make a great first impression.

Positions Wanted
Listings by teachers and administrators seeking employment in private schools.

Assessment
Experienced private school educators don't rely exclusively on standardized test results. There is so much more to assessment of a student's progress than a standardized test. We take a look at the McGraw-Hill debacle as one example of reasons why you cannot rely on such testing to give the whole picture. Teaching to the test is not a good thing.

Two Early Education Options
Getting your child into a 'good' pre-school is very difficult in most parts of the country. We examine your options and choices.

Special Needs - Private Schools
choosing a special needs school for your child, from your About.com Guide

Faculty Reading
These books were recommended on ISED-L and elsewhere by your colleagues who teach and run schools. Links take you to PriceGrabber.com so you can find the best prices. Enjoy!

Saint Vincent's Academy
Saint Vincent's Academy, Savannah,Georgia

Using The Internet & TV
Studying French, Spanish, Italian and other languages liberates students. It encourages them to understand American culture and where we fit in to a global society. It teaches understanding and tolerance. The Internet and television are super tools to help you accomplish this important work.

Riding Schools
A couple of private schools have equestrian facilities which rival some of the best in the world. If your child is an equestrian, you will want to consider these schools.

Getting into a Private School
There are several ways you can get into private school. Most people get in by getting good scores on the SSAT/ISEE tests, interviewing well and submitting good recommendations from their former school. Some have relatives who attend the school. A few buy their way in.

IB Schools
Schools which offer the IB or International Baccalaureate program.

Dealing With Disaster
No headmaster can be too prepared for the worst. And when the worst happens, you cannot delay. The authorities and the media, parents, students, staff and faculty - all will be hanging on your every word and move. Best to have a contingency plan ready to roll out. More here.

Canadian Hockey Schools
Hockey and prep schools go together like ice and a puck. A terrific combination! If your child is serious about playing professional hockey some day, then you need to consider a prep school. This list of Canadian schools is by no means exclusive. Consider it a starting point in your search for the right school north of the border.

School Choice: For Some Or For
It's well known that politicians advocate one thing for you and me and something quite different - and usually better - for themselves. Their retirement benefits and health insurance are the most glaring examples of the way they take very good care of themselves. The same thing is true with schooling. Congressional children attend the toniest private schools Washington affords. Those who cannot afford send their kids to DC's deteriorating schools.

Do You Have Enough Coverage?
Do you teach in a private school? Suppose the unthinkable happens and you are sued? Do you have enough liability insurance? Don't assume anything. Make certain you do have adequate coverage. Get answers to these 5 questions private school teachers need to ask about their insurance and then act accordingly.

COOP/HSPT/TACHS Prep Books
These books will help you prepare specifically for the Catholic high school admissions tests: COOP, HSPT and TACHS.

The Gender Gap in Computing
Why are only 20% of technology positions held by women? Why does a gender gap in computing exist? How do we encourage girls to become interested in technology? What are we doing to inspire girls to choose careers in the technology fields? Some answers and suggestions here.

Evaluate a Private School
There is no substitute for your own personal evaluation of a private school. While the opinions of consultants, friends and associates are invaluable, in the final analysis it is your assessment of the school which really counts. Here's how to do it.

DFW Schools
Cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Toronto offer some of the best private schools in the country. Explore them with us.

Crescent School
Crescent School, Toronto

Finance a Private School Ed...
How to finance a private school education

FAQs: Largest Endowment?
Which school has the largest endowment? Find out here.

Should Latin be taught?
Does Latin deserve a place in today's school curriculum? I think it does and offer a rationale for teaching Latin at the middle and secondary school level. Latin stimulates young minds and allows them to experience the wonder of history and great civilizations through ancient eyes. It should be taught for no other reason than it is there.

Jewish Schools CT
A list of Jewish Schools in Illinois

Cream Cheese & Chutney
A simple appetizer requiring no cooking. Perfect for impromptu guests or as part of a more elaborate group of appetizers at a cocktail party.

School Violence: A Problem or Not? - Private Schools
Welcome back from vacation, from your About.com Guide

Havergal College
Havergal College, Toronto, Ontario

Find a Private School Job
Finding a private school job requires persistence. Here are some steps to follow.

Religious Schools
Many parents want their children to be educated in a school where their religious beliefs are a focal point rather than just an add-on. There are plenty of schools to accommodate every religious requirement.

Private Schools - TopPicks
An index of TopPicks for the Private Schools guide site.

Jewish Schools in Florida
A list of Jewish Schools in Florida

FAQs: Differences
What's the difference between a 'private' school and an 'independent' school?

Violence in Our Schools
Violence in our schools reflects the violence found throughout our society. If you are looking for answers to horrific events such as the shootings at Columbine or Virginia Tech, you don't have to look very deep into our core values and history to understand how and why this happened.

Arts Schools
There are just a handful of private schools in the United States which are devoted exclusively to the arts and the performing arts. They combine artistic training with serious academics. One of them might be an option for your child.

Diversity starts at the top!
A diverse school community doesn't just happen. A proactive school leadership sets the tone. Leading by example allows diversity to trickle down through faculty, staff and students. Ignore diversity at your peril in our multi-cultural, pluralistic global society.

10 Ways To Avoid Fraud
Small to medium sized schools can find it difficult adhering to standard business procedures. If they don't, they leave themselves open to fraud. Here are ten ways to minimize the chances for fraud.

Bishop Strachan School
Bishop Strachan School, Toronto, Ontario

Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is an exercise like accreditation in which every school worth its salt must engage. The future viability of your school is at stake. Alan Kennedy lays out a roadmap for the process.

Completing the PFS
The Parents' Financial Statement must be completed in order to be considered for financial aid at all NAIS member schools. A similar document must be submitted at most other private and independent schools which are not NAIS members. Here's what to expect and how to do it.

Books About Private Schools
Books about or set in private schools. Selected with educators, parents and students in mind.

Trends in Private Education
An Interview with the President-Elect of NAIS, Patrick Bassett

FAQs: Oldest School?
Which is the oldest private school in the United States?

Denver
Private schools in the Denver, Colorado area.

Teaching Skills for the New Millennium
What skills will teachers need in the new millenium

Are Private Schools Elitist?
So you think that all private school parents drive Range Rovers and vacation in Mustique. Well, some do. But most don't. Private schools offer scholarships in order to attract students whose parents don't run a Fortune 100 company. Why? Because they have long recognized the need to diversify their student body. More here.

Branksome Hall
Private schools in Toronto,Ontario

Savannah Country Day School
Savannah Country Day School, Savannah, Georgia

Arizona Schools
Private schools in Arizona with Web sites.

It's All About Standards
A rigorous accreditation process makes your school measure up to standards which are generally recognized nationally. Your schools will benefit from the process as it gives everybody a chance to examine the entire operation from many different points of view: academic, physical plant, and much more.

Design Matters
School Web sites convey an impression of your school to visitors worldwide. Are you portraying your school in its most flattering light? Is the design clean and easy to navigate? Does it offer the information parents and students need and will look for? It it safe?

DVD's About Private Schools
I always choke up when I see Dead Poets' Society. I fill with rage at the anti-semetic prejudice in School Ties. This selection of films set in or about private schools spans several decades. Be sure to send me your favorite so I can add it to the list.

ESEA Updated
What is the No Child Left Behind Act? Good question. Intrinsically it is worthwhile in its purpose and goals. Whether it will ultimately benefit students remains to be seen.

100 Years of Excellence
Kent School celebrated its centenary in 2006. Located on the banks of the Housatonic River in picturesque Kent, Connecticut, the school enjoys a fine reputation as one of America's top private schools.

Nebraska Jewish Schools
A list of Jewish schools in Ohio.

FAQs: Country Day Schools?
What is a 'country day' school? Nothing more than a nice name for a private school set in the suburbs or 'countryside'.

Private School Basics (101)
Private School Basics (101) covers the basic steps for finding a school, selecting the right one, getting into a school and paying for it. Find information on private school curricula, speciality schools, vouchers and other beginning resources.