The Value of an Independent School Education
Breck Is an Independent School. What, exactly, does that mean?
Independent schools are private schools that are independently governed by their own boards of trustees. They are mainly financed by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue and receive little, if any, government funding. Independent school accreditation standards are rigorous and are validated by a national commission.
Independent schools offer preschool through grade twelve education and include coeducational and single-sex, day and boarding schools. Each has a distinct educational mission. Yet, they all share a commitment to achieving excellence and inspiring innovation. This commitment attracts high-quality teachers and promotes a supportive learning environment.
Characteristics of Independent Schools
Independent schools focus on educating the whole child, offering learning experiences that reach beyond core academic areas such as math, science, history and English. They have the freedom to promote creative thinking in hands-on ways and o introduce students to exciting and challenging subjects including art, music, foreign languages, global and environmental education and technology.
Students come from diverse backgrounds to develop their interests--and a love of learning--at independent schools.
Independent schools maintain small class sizes, so that teachers can learn about every student and attend to each child's individual skills and needs. Teachers form close relationships with students and their parents, and go above and beyond to ensure each student's success.
Suggestions for Exploring an Independent School for Your Child
- Browse individual school websites.
- Read school literature.
- Attend a school open house and visit a class.
- Talk with admissions officers and faculty and ask questions about the school.
- Attend a school sporting event, school pllay or science fair to experience extracurricular options.
- Talk with the school's financial aid representative to learn about options for financing your child's education.
--material adapted from NAIS, the National Association of Independent Schools
